Rote Armee Fraktion

    The RAF, or the “Rote Armee Fraktion,”  described themselves as a communist and anti-imperialist “urban guerilla” group engaged in armed resistance against what they deemed to be a fascist state, (Wikipedia). The RAF was founded in 1970  by Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, Horst Mahler and Ulrike Meinhof.    
    The group existed from 1970 to 1998, they committed numerous operations, the highest concentration being in the autumn of 1977. In 1977 this high concentration of terrorist movements lead to a national crisis known as “German Autumn”. Responsible for thirty-four deaths, as well as many secondary targets; including, chauffeurs and bodyguards.
    The Fraction always called themselves the “Rotte Armee Fraktion,” and the names such as “Baader-Meinhof Gang, “Baader-Meinhof Group” or “Baader-Meinhof, were nicknames for the group.
    The so-called “second generation” of the RAF, existed in the mid to the late 1970s after several former members of the Socialist Patients’ Collective joined, (Wikipedia). Then the “third generation” of the RAF came about, which existed in the 1980s and 1990s.  The original members of the group died while in prison, and attending their court hearings. The second generation of the RAF formed holding the same ideas as the first, but remained an independent group from them. And the third following the second in a similar fashion.
    The RAF was well known for their terrorist tactics. They conducted numerous operations where they would set buildings ablaze, but more so, the members spent time executing members of political standing in what they considered to be the fascist government. In the year of 1977, alone, they killed thirty-four people who were believed to stand against their anti-imperialist ideas. Today, in comparison, the terrorists most known are far more drastic in their operations. The terrorists associated with Muslim culture, use murderous wide-spread attacks to draw attention to them, they feed off of the fear created from these attacks. The RAF, however, targeted their attacks specifically to execute the main powers opposing them. They were organized  and had a specific central goal, unlike violent random attacks of the Muslim terrorists.

My response to the Deutsche Film Baader-Meinhof Complex

In my opinion the movie, Baader-Meinhof Complex, contained many drastic ideas and viewpoints of a generation. The movie captured a political movement that shook the ideas of government in Germany and Europe. I found the movie relevant to today’s political struggles, how the use of terrorism was implemented as a way of showing discourse towards a higher power. The RAF used terrorist methods in their organization. They set department buildings on fire and placed various other bombs around cities in attempt to draw attention to their movement through enticing fear in citizens. This is relatable, at least to me, in the way terrorists are now attempting to draw attention to the Muslim struggle and religious beliefs. Although the Muslims have taken a far more drastic approach than the RAF, the use of terrorism is evident in both workings.
    I found the movies set up to be unusually well made, I enjoyed how the plot flowed through the beginning of the RAF to the creation of new generations which held the beliefs of the original generation in a new context. This showed me how the ideas were so powerful, that they transcended the lines of generations. Providing an outlet for young adults political oppositions. The ideas held by the RAF were so monumental that they continued to inspire young people for generations after the original group of members.
    Overall my impression of the movie was positive. I found it to be well made and moving. It showed me how an idea, one idea, can spread and grow to affect large groups of people in massive ways. The movie helped to broaden my thoughts on what a small group of people can do, how they can change and influence people in drastic ways. I’m very glad I had the opportunity to view this film, to see the people behind such a movement. Although, those who began this political group RAF, perished during the fight, I believe they were triumphant because their ideas lived on. 

12 Reasons, why the EU will continue to be a pivotal organization for Germany in the 21st century.

Reason one, Germany will remain a contributing member of the EU because of the enterprise this brings them. The EU offers them various countries in which to export their goods and products. Germany is large exporting country and the availability of consumers brought by the EU will give Germany great incentive to remain within it’s membership.

Reason two,  the EU creation and maintenance  of the Euro makes it a pivotal part of Germany’s economy now and in the future. The EU controls the Euro and thusly, controls the vast majority of the European economy and the worlds.

Reason three,  the creation of the EU lead to peace and reconciliation after the second world war. They continue to maintain a sense of tranquility among the nations of Europe.

Reason four, Germany will continue to find the EU a pivotal organization for them because of the open market it provides. Germany relies upon the market the EU provides to maintain their economy.

