Similarity and Difference (1871-1989)

Continuity and Change under Imperial Germany (1871-1918)

Imperial Germany, under the rule of Kaiser Wilhelm II, was a significant period of industrialisation, with a creating strong military and economic power in Europe.
Class divisions were significant during this time, with an entrenched upper class, an expanding middle class and a growing industrial working class.
The German Empire was autocratic in nature, with the Kaiser holding supreme power. However, various social and democratic movements were brewing beneath the surface.
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) emerged as a significant political force during this period, representing the growing power of the industrial working class.

The formation of the Weimar Republic marked an abrupt shift in Germany’s political landscape, from an authoritarian monarchy to a democratic republic. Despite the democratic nature of the Weimar Republic, it was plagued with instability due to its controversial ‘proportional representation’ system.
The Nazi Party under Adolf Hitler exploited the resentments towards the Weimar Republic, Treaty of Versailles and the economic instability. With Hitler’s ascension to the Chancellorship in 1933, the Republic came to an end and the totalitarian Third Reich was established.
Despite the stark contrast in political structures, both the Weimar Republic and the Nazi Regime faced economic challenges, were involved in global conflicts - World War I and World War II respectively - and saw the rise of new political ideologies.

Following World War II, Germany was divided into two distinct parts: communist East Germany (GDR) under Soviet influence, and democratic West Germany (FRG) under Western Allies’ influence.
East and West Germany differed significantly in political ideology, economy and society. While the GDR was characterized by a centrally planned economy under single-party rule, the FRG embraced market capitalism and parliamentary democracy.
Despite initial differences, over time, East and West Germany started showing signs of convergence. By the late 1980s, living standards, attitudes and freedom of speech in East Germany showed significant improvement.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 signified a dramatic convergence, marking the end of the division and paving the way for eventual reunification.

Through the periods, Germany demonstrated volatile shifts in political systems, swinging from the autocratic rule of the Kaiser to the democratic Weimar Republic, the totalitarian Third Reich and finally to divided governance during the Cold War.
Germany’s society and economy throughout these periods also marked notable shifts; from industrialisation under the empire, to hyperinflation during the Weimar Republic, autarky under the Nazi regime, division and eventual convergence till the union in 1989.
Yet, some elements lingered throughout these transformations such as the influence of nationalism, militarism, and controversies over minority rights which synonymously echoed the continuity and change in German society and leadership from 1871-1989.