All things must End

Ah yes, the final blog post it is indeed very welcomed. As a precursor, this has indeed been a fun and interesting class and if I were to fail (for some god-forsaken reason) I would gladly retake. Through the class we sampled many cultural slices of the German whole.

We learned the basic of the German political system and the various parties that make it up. For my purposes, I examined the Christian Democratic Union and their fearless leader Angela Merkel—who really is a person of interest. The class as well examined each of the 16 German states and delved into the unique qualities of each.  The next, and I feel a very significant portion of this class, was the book All Quiet on the Western Front. This essentially was a war book; however, it was not focused on the war itself. This book instead examined very human properties of war and looked into the lives of the so called “lost generation”. In the literary work we saw how trench warfare affected the lives of those involved and what would, more often than not, become of them. It was at this turning point in the class with which we began to focus on the ‘work’ related aspects of Germany’s history. We looked at slices of the past centuries and examined things such as business, industry, and the sciences. He we got a glimpse of how Germany has really contributed very much to the modern world and continues to be at the forefront of its cutting edge developments. We saw that Germany was an industrial force in the late 1800s to pre WWII and that they had actually been the world’s 2^nd largest exporter of steel (which, I didn’t know). Furthermore, many useful inventions came from Germany that are still at large in the modern world today such as tooth paste.

Moving forward, we saw that throughout Germany there have been tons of artistic leaders born from the German soils. For example, the well-known Bach wrote his greatest works in Leipzig and Goethe wrote many literary masterpieces befitting to a new age of writing. All in all, we see that Germany has prominence in both the sciences and the arts. We then moved to look at movies that Germany had to offer. Admittedly, I though all the movies we watched were good, but I really enjoyed the Baader-Meinhoff Komplex. This movie looked at the rebel force (RAF) that developed and thrived in Germany. It evolved from a protest and college aged kids who wanted to keep Germany from being reborn into the Nazi regime. We saw how the group changed and essentially, became a terrorist organization bent on causing chaos. I thought the movie was very well made with a lot of interesting highs and lows and great acting. Very recommended to see. Throughout watching these German movies I noticed that there are some subtle yet defined differences between German and American movies. It seems that German movies take on more analytical prospects vs. the American crash and bang type movies. From what I saw, German movies tend to have a very real aspect and are much less production focused than their American counterparts. Lastly, we closed up the cultural ride with a bit on German foods and drinks that you can’t buy at the State Fair. Many of the foods looked good, however, I would have to ultimately pass on anything with blood sausage (yikes).

So to tie it off. Great class. Enjoyed the presentation aspect of it and first-hand accounts of a German professor. It will be interesting to see what happens with Germany in the modern world and what else they will contribute to it. But before I digress, good class that gave a general overview of the German world. The only way I could truly continue my understanding of the German people would be to travel there myself. Maybe someday (when I have more money).

END

Buchteln

Buchteln are sweet desert rolls made with yeast dough and filled with various things such as jams, poppy seed, curd, or a traditional plum powidl jam. They are typically topped with a vanilla sauce or powdered sugar and are eaten warm. For all you baker types, these are supposedly easy to make.

On a very brief historical note they originated in the region of Bohemia and spread throughout central Europe. Due to my Polish nature, I’ve had them before and they’re pretty good (not my favorite though).

Baking Instructions:

 http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cookbook:Buchteln

                    

                    

 Resources:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofjEwH5_gQu9SRD-PHKXSqwJa7iWYc_hEp6pzF7wJMFClmrGmwYk2MMHAFUUspqaPLXeLvCHXfP0Xcj2qskLsFZCtVus1LtT7vrwrANxUDBB3QI8Yflm9TQQMkMKCee1crGayKGwxFLI/s1600/buchteln2.jpg

http://www.steiermark.com/website/var/tmp/thumb_15974__contentGalleryBig.jpeg

http://www.wien.info/media/images/buchteln-mit-vanillesosse.jpg/image_Startbild

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Powidl1.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buchteln

Baader-Meinhof Questions

The opposition to the German authorities, as developed and implemented by the first generation of Baader-Meinhof group members needs to be defined.