Reason five, the EU creates a stable political framework for the markets in Europe. Germany is dependent upon this for their economy and political standing.

Reason six, the Euro has helped Germany deal with it’s financial stresses after the 1989 reunification. The EU is pivotal to Germany because of their contribution to the stability of Germany and their economy, allowing Germany to become globally competitive.

Reason seven, the European Union is making Germany a beneficiary of the European market. It has allowed for increase in the living conditions of Germany and an emergence of a new middle class in Germany.

Reason eight, the Euro, a result of the European Union, has created a price stability in Europe and Germany. It has prevented inflation in the countries of Europe, making the EU a pivotal part of Germany’s present and future.

Reason nine, the EU has allowed Germany to become a dominant economic power. They are pivotal for Germany because it continues to allow Germany to maintain a dominant position in the economic standings of the world.

Reason ten, Germany is best served when it considers the economic standing of the whole continent. In order for Germany to become prosperous it must take into consideration the markets of the other nations. The EU gives Germany a chance to maintain power and stability of economic weath.

Reason eleven, the EU allows Germany to become a leader of higher integration. Germany is seen as a partner and no longer a threat in Europe.

Reason twelve, Germany is maintaining their world power status through the integration of various nations. It is crucial for the people to integrate in order for Germany to be seen as a world contributing power.

Works cited:
http://social.moldova.org/news/damian-hincu-paul-goma-un-simbol-al-rezistentei-anticomuniste-a-europei-213279-rom.html

Nineteenth Century

Poets and Writers

Eighteenth Century

German Government and Rulers

Gender roles of 18th Century Men and Women

Comparison of Gender roles in England and France

France;

• Women had no property rights
• Men had the task of completing activities, outside of the household, in order to earn income. 
• Women were seen as fragile, and remained at the home to care for the children and tend to the upkeep of the home.
• Lower class women stayed in the home and often worked around the farm, milking cows.
• Even women in  privileged positions were often held back from independent action by traditional cultural and social norms of behavior.

England; 

• Under the common law of England, an unmarried woman could own property, make a contract, or sue and be sued. But once she married, the woman, defined as being one with her husband;
• gave up her name
• virtually all her property came under her husband's control.

• Queen Victoria was regarded as being a paragon of virtue, a woman that always carried out her duties without fuss and maintained all the traditional gender roles that a wife and mother were supposed to carry out. 
• Queen Victoria and those around her tended to portray the royal family as a fine example of a traditional family with traditional values not only in Britain but across its vast Empire as well. The British monarchy was all in favor of conserving society just as it was to maintain its prestigious status although it was the elected government that carried out policies intended to conserve or to transform society.

 
A traditional 18th Century English Family

The roles of women changed greatly during the enlightenment.  According to sparknotes.com,  ”The Enlightenment was a sprawling intellectual, philosophical, cultural, and social movement that spread through England, France, Germany, and other parts of Europe during the 1700s.”  At that time, the opportunity for education expanded but decreased in quality.  During the enlightenment, education was shown to be very important.  Women in the high and middle class were offered an education, but it definitely was not as high of an education as a man.  Enlightenment thinkers believed that Science and Philosophy were for men.  So women were given training in areas that were going to help their husbands and families. Things like music, drawing, singing and painting were taught to the women.  Women began working as productive laborers with the family around the age of six or seven.  Most of the time, that meant working light farm labor, in agricultural areas. If the family lived in an urban setting, women could find low-level, low-wage jobs in many industries.  This kind of work, for both men and women, was harsh, cruel and paid less than most jobs.  In general, women's lives were oriented around the running of the household rather than the entire family.  The women's marriage and children were put behind the household.

Sources:
http://www.wic.org/misc/history.htm

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ENLIGHT/WOMEN.HTM

http://www.sparknotes.com/history/european/enlightenment/context.html

http://socyberty.com/history/what-influence-did-changing-gender-roles-throughout-the-18th-19th-century-have-on-the-position-of-women-in-the-practice-of-midwifery-and-gynaecology/#ixzz12urt2Ph0
 

The Best Three Class Blogs in German 110, Fall 2010

My specific Criteria; is color coordination, the appeal of their projects set-up, pictures within their work/placed within it, the pictures should be properly incorporated into the posts.

