Blog 4 - favorite thing in Berlin

Blog 4


In the United States, palaces are hard to come by. I loved Charlottenburg, it felt like something out of a story to me. The gardens, the water, and beautiful rooms took my breath away. A few times I was a little taken back; some of the design concepts were beyond me. Especially the room with thousands of dishes, too much gold, and a deer!

Charlottenburg, the largest palace in all of Berlin, is vast. The formal gardens alone are so large that one could easily get lost in them. The property follows along a picturesque river side, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a picnic or sit and read.

Charlottenburg is a palace built for Sophie Charlotte, the wife of Friedrich III. The expert at the palace explained that Sophie sought refuge in this palace from her husband, whom was only invited rarely for company because she did not like him so much. Only for procreation purposes was he invited. But, today from our Bike tour guide in Potsdam, another very different story was told. According to his sources, Friedrich was thought to have been a homosexual and therefore did not want to spend time with her. Which ever is true, it makes for an interesting story.

From her drawing rooms filled with books and the gardens which could inspire deep thoughts, Sophie is thought to have been very bright. She was a disciple of Gottfried Leibniz, a man who was considered at that time to be well educated and who invented calculus independently of Newton. I wish I was in the position to have great deep conversations with exceptionally intelligent people, just like she had.

I often think about how hard it might be to do excursions if a bilingual person was not with us. But then again, I don’t think that language (at least for those speaking English) is an insurmountable obstacle. I, with relative easy, can use the public transportation confidently and understand where I am and how to get to a destination.

When I traveled to Charlottenburg I went with a small group of 5 or so students, none really speaking much German. When we got out of the station onto the road, I asked a police man “Hullo, sprechen Englisch?” He said “nine”. I just asked “Bitte, Charlottenburg palace?” and he smiled and made hand gestures that I understood and after a “Danke” we found the palace easily. Even though we didn’t speak the same language, he and most others are more than willing to help.

I don’t feel that speaking German is crucial to getting along in this city. No doubt, knowing the language would expand my horizons and help me to understand things more fully. I would come again in a heat beat, even without knowing German. Just by being polite, saying please and thank you, you can far.

Alone in Berlin

Blog 2


Alone in Berlin


It’s amazing to me just how much one city can undergo in only a century. Within 100 years Germany (specifically East Berlin) has seen a monarchy, democracy, dictatorship, and communism. That’s quite a lot of history, and Germany bares reminisces of all of them. While exploring Berlin, I stumbled upon a statue of Karl Marx. It struck me as odd, seeing this figure head in the middle of an intersection in the sprawling greater Alexanderplatz area. Just north of the Strausbergerplatz U outlet, this statue isn’t hard to miss yet it represents a vital part of East Berlin’s history.
This figure head was located next to a large round-a-bout, in a small park. After jotting down some information about the statue, I sat on the grass and read. It was a peaceful and beautiful oasis in a large city. I love these little spots where one can almost escape the bustling of a city. But, as talked about in previous blogs, Germany’s history is nearly never out of sight. I picked this statue just for that reason; the monuments and museums around Berlin create a kind of quilt of all different historical periods in Germany’s history, with communism seeming the most unusual to me.
Born in Trier in the year 1818, Marx was a revolutionary communist. It’s fascinating to think that there could be a Karl Marx statue in a country once under the Nazi choke hold, where communists were among the very first groups of people persecuted. No doubt, this is evidence of East Berlin’s occupation by the communist Soviet Republic. Just imagine, what would Hitler possibly think of the successor of his prized Aryan homeland being a communist state?
Another aspect of being alone in Berlin is how it felt to be alone. I wouldn’t say I’m paranoid, but I don’t like to be alone somewhere that I’m not totally familiar with. Not knowing much, if any, German makes me a little unsure about my own abilities to navigate this city. The first time I went to do my alone in Berlin, I cheated. I brought someone along because I didn’t feel safe. When we got back, I realized that I missed out on feeling independent and using my own wits. So I gave it another chance, this time on my own. I went to Alexanderplatz and walked around, just looking for something unusual. Before I knew it, I was far away from where I started, staring at this statue.
I am very glad that I did this project correctly, because now I feel so much more confident and assured that I can take care of myself. I don’t spend a lot of time in cities and it feels nice to be able to rely on myself for a change and not to look for others to help me.

