...‘Germany experienced a period of political calm, economic development and social progress in the mid-1920s? How far do you agree with this judgement? (30 marks) It is argued by many historians that Germany experience a period of political calm, economic development and social progress in the mid 1920s for a variety of reasons. There is evidence to support the claim that the economy developed in the mid 1920s, due to the fact that there was significant monetary stability and a growth in available capital. Furthermore, one can argue that social progression was achieved, as a result of the improvement in housing and public health and the development of a Weimar culture. Moreover, it can be argued that political stability was maintained in this period due to the outcome of the 1924 May elections, the Dawes plan and the election of Hindenburg as President. However, while this is true, it is important to remember that there is also sufficient evidence to support the view that Germany did not experience a period of political calm, economic development and social progress as economic instability contributed to the deterioration in social development, as the economic discord between employers and labourers resulted in polarisation. Moreover, the extent of social development in terms of the role of women, youths and the development of the constitution is highly debatable. Additionally, it can be argued that political stability was weakened due to the Young Plan, the 1928 May election...
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...interest in terms of democracy to adhere to gradual democratic change, in contrast to a political overhaul such as we see in Germany, France, and Italy. In these cases, democracy simply cannot thrive as democracy, by nature, requires gradual social change and must overcome bargaining costs and stabilizing change. The evidence that stands today, tested by the outcomes of history, maintains exactly this: democratic transition must be slow and concessional, thus mitigating the exit costs and cost of unilateral decisions or actions in terms of bargaining. Moreover, the difference between a stable and unstable democracy does not depend on education, economics, nor the middle class; rather, the success and stability of a democracy is formulated vis-à-vis it’s institutional factors. (Magagna 2/18). As actors, states are indeed rational and thus adhere to cost-benefit analyses in terms of bargaining power. In this analysis of political instability, it is evident that the sources are as follows: the potential benefits of transition exceed the costs of bargaining, fragmented party support creates a democratic deficit, linkage between democracy and redistribution, and the integration of violence unravels the social peace democracy needs to survive. These aspects of the degradation of democracy and consequential transition are most observable in post-war Germany and the modern world. In 1918, Germany was a strong world power in the midst of a war-torn Europe, ravaged by a period of great...
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...discuss the environmental scanning of current conditions in the economy, competition, and political stability, as well as address internal resource analysis. It will discuss the long- and short-term strategic goals, and the location considerations. Environmental Scanning Introduction “The careful monitoring of an organization’s internal and external environments for detecting early signs of opportunities and threats that may influence its current and future plans” is called environmental scanning (Environmental Scanning, 2012). PPQ Parts plans to expand their company globally to Germany and Japan. The environmental scan of these two countries will include the economy, competition, and political stability of those two countries. The company has to consider factors such as managerial and financial strengths and weaknesses as well as long term and short term goals for the company. The location for the global implementation is vital and should include benefits and limitations for the expansion. The Economy Germany’s economy was beating the recession that began across the world in 2009, its unemployment rates were down and GDP was up, that was until recent trends that have predicted that the recession will catch up to them. Germany is still in better shape than its peers but has to make changes to the way they are running things or they will see the recession in their country rather than just around them. Germany had its labor market growing but its growth has started to slow...
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...Word count= 2000 Word count= 2000 World War Two (WW2) and the situation it created within Germany saw the creation of two rival political systems which were influenced by rival foreign powers. In this aspect, it can be seen as the key turning point in German political systems. When Germany at the end of WW2 was conquered and occupied by the allies between the years 1945-1949 (point zero), the subsequent rift between the capitalist allies (Britain, France and America) and the communist allies (Russia) formed two opposing democratic Germany’s; The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This is significant, due to foreign powers controlling Germany’s political system, as well as the departure from Sonderweg, meaning Germany no longer followed a unique path of development and that nationalism and militarism were on the decline. The significance of the previous German eras, Kaiser Reich (Semi-Autocratic Empire), Weimar Republic (Federal Democracy) and the Third Reich (Dictatorship) are also significant, however in political terms they are not as significant as post 45. The significances of post 1945 can be seen by its success of creating a working democracy in Germany after 1945, the FRG. One reason why the FRG was successful revolves around the sudden decline in German militarism and nationalism. This is evident in the fact that the FRG’s constitution was based on the Weimar Republics concept of ‘Grundgesetz’, which means basic law. The implications...
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...I have chosen to discuss for the purpose of this assignment is Germany. I have been to Germany before, their lifestyle and the way in which they operate their businesses on a day to day basis is highly intriguing to me. By choosing this country to research for this essay I will hopefully gain a deeper knowledge and insight into the differences between Germany and Ireland and the factors which make Germany so unique. In this essay I will look at and explain in detail the Macro Environmental factors and by using the P.E.S.T Analysis I will look at the Political, Economic, Socio Cultural and Technological factors of Germany. I will discuss what the change drivers are within the environment and what implications they have had on the country in terms of opportunities and threats that they may present to Businesses. Background: Germany is located in central Europe. Its’ largest city which also is the capital is named Berlin. It is home to over 80 million people, which makes it the most inhabited country in the European Union today. Germany is a major leader and extremely influential in terms of economics and politics within Europe. It is one of the most powerful leaders in many different ways and has lots to offer. Germany has a powerful history which of course has had a huge effect on how things are operated there today and the way in which they work. Germany currently holds its place as the fourth largest economy by GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the world and also for the fifth...