1.) Kelsey Kubiak 

• Appearance; very well composed, colors go well together__30/30
• Writing; nicely written entries, word choice is good__19/20
• Completeness; all of the blogs assigned, appear present__20/20
• Image and Sources; images are well placed and sources listed appropriately__10/10
• Aesthetic appeal; well placed, pictures properly incorporated and cohesiveness posts__20/20

2.) Alexia Ball

• Appearance; nice coordination of colors and design__30/30
• Writing; some of the entries are lacking higher level sentence formation__16/20
• Completeness; all of the blogs assigned, appear present__20/20
• Image and Sources; images are incorporated nicely into her posts__10/10
• Aesthetic appeal; her pictures are placed nicely within the posts and are kind to the eye__20/20

3.) Jessica Nikula

• Appearance; well set up, appealing to look at__30/30 
• Writing; sentences are clear and concise, though may leave you wanting__18/20
• Completeness; all of the blogs assigned, appear present__20/20
• Image and Sources; the images are nice, but a bit scarce__6/10
• Aesthetic appeal; very well coordinated colors, quite appealing__20/20

All Quiet on the Western Front; Day One Discussion

Authority in Germany: they either love and fight for it to the death or German's dispise it and fight against authority tooth and nail.

•  Represented by Himmelstoss in the story; was a postman but used his military position as drill sargent to give himself the illusion of power and authority in his life. 

It was a story of survival, not death; Paul Baeumer and his classmates enlist in the armed forces. They go through training and are quickly sent out to the front lines of the war. Paul speaks of losing their identities, the war washing away the children they had been before. Yet, how the war managed to prevent them from forming adult identities outside of it's constrictions. They did  not have wives and children, they no longer had a connection to who they were. They had become soldiers and that had become their identity.
Paul goes on leave and visits his childhood home, stays with his family. But he doesn't belong there, where the war is not a present statement in the streets. Where the war which has become him is hidden, the true war. These civilians do not understand, nor should they have to. It is Paul who is changed, Paul who no longer belongs in this place of lost identity. He belongs in the war, fighting, being the soldier he has become.
Paul watches as his friends pass, week by week. A pair of boots is the symbol of this passing, first sent from Kammerich as he lay dying in a hospital. Then down from Mueller as he bleeds to death on the field. Those boots showed how they had lost themselves, how the soldier who knew of survival and tactfulness saw a good pair of boots. They felt grief, but they knew it was inevitable, those boots were useful to them, to the soldier.

Lower Saxony

Lower Saxony/ Niedersachsen

Lower Saxony

Where is Lower Saxony located?

Located in the northwestern part of Germany

Lower Saxony borders many other German states:

• Southeast: Thuringia
• East: Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt
• North: Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein
• South: Hesse
• Southwest: North Rhine- Westphalia
• Northeast: Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Also bordered by the Netherlands and the North Sea

How many live here?

• 7,977,000 people
• 4th largest state in population

How does its size relate to Minnesota, or any other US state?

• In population:
• Lower Saxony is equivalent to the population of Minnesota and Iowa together
• It is about half the size of Indiana

What is special about Lower Saxony?

• Second largest state in size
• 20% of the state is designated to nature conservation
• Agriculture and farming make up a big part of the economy
• Automobile manufacturing and automobile parts manufacturing are also important economic part of Lower Saxony
• Volkwagon has 5 production plants here along with its headquarters, which is located in Wolfsburg
• The capital of Lower Saxony is Hannover.
• Hannover is also the largest city in Lower Saxony
• Mining has been an important source of income in Lower Saxony for centuries. Lower Saxony is also an important supplier of crude oil in the European Union. Mineral products still mined today include iron and lignite.
• The coat of arms shows a white horse (Niedersachsenross) on red ground, which is an old symbol of the Saxon people

What was the Lower Saxony historically? A kingdom, a duchy, a free city?