How did they organize their protest? What actions did they execute?

 

The initial Baader-Meinhof group was far more loosely organized in membership and crime execution. The crimes were far less violent than the more recent derivation and pertained to more political viewpoints in their reasoning.

 

2. In what ways did your level of identification with the group change from the beginning of the movie to the end?

 

Initially, I didn’t mind the group as much ( still I think they’re a bunch of idiots), but as time progressed I found that I dislike the group even more. This is because their attacks became much  more terroristic in all avenues and far more deadly.

3. Did the determination and rudeness displayed by Andreas Baader have a key role in the group dynamics, and in what ways?

 

Yes, I feel his rudeness set the tempo for the younger and upcoming members of the group. His rudeness impacted the methods of the latter generations by imposing a do anything you please mentality, however, the newer generations took it one step further than he intended.

Der Baader-Meinhof Komplex

               Personally, I thought this was a great movie with lots of interesting aspects to see evolve and experience. It contained what I thought to be good acting with a very human portrayal of each character. The movie focused on the lives and works on those involved in the Baader-Meinhof group (later to become the RAF). Through the film we get to see how the group so rapidly and aggressively formed with the main characters meeting through far left political ideologies. They essentially form a coalition of youth seeking a cultural revolution in defense from a fascist state. The group seeks to attract attention to their cause through violent means, i.e. bombings robberies, and later killings. I found it strange how the group was so opposed to structure and concerned for the welfare of the people, yet at the same time they would perform egregious acts that harmed either directly or indirectly the lives of many. To them they wanted to combat the rise of a nazi-like government or some extreme fascism .However, from my perspective it seemed like they wanted to complain and continue to make demands on the society just because they were hell-raisers. The movie portrayed them as complete rebels who did whatever they wanted, which I can’t say for sure if it’s accurate or not, nonetheless, according to this view of their character (especially that of Andreas Baader) I would say that they were just disgruntled assholes that were power-hungry. After the formation of the group we see its evolution into different phases of violence and terrorism. This happens as the old leaders are arrested giving rise to a more aggressive and spurious faction. For movie purposes, it was a great movie. Not too sure on the character representations, but I’ll take their representation as the most accurate that I know of.

Rote Army Fraktion

                This group is the child of the Baader-Meinhof group post WWII. The original cause of the group stems from student protests in West Germany associated with the youth of the postwar baby boom. The group was also somewhat of a reaction to post Nazi rule and on suspicion of authoritarian type governments who sought to command power. These radicals felt that lawmakers were continuing authoritarian policies on grounds of prior indoctrination of the Nazi regime. Influences for the group of the ‘New Left’ were influenced by various other counter-cultural movements such as the Chinese writings of Mao Zedong.

                The RAF was divided into three generations based on the scope of leadership and events that occurred. The first generation consisted of Anreas, Ensslin, and Ulrike. This was the ‘original’ group that was less terroristic and more goal oriented in their activities. The second generation stepped in while the original leadership was imprisoned and received loose instruction from inmates through lawyers etc. Here we see the group start to take on more radical and aggressive attacks against the people. Moving into the 1980s is when the third generation of leaders had taken place. At this time the original leadership was dead. One source describes the 3^rd generation as bourgeois Germans who turned to terrorism for kicks versus having any actual goals.

                The RAF after mid 1980 saw decline in activity and even more so post reunification. The last action of the RAF took place 1993 as a bombing on a prison. The RAF came to a subtle and official end in 1998 via a letter to Reuters declaring the dissolution of the group.

                This group is somewhat comparable with modern terrorism because today both served a purpose. For the RAF it was against a fascist state whereas today is more focused upon religion; nonetheless, comparable with having motivation for attacking vs. random attacks for no apparent reason.

