Before the
physical borders of Germany ever appeared, there was a psychological border
that had a presence. The people who lived in German speaking lands began to
show patriotism and other connecting beliefs that were aimed at a country that
didn’t exist. This idea really flourished during a phase referred to as the Biedermeier, which was a transitional
period between neoclassicism and romanticism, where arts, architecture and
music began to make vast changes (Schulze, 111). This style grew during a
period of economic impoverishment in the early to mid-1800’s. In the field of literature,
derivative writers carried the day and small forms dominated. In relation, one
prominent figure during this era included Heinrich Heine, whose deceptively
simple and melodic verses of captured the hearts of an entire generation.
An example of Biedermeier furniture. It represents the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the Aristocracy.
In Germany (or
what was to become Germany) was similar. In regards to music, many musicians
and composers grew in popularity and talent during this time, such as Albert
Lortzing. Who at this time, was just as popular as the well-known, Ludwig van
Beethoven. Beethoven, who is still considered as one of the best composers
of all time, was known during this time for turning to Haus-Musik, pieces for piano or string quartet and songs that could
be performed at home, and or private gatherings.
Going beyond
the developments of the arts, German unification was spreading. Although there
were no official boundaries or clear borders to Germany, there was already a
definition to the unification: “German Fatherland had as yet no fixed shape. It
was a poetic, historical, and utopian notion, an ideal that in its more earthly
incarnation usually bore the name ‘Prussia.’” Though there was in increase in
reference to “German people” individuals referred to a cultural and linguistic
unity more than anything else and did not begin to imply that many separate
German states would actually be consolidated into one single nation anytime
soon (Schulze, 117).
The years
following 1840 saw a rebirth of German nationalism. The Gymnastics movement (Turnbewegung) spread across Germany with
an accompanying ideology that linked the goal of physical fitness with the
ideas of patriotism and national defense (Schulze 119). A key component of this
national movement was the Gesangverein, which is a chorale society.
Here, umbrella organizations were formed that sponsored the first fanned
nationalistic sentiment. Members not only promoted patriotic theme songs, but
they also gave speeches. During this era, the first pan-German academic
congress took place, which is where individuals stressed the significant link between
scholarship and the idea of nationhood.
“In short, the
German Nation was born in the minds of the intelligentsia, as a cultural
identity without direct ties to politics. It was therefore only logical that
its great heroes were not princes and military leaders as in France and England
but rather a collection of poets and philosophers…”(Schulze, 91). I believe
that the history of the German culture is covered in this single sentence.
While Germany is known for its resilient military force, and the wars it has
part-taken in, it carries good-hearted roots. In that, these roots made it
inevitable for the many kingdoms scattered around what was to become Germany,
to unite and mold one well-distinguished country.
I find this
topic interesting because it shows us that Germany existed before “Germany” was
created. When visiting, I am curious to see how these roots are still visible
in the German culture today, seeing that it has gone through a tremendous
amount of cultural, social, and political change. While visiting, I am really
looking forward to having the opportunity to talk to locals in regards to their
rich, cultural history.
