![]() ![]() “Made in Germany” is widely seen as a mark of excellence.īerlin, Germany: Throngs of people celebrate at the Brandenburg Gate on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall (Nov. Its brands-Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche, BMW, Puma, Bayer, T-Mobile, DHL-span the world. The world’s second-largest exporter, the country generates an annual trade surplus of $200 billion. Germans once again take pride in their country and its successes: Germany is the fifth largest economy in the world by GDP and the largest in Europe. These nationalistic expressions demonstrate that the guilt associated with the country’s checkered past continues to dissipate and a sense of unity is emerging in its place. Patriotism resurged later that year at the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and again in 2010 when Germany became one of the final four teams in the South Africa World Cup. In 2009, during the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany, which formed after World War II, thousands flocked to the Brandenburg Gate, waving flags in support of their homeland. Will Germany ever be able to escape its past? Unexpected Position After all, with its history mired in conflict, some fear a revival of the aggressive characteristics that have repeatedly led it into wars-often with devastating consequences-will quietly re-emerge and take its citizens by surprise. Yet as national pride surges, some Germans are apprehensive about where this mindset will lead. The Holocaust was generations ago, they think. ![]() Younger generations, having never experienced the country’s more severe side, are optimistic about the future, adamant that their newfound sense of self-worth could never spark aggressive patriotism. An assertive and confident Germany is boldly speaking on the world stage-and others are looking to it for support. Its authors are celebrated, German songs are gaining popularity on the airwaves-and its economy is thriving as other nations struggle. Such a display of German patriotism would have been uncommon just a few decades ago, a time when flag-waving and chanting would have been viewed as potential birth pangs of war.Īfter decades of feeling ashamed of the past, Germans are slowly beginning to take pride in their history and long list of achievements. Pride filled the air, radiating from the faces of joyful fans singing the Deutschland national anthem. Subscribe NowĪs Germany marched into the semifinals at the 2010 World Cup, the country’s colors-black, gold and red-flooded the stadium. Subscribe to the Real Truth for FREE news and analysis. ![]()
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