The Soviet Union was the nation that sacrificed the most in the defeat of Germany. As such, we often forget that it also was crucial to enabling Germany to invade and take over much of Europe. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a non aggression pact signed by the USSR and Nazi Germany which gave Germany aContinue reading “August 23rd in German History: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is Signed”
Tag Archives: Germany
August 21st in German History: Christian Schad is Born
Although Germany is known more for its political figures and its scientists, it has also produced numerous artists. One was Christian Schad, a painter and photographer who was part of the Dada and New Objectivity movements. He was born on August 21st, 1894. Schad was born in the town of Miesbach in Upper Bavaria. HisContinue reading “August 21st in German History: Christian Schad is Born”
August 20th in German History: Germany Captures Brussels
Soon after Germany entered WWI, it invaded the neutral nation of Belgium. It wanted to bypass French defenses on the French-German border and so sought to move troops through Belgian territory. When the Belgian government refused to allow German armies to pass, Germany declared war and quickly invaded the kingdom. Although the Belgians fought bravely,Continue reading “August 20th in German History: Germany Captures Brussels”
August 19th in German History: The 1934 German Referendum Makes Adolf Hitler Fuhrer
Seventeen days after the death of President Paul von Hindenberg, Germany held a referendum to legitimize Hitler’s assumption of dictatorial power. On August 1st, Hitler had combined the offices of Chancellor and President into the position of Fuhrer. On August 2nd, the day of Hindenberg’s death, he assumed his new powers. Soon after, on AugustContinue reading “August 19th in German History: The 1934 German Referendum Makes Adolf Hitler Fuhrer”
August 18th in German History: Karl Jatho Claims to have flown For the First Time
While the Wright Brothers are generally thought to have the first powered heavier-than-air flight, there are several other claimants to that achievement. One such man was Karl Jatho, a German inventor. He claimed to have made a powered flight on August 18th of 1903. Jatho was born on February 3rd, 1873, and had a careerContinue reading “August 18th in German History: Karl Jatho Claims to have flown For the First Time”
August 17th in German History: The Grand Duchy of Baden Allies with Prussia
The unification of Germany into one nation was a long and complicated process. The final declaration in 1871 was the product of decades of political maneuvering and increased political and economic unity which broke down the barriers between the different German states. One important step was the treaty of alliance signed between Prussia and theContinue reading “August 17th in German History: The Grand Duchy of Baden Allies with Prussia”
August 16th in German History: The Death of Robert Bunsen
Many scientists are well-known. Names like Einstein and Newton are popular even in non-scientific contexts. However, few names are known almost entirely for a single invention. Robert Bunsen himself is, unfortunately, almost completely forgotten while his invention lives on. However, Bunsen did more than simply invent the burner that is a mainstay of high schoolContinue reading “August 16th in German History: The Death of Robert Bunsen”
August 15th in German History: The Great Phenol Plot is Uncovered
The First World War was a dark and horrible conflict which saw the deaths of millions of soldiers and civilians. However, it was not fought by men in the trenches alone. Numerous instances of subterfuge were attempted by both sides in order to help swing the war in their favor. One such ploy was theContinue reading “August 15th in German History: The Great Phenol Plot is Uncovered”
August 14th in German History: The Cologne Cathedral is Completed
Yesterday, I discussed the start of construction on the Berlin Wall. On that day a symbol of oppression began to rise in Berlin, and when it fell the people of Germany rejoiced. Today is the anniversary of the completion of the construction of an entirely different symbol, the Cologne Cathedral. The Cathedral was completed onContinue reading “August 14th in German History: The Cologne Cathedral is Completed”
August 13th in German History: Construction on the Berlin Wall Begins
The Berlin Wall was the most visible symbol of communist oppression in Europe. For twenty-eight years it stood, holding the people of East Berlin captive under an oppressive government. On August 13th, 1961, the border between East and West Germany was officially closed and construction on the wall began. After the Second World War, GermanyContinue reading “August 13th in German History: Construction on the Berlin Wall Begins”
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