Hey everyone
Just saying Hi. This weekend has been a nice quite one. Friday we just lingered at the hostel and around town, Saturday we went to Madame toiusoi's house of wax (v. cool), and yesterday we went to Wannsee to go the Beach. It was a great weekend, and I got a lot of reading done and all caught u with papers. In fact I am ahead in my readings.. haha I know I am a loser. I just got woken up by the cleaning staff... at 10! Ah now I can't fall back aslee, but its best to be productive I suppose. I don't feel so great, its a cold I think. Sore, raspy throat, runny nose and lots of coughing and stuffed up ears. Who knows, hoefully I will feel better before the flight home.

Blog #3

Blog # 3

How does the position of Chancellor compare to the US President?

There are many differences between the role of the US president and that of the German Chancellor. Although the United States had a lot of influence of the way that post WW2 was constructed, these two roles different in two major ways. The role of these two positions and also the election process make these positions very different.

In the United States, the President functions as the head of state and head of government. In contrast, the German Chancellor is only the head of government. The second role, that of Head of state, is reserved for the mostly symbolic position of German President.

I believe that the most fundamental difference between the two roles is the way that they reach their posts. In the United States, the President is elected through the Electoral College. This process begins with the citizens of each state casting their vote for their nominee. Although it’s not a direct election as some citizens think, generally, if the winning party for the state gets all the allocated electoral votes (the number of House of Representatives plus two more for senators).

The road to the chancellorship is very different. In Germany, people do not vote for their Chancellor, instead for the party. It’s a system of a dual voting, for a local representative and party. The party in control of the Bundestag, that with the most votes, chooses the chancellor. It’s usually well known who the party will select before the election takes place. It’s a fairer system in my eyes because party platforms and issue positions take precedent before personalities of candidates. Because the Chancellor does not get voted in by the public, he or she can not claim to be a direct choice ruler by the public like many US Presidents claim to be.

It’s vital to note coalitions and the number of parties that influence these two governments. In the United States there are two major parties, but really there are no viable options beyond these two. The third parties or independents have very little if any chance to make a dent in the polls. In Germany, although there are major parties, the minor ones can hold a lot of weight. Coalitions are frequently formed to combine parties to insure a majority of the bundestag, since no party at this time form a majority on its own. For instance the CDU/CSU-SPD has formed a union to insure that legislation can be passed. This creates a lot of negation between two different ideological parties to agree on positions. Smaller parties could also theoretically form together to create a majority. There is a lot more cooperation taking place in the German Bundestag then there is in the US Congress.

This leads into how legislation is formed and ratified. In the US it is a bottom up process where congress presents bills to the President. On the other hand, the Chancellors cabinet creates legislation then passes it down to the legislature to vote on. It first reaches the Bundestat then when things are ironed out there, it goes to the Bundestag. Once the bill goes to the Bundestag it will mostly likely pass there because if the chancellor (who was directly appointed by the major party in the Bundestag) had her cabinet write the legislation, the majority will vote in accordance.

As you can see, the Executive Brach in the US is much more independent of the legislature. The German chancellor, directly chosen from the majority in the Bundestag is very much involved in the congress and its standing. There is no way that the Chancellor’s party, therefore can be different than that of the majority party in the Bundestag.

Although these two governments have different roles for their Executive branch, it seems that the German is the updated form of the US.

