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Creation of the German Empire
In 1871, Prussia combines with several German states to create the German Empire, headed originally by Wilhelm I. This is the beginning of modern Germany. Near the end of the German Empire, people become unhappy with the Monarchy and desire a democracy. -
End of World War I
Wolrd War I marks the end of the German Empire. The poor conditions in Germany lead to anger toward the monarch, Wilhelm II. The government disolves and the Weimar Republic, a democracy, is born. -
Hitler Elected
In 1933, Hitler is elected with more than forty-three percent of the vote. Hitler takes advantage of the residual anger of the Germans from the sanctions of the Treaty of Versailles. He also promises that Germany will return to its former glory. -
Third Reich
After the death of the former President Hindenburg, Hilter is able to install a totalitarian Nazi regime that takes advantage of the anger of the German citizens. He declares himself dictator. -
Germany Occupied
After the end of the war in Europe, Germany is no longer trusted to govern itself. The four main Allies divide Germany into four parts and occupy them. The three Western nations agree to unite their three zones and install a democracy while The Soviet Union creates a Communist regime in the East. -
End of World War II
With the end of another World War comes another German defeat. The end of the War also marks the end of the totalitarian Third Reich and Germany is divided by the four main Allies, France, The United Kingdom, The Soviet Republic, and The United States. -
Berlin Wall
After years of Communist rule, East Germany fails to modernize properly due to a command economy. Living standards are poor, making the people of East Germany angry and jealous of the well-to-do West. Emmigration problems begin in The East, so the Berlin Wall is erected to seperate the two countries. -
Fall of the Berlin Wall
By the late 1980s, the people that live in the East are becoming desperate to leave. At this time, the Iron Curtain is no more, and the people living in East Germany can leave the country via Turkey. With the weakened Soviet influence, the poor economy, and increasing pressure for a regime change, the Berlin Wall is demolished. The demolition of the Wall represents the fall of Communism in Germany and the reunification of the two Germanies. -
Reunification
Just before the reunification, the economy of East Germany was awful and so was the standard of living. Despite the disagreements about government and the different influences on the two countries, West Germany openly accepts and encourages the integration of East Germany. Germany reunites so well, that the term "German Example" is coined, describing the success that West Germany had in incorporating the weak East economy. -
Angela Merkel Elected
Not only is Angela Merkel the first female Chancellor of Germany, but she is the first person born in East Germany to become Chancellor. She is the current Chancellor and is the leader of the Christian Democratic Union.
