Integrating into Europe: Germany's societal shift after World War II

Author: Xin Qiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany launched World War II. In May 1945, Germany announced its surrender, and the war against fascism was victorious. On December 10, 1971, Chancellor Willy Brandt of West Germany was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Germany was no longer seen as a threat of war but as a guardian of peace. In 1990, with the end of the Cold War, the divided Germany achieved reunification peacefully, earning the respect and trust of the world. In less than half a century, the former global pariah had become a messenger of peace. Such a monumental change—what was the reason behind it? This is the question the author seeks to answer by analyzing a vast amount of data and historical records.