Hey everyone!
I am having a great week here in Berlin. Its crazy to think we only really have one more week here. I saw Barack Obama today - how exciting! I have seen him in Oshkosh, Iowa, Berlin and will see him in Denver! We started a new book yesterday, which I really like. Its called "a problem from hell" by Power. Its a good read, more like a novel then a text book of some sort.
I am getting sick I think. I have a stuffed up nose and my throat hurts, but its nice that I can have a long weekend to do school work and not exert my self too much with traveling and not feeling well at the same time.
Yesterday we went to the Laundry mat. Thank god. It was getting bad. Now with clean cloths and a new appreciation for Berlin (in contrast to prague :) ) I am having an awesome time.
Today before the speech we went to a concentation camp right out side of Berlin. Its so scarey to be in a room and almost feel the presense of all those souls that have died there. In some ways I look at it as a blessing that the evidence of camps still exsist, so that they can remain like a reminder to the future generations that might otherwise just forget.
I pray that never happens.
Amy

Amy Gearhart
Special Studies Berlin
7/23/08
Persuasive Essay


List some ways that prove or disprove the notion that Hitler was hypersensitive in his desire to accommodate the Aryan Germans and to keep their approval.

Adolph Hitler was a leader dedicated to achieving, and later keeping, high public approval rates among his Aryan German people. One reason often given for the collapse of German power in WW1, especially in Hitler’s vantage point, was the lack of support back home. In the many cases that I will discuss, Hitler made a very distinct effort to ease the ‘Aryan’ Germans into his goal for the expansion of Germany’s territory and its purification of race. Details of the Kristallnacht pogrom, concentration camps and the relocating of wealth all support this claim.
Kristallnact, or English “the night of broken glass”, displayed the Nazi’s true force to many of its citizens that hadn’t witnessed it before. When a young Jewish man’s parents were killed, he retaliated by storming into a German embassy in Paris and shooting an officer. As a reprisal the propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels incited the German public in such a way that “unleashed the hatred of Stormtroopers and other Nazi activists” against Jews all over Germany (Bergen, 2003). Many Jewish businesses and residential areas were hit hard, hard enough that it was very much a display that citizens couldn’t ignore. According to Bergner, “certainly the German public as a whole was less enthusiastic about Kristallnact than the pogrom’s instigators had hoped” (2003). Although there wasn’t an outright objection from the public, it was obvious that the noise and disorder was not appreciated. Even this subtle dislike for the pogrom was noticed and taken into consideration. It is no coincidence that this subtle dislike by the German population would steer the Nazi’s towards a policy of less open displays of violence for unwilling ‘Aryans’ in Germany and Germanic Austria.
This point ties into the way concentration camps were monitored and operated. From the ways that inmates reached the camps to the way the bodies were disposed, public approval and sensitivity was nearly always considered, especially in Germany and Germanic areas. The public did not have to try hard to realize that things might be going on that they did not know fully about. On the other hand though, many citizens that did not search for answers could ignore what was happening. One such instance of this is how certain concentration camps would import detainees by train. Where they would get off, Nazi’s would build a friendly looking fake train station, accessorized even with flower beds. Yes, this also helped to keep the prisoner’s calm but it also had an effect on local communities. To the public this didn’t seem like an ominous stop for Jews and other exiles on their way to death and despair. Often members of the inhabited areas around concentration camps would complain of the foul stench of death that exuded from within compounds. According to Bergen, “by the spring and summer of 1942, the area around Chelmno was filled with the stench of rotting bodies. German officials ordered ovens brought in so that the mass graves could be opened and bodies exhumed and burned” (2003). This particular camp had a mass grave dug up to have the bodies burned, to try to relieve the annoyed public of the horrible and distinct odor accompanied by rotting flesh. Hitler did not want to give the Aryan Germans cause to not support his war, even minimal ones. Hitler’s positioning of thousands of concentration camps also was an example of how he wanted to the general German population to not have to face the unpleasant truth that went on. There was virtually never a concentration camp located in the residential heart of Berlin or other Germanic areas where Aryan’s were populated. Instead victims were removed out of sight. Hitler realized that the general population wouldn’t want to see the display everyday; instead the sense of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ was used. If people only experience the plus sides of the war and policies without too much of the bad, it might a lot more support and approval.
Another way to appease the general population was for Hitler to keep them happy and to develop something that would keep people wanting more advances of the race and space goals. When Jewish homes, for instance, were forcefully vacated many individuals broke into those properties and stole things, or the government would sell the acquired goods for a drastically cheapened price. Especially when the expanse of the German military pushed eastward many ethnic groups were kicked out of their homes, leaving them open, only for peoples considered Germanic, to move in. Hitler wanted to find ways of making his people comfortable and approving of his actions. Certainly, if citizens objected about things going for sale Nazi troops would have bored them up or left the goods inside. Hitler was sensitive to the wishes that his people had. Always wanting their full support, he would find ways to encourage it.
Hitler employed a tactic that most defiantly helped his mission by obtaining and keeping public support. From his policies and (skewed) legal justification, Hitler knew how to keep his ‘special race’ happy. His policy of not reprimanding an officer who didn’t want to have anything to do with mass killings (while just relocating him) only helped him stay a ‘loved’ or at least respected leader for many Germans. Hitler was extremely sensitive to his people’s desires and attitudes, helping him to achieve all that he did.













