Die letzte Gedanken

         Based on the articles that I’ve seen and posted, I’ve seen that the Germanic world is made up of industrious nations. Germany and Switzerland especially are two of the great economic powerhouses in Europe. This is not purely a product of government policy, but also a direct result of an involved citizenry. Much of what I’ve personally read reports on populist movements actively affecting change in their own nations. It is important to those in the Germanic nations to achieve self-sustainability and autonomy, whilst maintaining a strong role in European Union (EU). I’ve learned much about Germanic nations as they are in modern times, which turned out to be valuable knowledge; when I wrote my first blog I realized how completely ignorant I was of Germany with the exception of historical trivia and stereotypes.

            Americans have only recently taken a greater interest in the workings of their nation. This can be seen in the ‘Occupy’ movement as well as the ‘Tea Party’ movement. I think that many Americans would like to see a more self-reliant America; self-reliance is one of the cardinal American virtues. However, the U.S.A. and its citizens are too often over-zealous in their international pursuits, and unwilling to sit on the sidelines. This constant global meddling that has become a patented U.S. trademark has proved impossible to reconcile with domestic pursuits, as obligations over-seas complicate American politics and compromise American autonomy. The German people seem more willing to focus on domestic growth and avoiding international involvement when possible. This has not proved an easy goal during the financial crisis when Germany especially, as the nation with the strongest economy in the EU, has been put upon heavily by its neighbors. The role of benefactor to the EU is not a role most Germans want to play, greater evincing their desire for internal strength.

            The culture of the individual Germanic countries, while certainly tied by the strong bonds of language and other traditions, appear to have their unique flares. The Swiss are a very industrious and autonomous people much like the Germans. The Germans, however, are ever-growing in industrial and economic might. The Swiss seem more concerned with maintaining current standards than constantly striving for newer and better things as the Germans have done. Luxembourg is a small principality and seems interested mostly in self-governance, though it is seen as a neutral ground for much of the EU. I haven’t seen much of anything on Austria’s industry or government.

            On a different note, Austria has a very unique tradition of coffee brewing not found anywhere else in the world. There is some very interesting history here going back to the sixteenth century and the opening of some of the world’s first coffee shops. That was one of the things I learned that I personally found more interesting in the course of blogging.

            Overall I would say that I’ve benefited a great deal from this. I think it’s easy to pigeonhole most any nation based on what you’ve learned in classes or from superficial media forums. Taking a closer look at the goings on in those nations offers a much broader perspective and has the power to educate people on the happening in this very large and complicated world. I think Americans especially could benefit from this kind of thing, since our media tends to be so inwardly focused much of the time.