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Army_Faction

http://www.baader-meinhof.com/second-generation-of-the-red-army-faction/

Berlin Calling

Berlin Calling Questions

What do drugs mean to Ickarus?

                Drugs allow him to enjoy the nightlife scene and become more in-tune with his music. They are a way to see the world in a different way which I guess can be a boon to his artistic development. I would also argue that he’s addicted to the high life and uses it as a means to couple with real situations.

Why, when, and how are his fans taking drugs, and which drugs do they take?

                His friends are taking drugs at the parties and at times during the day, so essentially, a lot of the time. The drugs they take are things such as MDMA, PMA, cocaine, and I think at one point meth was mentioned. So pretty much they are taking the party or feel good/stimulant drugs versus downers and hallucinogens.

While we can see that his drug habits gets him ill and into a psychosis, and while we witness his relapse and inability to work successfully, why does the subculture Ickarus is in focus on drugs?

                The subculture focuses on drugs because it allows them to experience life in a different way & to act as an aid to enjoying the nightlife to a whole new extent.

Compare the standards you know from your home society with the people you see depicted in this movie. Which are the stark differences and contrasts?

                Well, some significant differences are that most people I know don’t take drugs daily or at wild night parties, although most people use drinking as a similar medium to achieve an altered state. So really it’s a difference in choice of drug.  As well, most people I know don’t have ‘open’ sexual relations.

Germany is considered a strong industrial nation the world over. Do you think that the youth culture as depicted here could change that? How about work ethics of Ickarus and of Alice, the label director who fires and then re-signs him?

                No, I don’t think a half blitzed youth could ever have a chance of changing any national type events. Reason being I don’t think they care too much about any political schemes and are too focused on the party life.

                The work ethic of both Ickarus and Alice are fairly good I would say. It may sound odd, but for the work they do they seemed to be pretty determined. For example, Ickarus was heavily concerned with his music to the point of obsession and Alice appeared apt to developing a strong and successful music label.

Which similar "cult movies" of US origin have you seen, if any?

                I can’t really think of many American focused drug movies. I guess a couple that is based on drugs could be Scarface, Half-Baked, and Momma’s Boy. Scarface is focused on the drug selling empire and, of course, the organized crime world. Whereas Half-Baked and Momma’s Boy are just about stoners who encounter some random events and deal with them in a comedic manner.

General Reactions

                I thought the movie was very interesting. I actually can’t recall seeing another movie so focused on these harder drugs, but then again I really don’t watch many movies unless they’re a comedy. Certain things caught my eye such as the nudity. Really, not too many American production films see much nudity as I think our perspective might be more maligned with such a showing (unless its porno I guess). Also, just the plot of the movie itself is not something that I would expect to see in America. A movie focused on drugs, music and parties I feel is not a theme highly coveted or cared about by most Americans, as we typically like to see action with good vs. evil explicitly highlighted, instead of a more analytical view on a certain facet of culture (i.e. the German nightlife). A final aspect that I feel is not typically seen in American movies is that with homosexual relationships as seen between Mathilde and her girlfriend. All in all, these typically unseen things made the film feel real and more visceral instead of tailored to meet moralistic standards.

Nonetheless, I thought the film was really good. It was a neat perspective in to the drug induced madness that is the nightlife and the things that come along with that life style. It was interesting to see the decline of someone who takes hard drugs into a pit of chaos as well as the problems that are associated with the drug habits. I like how the film was less produced and more real in the sense that fewer things were deleted in terms of appropriateness (the sex, drugs, language, etc.). It allowed the audience to get an authentic view into the nightlife and see what it was about. The film I felt contained less context as it was harder to predict how certain events would turn out between relationships and human reactions. As a final word, good film I would recommend checking it out. 

Sturm und Drang

                Sturm und Drang was a movement in German literature and music in the late 1760s-1780s. It was focused on the individual by means of perspective, belief, and desire. Emotional extremes meditating on human desire were mainly examined during this through terms of free expression. This served as a reaction to the prior imposed rationalism imposed by the Enlightment with more pragmatic and moralistic agenda.