Works Cited

Bergen, Doris L. War and Genocide: A Concise History of the Holocaust. Maryland: Rowman & Litterfield Publishers, 2003.

Blog #1
Just from walking the streets of Berlin one thing cannot be missed; this city presents its history and stories everywhere you look. Germany has had a dark history that cannot and should not be ignored. Only through recognition and explanation of the past, does the future have the chance to learn its lesson. Well this is the idea isn’t it; so why haven’t I experienced this sort of open book approach to history in the United States?
Growing up in rural America, in a small farm community in Wisconsin, history isn’t presented the way it is here. Education is one major factor concerning how different these two nations memorialize and express history. At home, my little brother doesn’t know the dates of the wars that Americans has fought it or even names of major battles. Although there are classes in grade school on American History, largely it is the highlights and victories that are focused on. I never once was taught the major blunders and reasons for America’s withdrawal from Vietnam. But I would suspect that here in Berlin, it would be nearly impossible to ignore or be oblivious to the facts so openly displayed all around.
It’s rare to see statues or monuments commemorating our troops or fallen citizens where I am from. Perhaps cities of great importance, especially Washington D.C. maybe different, but since I have never been to that city I wouldn’t know. Even the more rare is to see are monuments dedicated to those people or nations that American’s actions or policies have hurt in someway.
We haven’t had major overthrows of the government since the days of the American Revolution in 1776 and I wouldn’t say that in the North or Yankee states it is much talked about. America, while being a relatively young state in comparison, hasn’t had the same repressive history of governmental or radical control. Even for that matter, The United States hasn’t had as many battles or rulers – our culture and history simply isn’t as deep root and rich.
Although no military is perfect, and America is certainly no exception, American citizens have not had to bare the public guilt and shame of its leaders actions in the sorts of ways that the Germans had and in some ways still do. I can’t look back in my history and say there is a president that I have literally ‘hated’ or would have made me or any other generation fear for their lives. Yes the Vietnam War wasn’t largely supported at home, but at least there were thousands of people that very publicly stood up to the Administration and didn’t stand by without a fight. In Germany the atmosphere was so different that the hippie lead protests of Vietnam would not have been able to occur since the concept of free speech was squashed under the Their Reich. This is just another indicator of how different our societies are.
There undoubtedly were Germans who didn’t support the activities of Hitler, many of which recognized in history, yet the shame that Germans have felt was because of their strong ability to look away or even condone the Third Reict’s actions. In Doris L. Bergen’s account of German Nazi History, in A Conscious History of the Holocaust “it was as if Hitler and Goebbels were taunting the German public with its complexity – we Germans are all in this together, they insisted, and all of us will have to pay the price if we surrender.” It’s as if the Nazi’s purposely tried to make the general public also liable for their actions, or even their inactions in some cases. When American troops quarantined thousands of Japanese citizens during WW1 on the West Coast, little if any attention has been given to this in my classes. It’s more of just a general “this is what happened” not “you have to bear the guilt of previous actions”.
Although in the city of Berlin there are major constructions and renovations underway, the city still bears the scares as a constant reminder of its devastatingly brutal and unforgiving history. In stark contrast America has never had to show bear its defeats for everyone to see, save only for September 11th reminders.

