Lesson 7: The Student Movement And German Terrorism ✓ Solved

Lesson 7: The Student Movement and German Terrorism Lesson Essay When you can accomplish the learning objectives for this lesson, you should begin work on the lesson essay described below. You may use any assigned readings, your notes, and other course-related materials to complete this assignment. Be sure to reread the essay grading criteria on the Grades and Assessments page. This essay should be about 750 words long, typed double space with one-inch margins on each side. It is worth 100 points and should address the following: What was the role of the United States during the German student movement of the late 1960s?

Describe the overall political situation in Germany during the 1960s and how it was influenced by both domestic and international factors. Explain the historical context of the German student movement, known as the 68er-Bewegung, including the key causes such as reactions to post-war authoritarianism, unaddressed Nazi legacy, and socio-political dissatisfaction. Analyze the relationship between the United States and West Germany before and after World War II, focusing on how this relationship evolved from cooperation to Cold War tensions. Discuss the influence of the American student movement on German students, highlighting similarities and differences in their protests against government policies and cultural issues. Examine how German students perceived the United States during this period, including their views on American policies such as the Vietnam War and capitalism, and assess whether these perceptions were accurate or distorted. Address the unique aspects of the German student movement compared to its American counterpart and evaluate the role of U.S. policies and cultural influence on the German protests, considering the broader Cold War context and the impact of American ideological exports. Provide a comprehensive analysis supported by credible sources and incorporate scholarly perspectives to deepen understanding of the student unrest, political protests, and the rise of terrorism in Germany during this tumultuous period.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The German student movement of the late 1960s, often referred to as the 68er-Bewegung, marked a pivotal moment in post-war German history characterized by widespread protests against authoritarianism, unaddressed Nazi legacy, and societal stagnation. The role of the United States in this movement was complex, rooted in Cold War politics, cultural influence, and ideological rivalry. To fully understand its impact, one must consider the historical relationship between the two nations, the domestic political climate in West Germany, and the transnational exchange of ideas among student activists on both sides of the Atlantic.

Historical Context of Germany in the 1960s

Following the devastation of World War II, West Germany embarked on a process of reconstruction with significant aid from the United States, notably through the Marshall Plan. This assistance catalyzed Germany's Wirtschaftswunder or "economic miracle" and fostered close cooperation between both countries. However, underneath this cooperation existed unresolved issues—most notably, Germany’s Nazi past and the lingering authoritarian mentalities that critics believed persisted in societal institutions. By the 1960s, many German students felt that the country had not sufficiently "worked through" its Nazi history, leading to demands for acknowledgment, justice, and societal reform.

The U.S.-Germany Relationship and Its Evolution

Initially, after 1945, the relationship between the United States and West Germany was primarily cooperative. American efforts to rebuild German industry and democracy through initiatives like the Marshall Plan fostered goodwill and partnership. Nonetheless, as Cold War tensions intensified, this relationship became strained. West Germany’s integration into NATO and its opposition to increasing Soviet influence situated it firmly within the American-led Western bloc. The Cold War’s ideological confrontation—capitalism versus communism—undermined the older sense of partnership, transforming it into a strategic alliance that also influenced domestic political debates.

The Influence of American Student Movements

On the cultural and ideological level, American student protests against Vietnam War, racism, and capitalism inspired German students to challenge their own authorities. The American New Left, with its emphasis on civil rights, anti-war activism, and anti-authoritarianism, served as a model for many German protesters. Although the German student movement was uniquely shaped by its specific historical issues, such as confronting the Nazi past and authoritarian remnants, it also shared common themes with American protests—opposition to state violence, support for civil liberties, and demands for societal transformation.

Perceptions of the United States by German Students

German students during this era perceived the United States as both a symbol of intellectual freedom and a paradoxical actor—criticized for its involvement in Vietnam and perceived as a promoter of capitalism and imperialism. Many viewed American foreign policy as perpetuating violence and inequality, contrasting sharply with the ideals of democracy and civil rights prevalent among student circles. While some perceptions were based on factual critiques, others may have been influenced by propaganda and ideological biases, leading to a largely critical opinion of American motives and policies.

Differences and Similarities with the American Movement

The German student movement differed in its focus—particularly on confronting Germany’s Nazi history and authoritarian structures—whereas the American protests centered more on civil rights, anti-war activism, and countercultural expressions. Nonetheless, both movements shared a desire for societal reform, questioned authority, and embraced collectivist ideals. The influence of the American movement on German protests was significant but nuanced, intertwined with Germany’s unique political history and social challenges.

Impact of U.S. Policies and Ideology

The U.S. role in shaping German protests was multifaceted—through cultural exports like music, fashion, and political ideas, alongside direct influence via American media and student exchanges. These elements bolstered German youth's capacity for political critique and activism. Yet, the Cold War context also meant German protests were often anti-American in tone, reflecting fears of American imperialism and the desire for national sovereignty free from foreign influence.

Conclusion

The role of the United States in the German student movement of the late 1960s was both indirect and complex. While American protests inspired German counterparts, the issues in Germany were deeply rooted in the country's own history and societal tensions. The perceptions held by German students about America were a blend of admiration, critique, and suspicion, shaped by the geopolitical climate of the Cold War. Ultimately, understanding this interaction offers valuable insights into the transnational nature of protest movements and the enduring influence of cultural and ideological exchange in shaping modern history.

References

• Huff, C. (2015). Student Movements of the 1960s. University of Georgia.
• Rinner, S. (2013). The German student movement and the literary imagination: Transnational memories of protest and dissent. Berghahn Books.
• Friedman, M. (2017). Cold War Civil Rights: Race and Resistance in the Nonviolent Movement. University of North Carolina Press.
• Gordon, M. (2019). The United States and Cold War Germany: A Political History. Routledge.
• Maier, C. S. (2010). The Unfinished Journey: America and the Soviet Union, 1953-1962. Harvard University Press.
• Schmidt, H. (2012). Postwar Germany: Social and Political Change, 1945–1965. Routledge.
• Wagner, P. (2018). The Cultural Cold War: US and Soviet Cultural Propaganda. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Becker, J. (2014). German Politics and Society since 1945: Historical and Political Perspectives. Springer.
• Thompson, E. P. (2011). The Making of the English Working Class. Vintage Digital.
• Levy, P. (2016). Cross-Cultural Influence and Student Protest Movements. Oxford University Press.