                A typical Sturm und Drang work is often powerful and builds into violent action by means of human motive (versus the idealistic moral).  Also associated with this time were works focused on anti-aristocratic perceptions and all real and painful subjects that earlier were less touched in the artistic fields. This stemmed from a rise in the 18^th century middle class and an increase in the power garnered to the aristocracy. This tension became a fuel for most of literacy and other artistic mediums and essentially the proved to be a catalyst to the movement.  In turn with this violence and dissent, music in this time was darker than previous. Most songs were written in a minor key with difficult or depressing themes of melody and dynamics. Some prominent musicians during this time were Haydn, Mozart, and Bach with their music focused on the professed darker themes.

                It was also during this time that theater became a significant place of artistic representation. Here we see opera really take on a new light with focus on increasing emotional expression. A notable ballet (that some might recognize) is that of Christoph Gluck’s Don Juan. The stage essentially became a place for writers to critique societal issues and take shots on current and unfair situations through colorful representation of emotion and the human condition. Popular writers of this time were Johann Anton Leisewitz, Heinrich Leopold Wagner, Goethe, Fredrich Schiller, Jakob Lenz, and Frierich Klinger. For all those who want to get a glimpse into specific works look into Prometheus or Die Leiden des jungen Werthers  both written by Goethe and which deal with dramatic themes of God and deadly love (ending in suicide). 

                                                                  References:
                                             ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturm_und_Drang

19^th Century Medical Advances Expansion:

Original Presenters: John De-Souza, Matt Kinzer, Patrick Biernat

     I chose this presentation on a couple grounds. First, it was presented very well and organized in a way that was easy to follow. The speakers did a good job of finding information that was interesting and covered it more deeply than the other groups. As well, the group was well prepared and did not sit and stare at the screen or drone on about matters that are ultimately boring and useless for our purposes (i.e. dates, minor details, etc.). Secondly, I picked this because it seemed like an interesting topic with many directions for research, there were many interesting people and devices invented. All in all, it appears that many significant and pertinent advances were made by the German people…

Thus, my expansion on the topic of 19^th century medical advances:

·         Gottlieb Burckhardt

o   A Swiss born psychiatrist whose is regarded as performing the first modern psychosurgical operation. Most of his studies/research were conducted in Germany.

o   Conducted his studies at the Universities of Basel, Gottingen and Berlin.

§  Doctorate was conferred at Basel

o   Continued studies at Basel and was granted position of Privatdozent (lecturer)

§  Lectured on nervous and mental disease

§  Studies revolved around the nervous system and treatment with electrotherapies.

o   Proposed many articles on the anatomy and functionality of the brain.

o   He became appointed the title of Medical Director in 1882

§  Performed various surgical procedures on psychiatric patients and published findings.

·         One of the first into the field of psychosurgery with an cortical operation on 6 patients.

o   He felt that disorders stemmed from ‘disordered brains’ thus he sought surgery to correct this.

o   All but 2 of the patients suffered adverse consequences but were notably more ‘quiet’

o   This stemmed from his view that it is better to do something than nothing. Essentially, he denounced ‘bad’ procedures.

·         This was a primitive precursor to lobotomy procedures and was Gottlieb’s last bit of research before his death.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gottlieb_Burckhardt

19^th Century Business & Industry Reprise:

Previous presenters: Jessica Hall, Scott Reid, Will Wacholz

            The presentation that caught my attention specifically was the 19^th century Industry. Aspects that pull me toward this assertion revolve around the fact that the group was thoroughly prepared. For instance, the presentation was well laid out, in a quantified and easy to follow manner. Secondly, the presenters knew what they were talking about, and what they were saying held meaning (instead of incoherent ramblings that purvey no information). As well, the presentation was more engaging and personable because the speakers were not staring at the computer/projection screen and reading the text word for word.