Amy

Second day in Prague,

This beautiful city, with all its palaces and bridges, just isn't cutting it for me.  I miss the relative ease of public transportation in Berlin and having at least some idea of where I am and how to ask for help.  But I am trying to make the best of it.  Today the four of us went to a GREAT bagel shop.  It has definately been the highlight of this trip.  I had soup and, you guessed it, a bagel.  The other three got burgers.  It wasn't expensive and it was delicious and filling. While my fellow world travelers are napping, I am talking to you.  Hopefully we find something fun to do.  This hostel that we are staying at is appauling.  We have no soap, weren't given toilet paper, have no tv and there are bugs everywhere (which is really our faults I suppose because we open the window which has no screen).  There are bars on the lights and window and I feel like I am prison since our bunk beds are metal also.  But what can you do?

I am off to explore... once these guys wake up!

Hey all! Just got to ...Prague! I am so excited to be here, even though the road to get here wasn't exactly easy. Its hard trying to blend and mesh personalities completely - it doesn't work, especially when there are a bunch of girls involved - and poor lonely Lukas. Haha he can learn. So I am not exactly sure what we are going to do here but I would love to see the country side of this beautiful country, which I got a sneak peek of from the train. I am experiencing my travels in a completely different way then I have before, having just learned about its WW2 history.
Times running out on my internet card!
Loves

First few days...

Hey

Today is only my second full day here in Berlin.  I am beginning to love this city!  I have never felt so comfortable and safe in a city before, even one like Kenosha or Chicago that I know fairly well.  The public transportation is fantastic - it so CONVENIENT.  In my mind today on the train I tried to compare it to the bus that goes from UWO to Wal-Mart: not a fair comparison.  First of all, these trains and buses are so frequent.  I think the most I ever waited was no more than 6 or 8 minuets.  For not speaking German, it was so obvious and fairly bi-lingual.  And the best thing is that the hours go to 1 am or something, then are less frequent but continue on after that.

 

Yesterday we did a scavenger hunt for our class.  Initially it seemed a little overwhelming to be set loose in the city with 2 or 3 other students to find all these different monuments and sites in both east and West Berlin.  But as soon as you get the hang of things it so simple and I felt completely safe. I am glad we had that task.... oh and I am pretty sure my group won! That’s always a plus. 

 

This is the first time I have left the country without my parents.  I was pretty frightened to be honest.  I don't want to seem very sheltered, but I am 18 and haven't lived on my own apartment or anything so I don't really know how to be all that independent except for dorm life. 

I'm not such a fan of our housing though.  It’s not the size of the (ridiculously) small room, it just that I feel that the OIE didn't handle things well. By email we were told less than a week ahead of time that our hostel was switched for whatever reason.  It just seems so disorganized and there have been issues with charging students for extra expenses and other issues.  I wouldn't recommend going through Oshkosh, instead try using a privet company that knows what they are doing.  We are having issues with Internet access and it’s just very frustrating. I love my roomie so that’s good at least!! 

 

Today we went to Berliner Dome.  It was an amazing protestant church that has gone through so much.  I have no idea how many times it has had to be renovated.  Hitler wanted to tear it down, but didn't get a chance to do it after the war (because he lost obviously) but it was on his agenda.  We were able to walk around the dome (very very high up) and see some amazing sites. 

 

Just a little note on the people.

The vast majority of people here seem so stylish and healthy.  I have seen so very few even slightly heavy people (except of course for some old beer-gutted men) and I feel like an ogre in comparison.  The styles are unusual.  Very grungy at times, and very unusual layering.  My most ambitious outfit looks very plain in comparison.  I wouldn't really classify Germans in general as friendly.  When I walk down the sidewalk or something, I try to give a faint smile to some people, but one has never been returned.  I guess that they generally are a lot more reserved then we are; keeping to themselves and parties more. 

 

Word of warning: Watch out for bikes!! (they dont necessarily watch out for you!)