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...The Treaty of Versailles does not follow the criteria of an effective treaty and is therefore unsuccessful. Germany’s economy fell in to terrible shape as a result of the unfair Article 45 which stated, “To pay for the destruction of the coalmines in the North of France, Germany turns over to France its coal mines in the Saar Basin for fifteen year” (Cruxton et al. 160). This article was unsuccessful in ensuring justice for all and maintain economic stability. It was unfair that Germany was required to give up part of one of their main industries, coal mining. As a result of Germany having to give up its coal mines in the Saar Basin, these resources that the Germans traded and exported for money no longer existed, casing their economy to become...
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...Tanja Jahn Professor McBride ENG 090 05 April 2011 Democratization Processes in Post-War Germany Germany’s first attempt at democracy occurred under the government of the Weimar Republic. It was unsuccessful for several reasons; it was forced under uncertain defeat, and the population had little faith in democracy. Democratization after World War II was a completely different scenario, and it flourished due to international support and the willingness of the German people to assimilate to a democratic government. The Treaty of Versailles negotiated the terms of defeat for Germany after the First World War. The Weimar Republic, established in 1919, was a democratic government with parliamentary and federal systems. Frank Wilson indicates that the Weimar Republic looked great on paper and appeared to contain important features for democracy to succeed. For example, the constitution offered extensive rights and universal suffrage (128). “However, in practice the Weimar Republic was a failure. Reparation costs placed on Germany by the Versailles Treaty were astronomical” (Goldman 1). These demands were designed to punish them, and blame was placed entirely on Germany for causing the war. In additions to reparations, Germany had to concede much of its territory. Inflation further disabled the economy. Democracy was thus viewed as being detrimental to economic growth. The constitution also had its weaknesses. “First...
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...Germany’s economy has always played a prominent role in its rich history. It has come along way to rebuild its shattered economy, losing two world wars and the carrying out of a horrific genocide. Today, Germany dominates Europe on many levels. Participating in two world wars caused havoc on Germany’s economy and for many years, their future seemed bleak. They rebuilt their economy with great success. While most of Europe entered recession in late 2008, Germany was going from strength to strength economically. These topics are very relevant to our personal lives, not a day goes by without the economic state or fiscal crises being mentioned in the various forms of media. These issues affect us directly. Germany as a whole has developed greatly in recent years, in it’s society, it’s economy and other important areas. In my speech I will address many points that discuss Germany’s evolvement into a European economic superpower. I will discuss most importantly the history of Germany in the European Union and how it’s connected to the role of the economy in German history, exploring how Germany has developed in areas such as foreign policy, Gross Domestic Product and Inflation figures, the great divide between East Germany and West Germany after World War II and then Reunification. I will explore and refer to journals, books and popular press sources in Germany throughout my speech. After the First World War, Germany was left in a vulnerable state. Germany was economically devastated...
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...International business thrives in the country of Germany. They have a variety of characteristics and features of tradition within the country. Taking an overview of areas such as culture, legal system, geography, political system, and history is just the beginning to this unique country. Through the research provided, it should be a useful indicator of whether or not Germany is a desirable place to pursue international business in. The national flag of Germany consists of three equal horizontal bands of black (top), red (middle), and gold (bottom). The colors of black, red, and gold have played an important role in German history and can be traced all the way back to medieval times where there was a banner of the Holy Roman Emperor. This original banner had a black eagle with red claws and beak on a gold field. The Holy Roman Empire was a German-majority, multi-ethnic empire in central Europe until 1806, when it was defeated at the Battle of Austerlitz. After this battle, German-states that were part of the Holy Roman Empire came under French rule and several German organizations began agitations to free Germany from foreign rule and create a unified country. Among these organizations were two prominent ones by the names of Lutzow Free Corps and Jena Student’s League. The members of these two organizations wore uniforms of black with gold and red accessories and used flags of those colors as well. When Germany was unified in 1871 under Otto Von Bismarck, it chose a national...
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...treaty ceded lands of Germany to multiple countries, including France, Belgium, Denmark, Lithuania, and Poland. With these lands in control of other countries, Germany lost a good amount of their land, population, and economic force. The treaty also demilitarized former parts of Germany. For example, German forces in the Rhineland (today’s western part of Germany) had to return to Germany to protect France from possible invasion. The loss of land, including Saar and West Prussia, took away rich farmland and industrial strength away from Germany, which was needed during a critical time. A Stock Market crash in...