Nonetheless, for my expansion on a 19^th century theme…

·         The Krupp family:

o    A prominent German family notably famous for production in steel and armaments

o    Friedrich Krupp started steel foundry, Essen 1810.        

§  Invested in new technologies and became significant manufacturer of steel rollers and railway parts.

§  Invested in technologies necessary for the Bessemer process.

§  Acquired land/mines in Germany and France.

o    Company evolved and began to make steel cannons in 1840’s for various armies. This led to the company delving further into military technologies.

§  By 1880, weapons were 50% of the company’s output.

§  Around this time the company had expanded from 5 workers to 20,000.

o    The company kept leadership within the family name after death of founder and was replaced by Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach.

o    A few decades later, Adolf Hitler came to power and the Krupp works became the center for Germany military armament.

§  Responsible for Panzer tanks & many German U-boats.

o    After war, Krupp was put on trial for slave labor/ war criminal charges. However, he came to hold the company after release from prison.

o    The Krupp Corporation merged with Thyssen AG in 1999 and became Germany’s 5^th largest firm & leading steel producer for the world.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krupp

Industry Presentation

5 Summary Points:

• Prominent Producers in the Early 1900s preceeding the depression.
• Military industry boost in 1930-1940s due to building of aircraft, weapons, etc.
• Miracle economy recovery after WWII.
• Ludwig Erhard one of the key economic/industry reformers including teh restructuring of the germany currency. 
• Currently one of the world's industrial leaders in many science and engineering fields.

Talking Points

A novel that:

• Shows the effect of war on soldiers
• psychological
• physical
• Analyzes overlooked truths of war
• who should really be fighting wars
• politicians, generals, etc.
• where does war begin?

• The blinded public's understanding on the "glory" of war
• nationalism/pride
• The indoctrination of 'war culture' into youth
• teachers and the like
• the 'basic' human-- one that thrives only on living necessity

Character Analysis

David Colbert
Character Analysis
Oct. 3, 2012

Paul Bäumer

                When reading the novel I developed quite an intrigue for Paul Bäumer. He came into the war after being goaded by his elders at a young age. Having experienced no other aspects of life, Paul developed an inhuman mindset shutting off all thoughts about the war and emotion. Through the book we see what the war has taken a youth from his home and thrust him into a terrifying war scene. This creates an odd tension in the mind of this young man who has ultimately never experienced anything of the “real” world other than this being a full time soldier. We can see through this militant evolution that Paul becomes completely separated mentally from everyone, except for his closest friends. However, even this minor connection with others is reduced to nothing as each of his friends die off. Most significantly, when his closest friend Katczinsky dies, all he can do is remark “All is usual. Only the Militiaman Stanislaus Katczinsky has died” (291) and he continues his existence onward.

This lack of humanity is once again revealed when Paul returns home in chapter 7. We are shown that he is disconnected from this “past” and that he feels misplaced among the people of his hometown.  We see that Paul tries to make a connection with who he was before he was sent to the Western Front. However, despite trying to reinvigorate this life, he is unable to cross the void. It can be deduced that the life of this young man has been permanently altered, with no return from the mental bedlam. Nonetheless, we see that this abrupt change in mind leaves Paul wanting to have his past back. And so, it becomes a miserable existence of wanting something that is unattainable. In the end, Paul regrets ever having gone home on leave to face who he was.

                While this animalistic war engorged mindset has over encumbered Paul, we see glimpses of the human inside at specific moments. For instance, when Paul encounters the Russian prisoners as a guard, he begins to reflect on the minor differences between them and himself. He notices that there is no real reason that they should be enemies aside from the preaching of political leaders. However, this thought is quickly suppressed for fear of this notion entertaining and spurring up “harmful” emotions.

                In the end, Paul is a character torn between two worlds. A child torn from youth forced to see the world in a dark scheme. Sapped of his life and having it replaced with killer instincts, Paul, in the end is left to die.

