Members of minority groups in Germany were subjected to extreme forms of repression and in some cases extermination at the hands of the Nazis. Today, for many different reasons, members of minority groups are living in West Germany again. This paper presents the experience of minorities in West Germany since 1945 in light of the following factors:…

Presents a historical review of German relations with European nations from the end of World War II until 1992. Claims that Chancellor Willy Brandt's efforts to improve East-West relations set the stage for German reunification. Contends that Germany's role in a united Europe has yet to be determined. (CFR)

The 12 lessons in this collection are designed so that they may be used individually, integrated into the curriculum at appropriate places, or used as a complete unit. The lessons are entitled: (1) Impressions of Germany and Germans; (2) The Location and Population of Germany; (3) Pollution in Germany: A Complex Problems; (4) German Political…

Federalism is conducive to two important elements of the political process: competition and the search for compromise. This is a reason for the prosperity and political stability of the Federal Republic of Germany. Many citizens can involve themselves in the political life of the nation, whether at the federal or state level. With its area of…

Argues that a new political culture has developed since the 1960s in West Germany. Discusses the interest in issues related to the environment, women's rights, peace, and similar issues. Describes the development of the Green Party and its impact on mainstream political parties and the movement toward European unity. (CFR)

Presents a selective chronology of three aspects of German history since World War II: the origins of the postwar division of Germany; the effects of two major policy decisions by West Germany after 1949; and the unification process after 1989. Contends that France and Germany will remain the core nations in the evolution of the European…

Reviews the economic restoration of West Germany through the Marshall Plan following World War II. Traces the development of the European Community from the Schuman Declaration of 1950 to the present. Contends that Germany's economy must remain closely tied to a united Europe in the post-Cold War international system. (CFR)

When analyzing the degree to which a balanced presentation of NATO is achieved in West German history and civics textbooks, two standards may be used: first, inclusion of information on NATO's formation, aims, strategies and achievements; and, second, inclusion of the criticisms that have been leveled at NATO from various points of view. This…

This document examines the definition of democracy and the political attitudes and values of the West German public and implications of these attitudes for future German politics and German-U.S. relations. The stability of postwar democracy in West Germany, it is agreed, is related to changes in the characteristics of the political culture over…

Analyzes how Germans viewed defeat after the two world wars, and how these perceptions influenced subsequent political developments. Compares questions of guilt and responsibility following the two wars. Examines the growth of democracy, its defeat after World War I, and success after World War II. Discusses the influences of the occupation…

In order to determine West German rural youths' involvement in and availability to the mechanism of social change, surveys of youth aged 17-28 in towns of less than 5,000 people were made in 1955, 1968, and 1980. Between 1955 and 1980 the social structure of rural youth changed dramatically, especially in employment. In 1955, 55% of rural youth…

Designed as a resource for teachers to help high school students understand the new Germany, six background papers and nine lessons provide information on the difficult transition from the Third Reich to defeat and military occupation, on the establishment of two successor states, and on revolution and reunification. The six background papers…

Contends that the reversal of Nazi educational policies and the Cold War have dominated educational research in Germany since 1945. Argues that structural changes that occurred in the 1930s determined educational policies in both East and West Germany until the 1950s. Asserts that significant structural differences between East and West German…

This guide celebrates the 40th anniversary, in 1989, of the Federal Republic of Germany and is designed to provide an opportunity to review how firmly the principles of democracy have become established in the people and the government of West Germany today. Part 1 gives an overview of the West German democratic experience, covering such topics as…

Presents a survey of educational history specific to immigration in England, France, and West Germany after World War II. Concludes that intercultural pedagogics is passing through a severe crisis that can be surmounted only if previous insights are successfully integrated into fundamentally new developments. (CFR)