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...Name Professor Institution Course Date Germany and Canada; Why they are different? Introduction The economic status of a country is determined by various factors and various measures that are compared to other countries. The economic stability of countries is measured with consideration of various elements such as the general income of the citizens, and also the productivity of various groups and organizations in the nations. The economic contributions of economic institutions such as banks, private and public financial institutions are also used to determine the position of nations’ economic status. The index heritage scale is an essential parameter in determination of a country’s economic position in comparison with other nations across the world. The global economy ranking is therefore achieved after a comprehensive analysis of the economic positions of various countries, and this is with comparison of the pillars of the economy of the respective nations. Poverty, poor health and ignorance are considered to be the fundamental contributors of low index heritage scale due to their negative contributions towards the economy of a country. It is the responsibility of the government and key players in the economy of a country to ensure that the economic strategies and activities that they engage in positively help in eradication of poverty, reduction of ill health and control of unawareness among people and organizations. This paper aims at drawing a comprehensive and evidence-based...
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...state in Germany between 1933 and 1939? How would you define a totalitarian state? Well many would argue that it was a political system where the state, usually under one organisation, recognises no limits to its authority and strives to control every aspect of public and private life. This was what Hitler wanted for Germany under the control of the Nazi party. From 1933 to 1939 Hitler tried to control every aspect of Germany and its people. To create a totalitarian state Hitler would have to insure that one party and one party only controlled Germany. He would also have to ensure that he could keep the economy, the opposition, the media, the army and the police fully under his control. This essay will closely examine if he achieved this or not. Carl Freidrichs, a German historian believes that to have a totalitarian state all of these features are needed. In other words for a country to be a totalitarian state then the following features were essential. These included: suppression of all sources of opposition, total control of the media, total control of all groups in society, the total control of education, total control of the economy and finally total control of all civil life. If these things could be controlled then Hitler would have indeed created a totalitarian state. Firstly Hitler would have to crush all opposition to ensure that he could create his totalitarian state. Although Hitler had quickly established a one party state and silenced his political opponents...
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...have often been portrayed as the “golden years” of Weimar Germany; however this idea has been challenged my many historians. During this period there was an element of political calm but it was mainly typified by political inaction and a failure of coalition governments to agree on any important issues. Economic development did occur but was minimal, and the period was one of slow economic growth and “relative stagnation”. Similarly, there were several signs of social progress and cultural development, but the years were significantly characterised by cultural polarisation. Therefore the blanket statement: “Germany experienced a period of political calm, economic development and social progress in the mid 1920s” ignores the problems in Weimar Germany at this time and is therefore not entirely correct, each clause contains some validity. In politics, there was a clear reduction in extra-parliamentary attempts opposing the government and political system. This was particularly significant as the preceding 1919-23 period was characterised by such threats from the Left and Right of the political spectrum, for example the Spartacist uprising, the Kapp Putsch and the Beer Hall Putsch. However, the mid 1920s cannot be said to have been years of political stability. Despite the reduction in threats to the Weimar state, the parliamentary system failed to mature and develop - a political stagnation developed, not a political calm. Seven governments were formed and dissolved during...
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...Name Professor Institution Course Date Germany and Canada; Why they are different? Introduction The economic status of a country is determined by various factors and various measures that are compared to other countries. The economic stability of countries is measured with consideration of various elements such as the general income of the citizens, and also the productivity of various groups and organizations in the nations. The economic contributions of economic institutions such as banks, private and public financial institutions are also used to determine the position of nations’ economic status. The index heritage scale is an essential parameter in determination of a country’s economic position in comparison with other nations across the world. The global economy ranking is therefore achieved after a comprehensive analysis of the economic positions of various countries, and this is with comparison of the pillars of the economy of the respective nations. Poverty, poor health and ignorance are considered to be the fundamental contributors of low index heritage scale due to their negative contributions towards the economy of a country. It is the responsibility of the government and key players in the economy of a country to ensure that the economic strategies and activities that they engage in positively help in eradication of poverty, reduction of ill health and control of unawareness among people and organizations. This paper aims at drawing a comprehensive and evidence-based...
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...inability of Southern European states to manage deficit spending, the Eurozone crisis is firstly determined by imbalances in the European Monetary Union, and secondly by imbalances in the global political economy. This paper argues that the vast amount of sovereign debt is therefore not the result of weak Southern European nations, but of inherent structural illnesses that ultimately led to the current crisis. This essay is divided into two sections. The first section examines the problems of the design of the European Monetary Union. In regard to the theory of an ‘Optimum Currency Area’ by Robert Mundell, it analyses the extent to which the EMU has failed to meet the criteria of optimised efficiency. In the absence of an adjustment mechanism for unequal development in Euro member states, the dominance of Germany as leading export nation created severe inequalities. The second section then focuses on the role of the global political economy and imbalances that were created in the ‘era of financialisation’ following the demise of Bretton Woods. The shift to neoliberalism and consequently the liberalisation of finance have led to an increase in speculation with financial assets. The ‘Global Surplus Recycling Mechanism’ – the recycling of surpluses from successful export countries such as Germany and Japan in Wall Street – has massively increased the amount of money available to households in form of...
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