Source:

Remarque, E. M. (2000). All quiet on the western front. (1st ed ed.). New York: The Random House Publishing Group.

Theme Analysis

David M Colbert

Chapter 8 Review

Oct. 3, 2012

Chapter 8

                The chapter begins with Paul’s return from leave and his arrival at a training camp that he attended prior. His return is marked with an odd feeling, Paul is now unacquainted with all the people here stating that everything is from his previous visit is altered. He becomes more estranged with his surroundings, and at the same time, takes heed to interesting and reflective aspects of nature and humanity.  

One of his first revelations is the love of nature in his separation from people.  He notices, “when one is alone one begins to observe Nature and to love her” (189). This reveals an interesting bit about the beauty of simplicity. Concordantly, this shows that when one looks beyond the fabrications and complications of humanity, i.e. war in this instance, a humble beauty is observable. It can be derived that aside from our human conjurations lies a peaceful world without war. It shows that this peace is disturbed only by us, the creators of it. All in all, this moment acts as a window of clarity for Paul into a world so covered by human interactions that it lives unnoticed a majority of the time.

                This revealing aspect of unnecessary complexities is furthermore expanded upon in the case of the Russian soldiers in the nearby prison camp. Paul first takes notice of these prisoners and begins to see their human qualities instead of their abstract enemy-like qualities as advertised by the warmongering country leaders. As he observes them, he remarks that they [prisoners] should be out apple picking instead of being here, that they look as any kindly peasants of his hometown (190). He begins to reflect upon the nature of war and the odd truths that enable its existence.  Paul takes notice and remarks, “at some table a document is signed by some persons whom none of us knows, and then for years together that very crime on which formerly the world’s condemnation and severest penalty fall [killing], becomes our highest aim” (194). This is the essence on the origin of war. Some stranger orders condemnation of others then, sends others to fulfill this duty. He notices that these individual people are less of enemies than to him than were his drill instructors, or even his schoolmasters. He notices that they are merely people doing the same thing he is for someone whom they were told to agree with—truly an interesting concept.

                All in all, this chapter reveals to the reader that all these complexities and war related events are merely abstractions created and upheld. This takes the common man away from the earnest simplicities of life such as nature and brotherhood, and shrouds it with chaos that stems from what? Other people we’ve never met? Nonetheless, Paul pulls himself away from these inquisitive thoughts… perhaps they were too close to truth.

“I am frightened: I dare think this way no more. This way lies the abyss”.

Source:
Remarque, E. M. (2000). All quiet on the western front. (1st ed ed.). New York: The Random House Publishing Group.

My work on the CDU party

David M Colbert

September 19, 2012

My work on the CDU-party

                Hello all, for this week’s blog I bring to you information on the Christian Democratic Union, or CDU for short. The CDU is a prominent political group in Germany that was birthed after the fall of the Nazi regime in 1945 (1). Essentially, it sought to fill the void left behind after the war and lead the country to a more suitable sense of stability. Members from other various parties who shared similar ideals melded together to form a political party with strong Christian values as a means for ensuring that a Nazi party would never come power in the country again (1).  As can be guessed, this group gained favorability quickly and rose to prominence in the German political scene with its initial Chancellor Konrad Adenauer.

                Today the party still commands a vibrant presence in Germany holding a majority of seats in the Bundestag and second to the SPD in regional parliaments (1). In turn, the current Chairperson and Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, is a very strong presence in EU/worldly affairs and, accordingly, voted 4^th most powerful person in the world by FORBES(2).

                Furthermore, in my studies on this group I explored the realm of their purported stance on various issues. For example, the group is greatly focused on the aspect of education. They feel that knowledge is one of the key components to have a civilization thrive.  Along with this educational aspect, they feel that schooling should teach values and virtues held by religious institutions, teaching spirituality to ultimately yield growth (3).