• Was originally a duchy
• It is named after the Saxons
• Originally the region was simply called "Saxony", but as the center of gravity of the Duchy of Saxony gradually moved up the Elbe, towards the present-day states of Saxony-Anhalt and Saxony, the region was given the name of Lower Saxony
• The state was founded in 1946 by the British military administration, who merged the former states of Brunswick,  Oldenburg, and Schaumburg-Lippe with the former Prussian province of Hanover

German Trivia

24 Questions and Answers

German Trivia

Answers

Number 9

Number 7

Number 6

German Trivia

Questions

German Print Media Reviewed

After reviewing newspapers from Germany, I came to the conclusion that their printed media is eerily similar to the news prints here in the states. Their layouts are indistinguishable to me. Their pages are filled with relevant news, both local and global. The newspapers in Germany also contain large amounts of advertisement, similar to the papers here. Although, German print contains a greater use of English words than American papers display of German words. Comparatively though, the two different types of prints contain minimal variations.

My Observations About the Top 20 Radio Stations in Germany

Music is universally relevant, each sound is unique and culturally significant. Germany is not excluded from this, their music is  interesting and reflects their world known status.
    I listened to the top 20 radio stations from Germany, to get an idea of the music preferred by it’s citizens. Some of the highlights were stations such as, the number one station, Black.Beats FM; which played the genre of hip hop music. I listened to the station, but was not especially excited by their music. The songs played were okay, though the genre didn’t appeal to me. On RMNschlagerhoelle, I found the music to be fun to listen to. The Einslive station was one I liked, they were a high energy station. Einslive played modern music and did interesting interviews with celebrities. JUMP was another station which appealed to me. The music played was modern and from various countries. Some of their songs were from English speaking artists, making the music understandable and more relevant to me. Although, I did enjoy the stations played completely in German, even through the language barrier. 
    Germany’s radio stations have variations in many different forms. They are similar to the stations in the states, simply played in a different language. I enjoyed listening to them, and I hope you check them out.

The Bastei Rocks in the Elbe Valley

Located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park are the Bastei Rocks. They are steep fissured sandstone rocks, canyon-like ravines, caves and rock needles constitute, possibly, the most spectacular national park in all of Germany. Formed over hundreds of years by the Elbe washing away the rock face. The cliffs face directly over across the river. The cliffs rise 194 meters above the waterfront.

The landmarks have been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. In 1824 a wooden bridge was built which spanned the rocks, later to be replaced by the current sandstone bridge in 1851. Other attractions in the area include; hiking and rock climbing are two of the biggerst activities associated with the Bastei Rocks.

Boat tours are also popular with tourists visiting the area. You can ride the Elbe river on one of the world's oldest paddle-streamers. The tour takes you from the rocks of Elbesandsteingebrige through the Elbe valley to the historic city of Dresden, which is about 40 km away.

There popular stones within the Bastei Rocks. Such as, the ascent through the 'needle eye' to the stone Pfaffenstein. Fortress Koenigstein could never be conquered by enemies, as it sits within the Bastei Rocks. It is one of the largest castle plants of Europe.

Holstentor Gateway

Popular sights and activities in Luebeck, Germany

Hansestadt Luebeck
Different sights to see, historical buildings:

    Hansestadt Luebeck is most recognized for its 15th century Holstentor gateway. Which presents a fairy tale appearance with its twin spires and lining forests. The gate was constructed during the years of 1464-1478, by Hinrich Helmstede and served as both Luebeck’s defense and a sign of the cities prestige. Inside of this historical monument is the Holstentor Museum, which contains the history of Luebeck’s hanseatic trade links as well as exhibits displaying ship models, suits of armor, weapons, legal instruments, and other articles from Luebeck’s past.
    Encircled by the Trave River, Altstadt (Old town), in Luebeck, stands as a significant symbol of brick stone architecture from the Gothic period. It is a picturesque medieval town characterized by cultural sights, symbolizing the great past of Luebeck as free Hanseatic City. Luebeck contains more than 1000 historical buildings, though, the more familiar buildings within Altstadt include; the 13th century Rathaus (Town Hall), the convent “Burgkolster”,  a particularly well preserved quarter of the late 13th century, Koberg, with St. Johns church and the Hospital of the Heiligen Geist (Holy Spirit).
    Heiligen Geist is Germany’s oldest hospital, built in 1227. The building is known for its four striking octagonal spires and beautiful exterior. Today the building contains eateries and many unusual chambers, which were built to provide the sick with a level of privacy.  During the Christmas holidays, Heiligen Geist Hospital hosts the popular Christmas Market. Heiligen Geist Hospital and other historic buildings of Luebeck’s Altstadt were added to the list of World Heritage in December of 1987.
    Historical buildings and monuments can be found throughout Luebeck, Germany.  The Drehbruecke Bridge is contained within Altstadt, but contrary to the surrounding buildings, it was built at the end of the 19th Century. The bridge links the main harbor areas and features a swing mechanism, allowing large ships access through the waterway. Another significant building in Luebeck is the Stadtbibliothek (city library), dating back to the mid-1920’s. Rich history can be found on nearly every corner of Luebeck’s streets.


Activities and Types of Recreation in Luebeck

Luebeck is dotted with many parks and bike paths giving locals and visitors numerous locations to bicycle, walk, hike, horseback ride, or just enjoy the scenery. These parks often will have football fields, tennis courts and basketball courts.Luebeck is also on the Trave River which offers many water sports and activities. In the summer months locals can go swimming, sailing, kayaking, and fishing in the many bays and ponds around Luebeck.
Luebeck is also near the Baltic Sea and its only a short drive where you can stroll along the beach, surf, or make a sand castle in the white baltic sand.

Aachen Cathedral

Aachen Cathedral

    King Charlemagne (Karl der Grosse in German),  was the first Holy Roman Emperor. In 786 AD he began the construction of his Palatine Chapel (palace chapel). The Palatine Chapel was designed by Odo of Metz, he based his work on the Byzantine church of San Vitale (completed 547 AD) in Ravenna, Italy. This basis gives the Chapel a very eastern feel, with its octagonal shape, striped arches, marble floor, golden mosaics, and ambulatory. After 19 years the Palatine Chapel was consecrated in 805 to serve as the imperial church.
    Charlemagne collected relics throughout his life, which he kept in Aachen Cathedral. Today items he collected still remain in the cathedral, such as; the cloak of the Blessed Virgin, the swaddling-clothes of the infant Jesus, the loin-cloth worn by Christ on the Cross, and the cloth on which lay the head of St. John the Baptist after his beheading.
    During the Middle Ages, the relics attracted swarms of pilgrims from Germany, Austria, Hungary, England, Sweden, and other countries. This onslaught of people created the tradition of showing the four “Great Relics” only every seven years in the 14th century.  This tradition is still practiced, the next viewing will be in 2014.
    Charlemagne died in 814 and was buried in the chapel’s choir. Though, in 1000 AD, Emperor Otto III reopened Charlemagne’s vault. They say his body was remarkable preserved, “seated on a marble throne, dressed in imperial robes, with his crown on his head, the Gospels lying open in his lap, and his scepter in his hand,” (google). 
    In 1168, Emperor Fredrick Barbarossa provided a bronze chandelier to hang over the shrine, it still hangs today. A golden shrine was placed beneath the chandelier in the middle of the octagon and Charlemagne’s bones placed within it.
    Several smaller chapels and vestibule were added to the Palatine Chapel, to manage the increasing pilgrims, in the 15th century. The enlarged Chapel was now known as Aachen Cathedral , also known as Kaiserdom “Imperial Cathedral” of Aachen.
    Aachen Cathedral suffered minor damage through the two World Wars and in 1978 it was the first German site to be added into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Recently, two decades of restoration work was completed in 2006.

Powerpoint project

German Holidays and Celebrations

World Heritage, Germany~ Links

<*> Castles of Augenstusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl
<*> Aachen Cathedral 
<*> Upper middle Rhine Valley 
<*> Wartburg Castle
<*> Speyer Cathedral