Before the physical borders of Germany appeared, there was
already a psychological border. The people who lived in German speaking lands
began to show patriotism and other connecting beliefs that were aimed at a
country that did not exist. This occurred in the early to mid-1800’s. This idea
really flourished during an era called the Biedermeier which was a period where
arts, architecture and music began to change.
In Germany (or what was to become Germany) it was no
different. Many musicians and composers grew in popularity and talent in this
time. An example of this is Ludwig van Beethoven (Hagen, 98). Beethoven, who is still considered as one of
the best composers of all time, was known during that time for creating pieces
that could be played in a small environment or gatherings.
Beyond the arts, German unification was spreading. While
there were no official boundaries or clear borders to Germany, there was
already an definition to the unification: “German Fatherland had as yet no
fixed shape. It was a poetic, historical, and utopian notion, an ideal that in
its more earthly incarnation usually bore the name ‘Prussia.’” It also was a
“[referral] to a cultural and linguistic unity more than anything else and did
not begin to imply that many separate German states would actually be
consolidated into one single nation anytime soon.” (Hagen, 117)
There was also another spark to the German unity that
occurred with the gymnastics movement. This combined the desire for physical
fitness and patriotism by bringing people together for gymnastics events.
Another was Gesangverein which is a
chorale society. They promoted patriotism by singing patriotic themed songs,
gave speeches and brought people together at gatherings.
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Friedrich Ludwig Jahn - Father of Gymnastics |
“In short, the German Nation was born in the minds of the intelligentsia,
as a cultural identity without direct ties to politics. It was therefore only
logical that its great heros were not princes and military leaders as in France
and England but rather a collection of poets and philosophers…”(Hagen, 91) This
sums up the history of the German Culture. While German is known for its military
and the wars it has fought, it has kinder roots. These roots made it inevitable
for the many kingdoms scattered around what was to become Germany to unite and
form one great country.
I find this topic interesting because it suggests that
Germany existed before Germany, as a country, was created. I am curious to see
how these roots are still visible in Germany today as it has gone through a lot
of political, cultural and social changes since their start in the 1800’s. I am also curious to see the impact that the
formation of Germany had on the surrounding countries like France or Austria.
There is a lot to learn from German history and all that surrounds it.