                As can be guessed, the CDU highly values Christian doctrine and holds stances that obviously reflect this association. In the arena of abortion (something close to home) they feel that it should not be allowed and the alternative be treasured (3).

                A last aspect of their political stances is that of the monetary delineation. When it comes to the Euro and the Eurozone the CDU holds the union in unabashed reverence. The CDU stands by the notion that the union should be strengthened amidst waves of economic troubles. They feel that bailouts are a good thing and that Europe should seek to become more aligned in the area of federal regulation. Ultimately, they feel that a more unified Europe is a one step closer to that ideal utopia (3).

Group Interactions

Sadly, group interactions were very limited seeing as only 3 of the 9 members came to work to get the project done.   Nonetheless, the 3 that came together worked past the adversity and completed the assignment without hesitation.

Thoughts about the party

                All in all, this party seems very reminiscent to that of the right-winged groups we have here. It seems as though they have the heart of Germany in mind wanting to enlighten their citizens through education and build a cohesive community with strong morality.

 

Sources:

Last accessed Sept. 18, 2012

1)      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Democratic_Union_(Germany)

2)      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angela_Merkel

3)      http://www.cdu.de/doc/pdfc/111124-Europa-Kurzfassung.pdf

 

CDU presentation

Click to view Saxony power-point

Saxony

David Colbert

Joseph Albers

Kayla Rardin

September 5, 2012

Saxony, or Freistaat Sachsen for those of the German tongue, is one of the 16 Länder (states) that make up the whole of Germany.  It is the tenth-largest German state bordering its western German counterparts Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg. The population of the state is 4,130,133, as of April 2012, and has been decreasing slowly over the past 6 months. The state further divides into 3 Direktionsbezirke (districts) Chemnitz, Dresden, and Leipzig then further divided into 10 “counties“. The largest cities are Leipzig, Dresden, and Chemnitz with populations ranging from 240,00 to 533,000 vs. Minnesota’s cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, with Populations of 380,000 and 288,000 respectively .

Historical

            Before 1871, Saxony had its independence but had lost some of its northern lands to Prussia due to the Austro-Prussian War (June 14-august 23 1866). Kingdom of Saxony was forced to join the North German Confederation in 1867. In 1871, the kingdom of Saxony became a part of the newly formed German Empire. After Germany's defeat in the World War 1, the monarchy of the German Empire was overthrown. Saxony became a part of the Weimar Republic and was renamed the Free State of Saxony. Saxony maintained its name and borders from 1918 to 1945 in which Germany was defeated in World War 2. After WW2, the USSR set up the communist satellite nation of the German Democratic Republic and Saxony a part of it.  The communist government dissolved the state in 1952, in which it divided up Saxony into the Bezirke of Leipzig, Dresden and Karl-Marx-Stadt. During the German reunification of 1990, the Free State was reconstituted with slightly altered borders.

Economic

Saxony, Germany coined the nickname Silicon Saxony due to its large association of nearly 300 companies in the electronics and microsystems industry, including science and consulting organizations. Many of the companies develop and produce computer calculation and memory chips or new materials and electronics. The developed and produced small semiconductors chips are used in all kinds of cars, mobile phones, TV sets and so on. Saxony has one of the largest economies in eastern Germany and one of the few in which “new economy” sectors such as microelectronics have experienced considerable growth. The major manufacturing sectors in Saxony include electronics, being one of the largest, machinery, pharmaceuticals, auto and auto parts production, food processing, publishing, and textiles.  “Autoland Saxony” is home to 4 different car manufacturers; BMW, NEOPLAN, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The GDP (gross domestic product) in Saxony is 95,100 million euros and the GDP per gainfully employed person is 44,494 euros.

Cultural

            Throughout our excavation of Saxony’s cultural mine we dug up some interesting bits of knowledge.  First and foremost,  i believe, we should identify the children of Saxony. Many people of great significance were born or full time residents of the  state. For example, the mathematician and philosopher who contributed  a significant deal to modernday calculus was born in Leipzig; of course who I’m speaking  of is none other than Gottfried Leibniz. 

