Berlin

    A Militaristic Germany

The city of Berlin holds more history than I ever learned about America. The intertwining of events and their relation to one another is appropriately explained in the documentary.

Frederick the Great

Reaching back to 1700's, the militaristic mindset of Germany is exposed. Not even being a nation yet, the Prussian kingdom was reigned over by Frederick's father, who instilled in is son the military way of life. Much to his rebelliousness, Frederick embodied his father's beliefs.  He conquered lands through wars with neighboring lands to extend the limits of his empire. This conquerous mindset can be seen for centuries to come.

Moving forward to the 1900's, Germany fought for a unified nation. But Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht had other ideas for the newly formed nation state.

Rosa Luxemburg

Opposed to the communist ways, a volunteer military unit was sent into Berlin to rid the city of these communist. After removing them, Rosa and Karl faced a grim end in a notorious river. This would not be the last of the fight over communism. 

Organized and brought by Joseph Goebbels to Berlin, the nation party expressed promises of a "strong, racially pure Germany". Strong military involvement can be seen here as it was when Frederick the Great lead the Kingdom, highlighting again the militaristic nature of this country. Knowledge of the following events is all but taught to us since grade school. The real lesson here is the tension between the right and left wing parties that make up these lands. 

Nazi Germany

Even today, these political sides are expressed not only among the politicians, but in the streets among the people. Expressing ideals and beliefs in not a quiet act in Berlin. 

Division of Germany after WWII

After WWII, the nation of Germany was divided into two. East and West Berlin, communist ruled east lead to great oppression for more than 45 years. Oppressing more than just living conditions, a former resident of East Berlin explains how the story of Frederick the Great differed. After the cold war, the wall established to keep East Berlin citizens in, was taken down. 

Throughout history the military influence in Germany is very prevalent. Instilled at a young age Frederick the Great used this to expand his empire. Later the Weimar Republic, led by several different leaders, used military influence to establish and control the nation.