             Saxony did more than produce  one legendary mind. As we traverse the various arenas of human interest we eventually come to the realm of art.  Saxony housed and birthed great musical  composers and performers whose timeless tunes perpuate to this very day. Some examples of the greats of Saxony are none other than  J.S. Bach (choirmaster of Leipzig) , Wagner, and Schumann.  Attending along side these musical artists are those of the literary field—these being Kurt Vonnegut writer of Slaughterhouse-Five  and Karl May who wrote titles such as the Winnetou series.

            Interesting places to view in Saxony are most assuredly not limited; however, for our purposes, I’ll look at a couple that caught my interest.  First is the Nikolaikirche or St. Nicholas Church. It is one of the most famous buildings in Leipzig mainly because of the peaceful demonstrations that took place prior to the bringing down of the wall. Today it attracts people from all over to view this reconstructed church and reflect on time long passed. A second location of note is the Grünes Gewölbe (Green Vault). The vault is a museum located in the Dresden Castle that houses a collection of various German treasures; a good spot to visit if you’re in Dresden to absorb some interesting historical treasures such as the ‘Moor with Emerald Cluster’.

But significant people and places are not all that makes Saxony unique. Saxony is home to various fair and festivals, however, there are some that exude cultural significance. One of  these is the Dresdner Stadtfest. This arguably is Dresden’s largest party, it is filled with various merriments such as food and drink all wrapped together by a surplus of Saxony’s residents. Among those lavish portions of food you may be lucky enough to find a German treat called the Liegnitzer Bombe. This morsel  is reminescent of a choclate pastry ranging in sizes to that of a cupcake up to a full-blown cake. It consists as put by one local observer, “… of a very rich dark gingerbread dough with honey, marzipan, almonds, raisins, cherries, orange juice, orangeat [orange peel], hidden under a coat of dark chocolate icing”.

            Last but not least, to conclude with a couple interesting piece of culture. You know when you’re trying to cross the street right? That little man in the light that signals you to walk may be seen all over the US imploring citizens to cross safely. However, and to my surprise, the little man that beckons in Saxony is quite different. These figures are referred to as ampelmännchen in Saxony and bear different characters to the ones we are used to.  For example, some portray a girl with dress and hair, or may display a man with a hat and the occasional bike. As well, these figures hold more meaning to the citizens of Saxony then they do for us. Before the reunification, these characters were displayed. After the war and rebuilding of Germany however, they were changed. This created unrest among the people who eventually fought and won having them changed back to these humble symbols.  

            All in all, Saxony is a culture rich and prominent force in Germany that has brought the world brilliant minds. If one wanted to get a true taste of the German world Saxony is definitely the place to be.

           

Sources: Accessed Sept. 3, 2012

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_German_states_by_GDP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxony,_Germany

http://www.silicon-saxony.de/en/Saxony_at_a_Glance/143085.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/526083/Saxony

http://www.germany-insider-facts.com/german-states.html#sax

http://www.statistik.sachsen.de/download/010_GB-Bev/Bev_Gemeinde.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxony

http://www.who2.com/bio/gottfried-leibniz

http://germanoriginality.com/heritage/places.php?type=2&id=128

http://germanoriginality.com/heritage/places.php?type=2&id=133

http://germanoriginality.com/heritage/people/music.php?id=123

http://germanoriginality.com/heritage/people/music.php?id=95

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Nicholas_Church,_Leipzig

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gr%C3%BCnes_Gew%C3%B6lbe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dresden_Frauenkirche

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Germany/Land_Sachsen/Dresden-67870/Local_Customs-Dresden-TG-C-1.html

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Germany/Land_Sachsen/Goerlitz-60279/Local_Customs-Goerlitz-TG-C-1.html

http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Germany/Land_Sachsen/Dresden-67870/Local_Customs-Dresden-TG-C-1.html