Prussia Through Time

Over the hundreds of years that we as a class have studied Prussia, it has evolved into a strong and stable country within Europe. As a whole, Prussia went through wars, arguments and very troublesome years yet in the end, Prussia was able to stand against of the tradegy through Europe. During the time of World War I, Prussia was in a very difficult place within Europe, that many people had to escape the country to save their lives. Prussia has not only grown politically but also economically and socially. Becoming their own independent country, it has evolved into a strong standing country with great success.

Prussia during 1985

Dear Journal,
During this time Gorbachev of the Soviet Union is forming dictatorship of reform. He intends to start a revolution against communism. Germany has become unified and ended the Cold War which took place just last year in 1990. The Paris Accord, brought 25 Europeans countries together. I was able to go and attend the meeting. Within the meeting they discussed the United States becoming a world superpower. Europe is finally coming together and forming equal rights for all citizens. Yet, each country still maintains their own opinions on certain wars and treaties. Immigration is starting to grow within Europe. Many from Africa and Asia are coming over to us and looking for jobs and work. They want to get away from all of the corruption and war going on in such places as Afghanistan. Much is being created and formed rapidly through Europe lately.
Until soon

Prussia and WWII

During World War II Prussia went through many changes. For example, during World War II, Hitler formally became the governor of Prussia. Prussia also gaind lands and territories during World War II. The Prussian lands that were transferred to Poland after the Treaty of Versailles, were re-annexed during World War II. Unfortunatly, most of this territory was not given back to Prussia but given to Nazi Germany. When Germany was divided into occupations zones part of east Prussia was divided. In the Western Zones of occupation the former Prussian territories were divided up among North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Schleswig-Holstein. The northeastern part of East Prussia was annexed by the USSR, and the remainder was put under Polish administration.

Germany's (Prussia's) Involvement in the Cold War (Ch. 30)

Well, as you know by now, Prussia is now Germany. And following our defeat in World War II and the emergence of the Cold War, Germany has split, symbolizing the division between the east and west. Ever since World War II has ended, us Germans have endured great hostility from other countries. I have heard person accounts of German soldiers having relations w with foreign women from enemy countries like Norway. The product of these affairs, the innocent children, are the ones who are taking the hit for their German fathers. In countries such as Denmark, people are boycotting all things German, showing their hatred in the abuse of German refugees. During last year, 1945, alone 7000 German children under the age of 5 died as a result of being denied sufficient food and denied medical attention by Danish doctors who refused to be viewed as traitors by aiding Germans. How can they be so heartless? How do they not realize that more German refugees are dying in Danish camps than Danes did during the entire war? When will the persecution stop? I suppose I sound utterly hypocritical for the persecution we have forced on other people.

Bismark Ruler of Prussia (Chapter 26)

Dear Journal,


The West of the World has come to much disaster! Through Europe, countries have been fighting with each other over land. The people of Europe are starting to migrate and move away from the catastrophes. Many craftsmen are sailing to the U.S. due to the modern industrialization and technology. Imperialism has been growing significantly due to the nationalism within countries. We Prussia, have worked together and stayed together. As rule I see what is best for the people of Prussia and what they want. I will not let any single human be in any kind of danger during this crazy time.

Until next time,
Your Loyal Leader

Prussia's Involvement in World War I (Chapter 27)

Dear Journal,

As you know by now, Prussia is no longer its own country. After the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, we became one unified German nation under King William I of Prussia. Under Bismark, we Prussians are dominating the new empire and are the leading state in the German Empire. Because we are a German state, we are forced to accept all German military alliances, making us a part of the Central Powers. We have obtained Alsace-Lorraine from France and our power as an imperialistic country is growing.

Until next time,
Weinershnitzel

Otto von Bismark's Journal (chapter 25)

Dear journal,

Finally the Austro-Prussian war has ended! Although it was a short war, only seven weeks, it was extremely successful. I began this war because I wanted Prussia to control the northern part of Germany. This meant I had to expel Austria from German affairs. I knew after Austria and our joint victory over Denmark Austria had to see things my way or there would be war. Then finally, after neutralizing Russia and France the war began. By utilizing railroads to mass troops and the breechloadng needle gun, we defeated Austria at the Battle of Sadowa. Then, after a generous offer on my part, Austria agreed to withdraw from German affairs. Although Austria did not have to pay reparations, nor give us land, I believe we received something much more important. The success of Prussia in this war will lead to my fundamental goal, to expand Prussia.
I am thrilled we have won this war and know that Prussia has much expansion in its future. It has been a long day journal. I went to the pub and drank heavily, and so I leave you with these words, "The great questions of the day will not be decided by speeches and resolutions, but by blood and iron."

Sincerely,
Otto Von Bismark “master of politics”

Child Rearing

Dear Journal

My mother has just had a baby. My new little brother's name is William. He is very cute but my mother can hardly look at him. She said that there is a good chance baby William will not live very long and she does not want to get attached. Strangely my mother has been feeding the baby herself. When i was a baby i was fed by a wet nurse. She said he will have a better chance of living if she feeds him. Even though she does not want to grow fond of him too fast i can tell she already loves him just like she loves me now. I would love to have a big family but my mom said if William gets strong and healthy it will just be me and him as far as children go. She said having less children will provide our small family with more financial support. I guess so since Mother has promised me violin lessons this summer. I am very excited.

Sincerely,
Alice

Life in Prussia is changing as big cities grow

Dear Journal,
As a member of the working class in Prussia, the divide between the classes is most apparent to me. I am a domestic servant to an aristocratic family- the richer are getting more money and the poor are becoming poorer. It seems any money we do get my husband drinks away at the pub with his friends. We don't even have time for church anymore- no one seems to besides the wealthy. Although I cannot leave my job yet, a few of my friends have chosen to stay at home and be wives and mothers. Oh how I envy them. I worry constantly about my husbands whereabouts, it seems the prostitutes love him, or the other way around. Although I have no rights to speak up, it devestates me to know that there is an illegitimate child out there that belongs to him. I only hope the work of the feminist activists prevails. I can't live this life much longer.

Best,
Anne

Dear Journal,
Having just restored the French boundaries and the Bourdon Dynasty, we Prussia have finally come to a balance of power amongst Russia, Austria and Great Britain. We are now currently looking out against France and created a kingdom out of Belgium and Holland. A conflict is beginning to form because we want control of all Saxony and only received two-fifths. Being a woman during this time, I am able to see the outside picture and the large conflicts amongst the countries. Having not much freedom to speak, we as women and householders are beginning to form our own point of view. Fighting and campaigning for more rights everyday, such as equal education and work for us, is taking place. Still to this day we are not capable of owning any property. We do have control of how money is spent within our families and household decisions. I have a strong love and care for children and only want the best for them.
Fondly,
Lilly – of an aristocratic family living in Prussia.

Prussia Peasent Working Conditions

Since this new intellectual era, there is a sudden period of urbanization that is occuring. This growth has provided me with many new working opportunities. Even though I am working in a factory, I am getting much better pay and rights that are a huge difference from the past. During the past I was very low on the social ladder, but I am climbing it quickly. The only draw back is that the environment is getting trashed and my health is slowing being depleated. Mabye some laws can be past to help that.
-Prussian Peasent

Austria's feelings towards Prussia during the Congress of Vienna

Austria entered into the Congress of Vienna worried about the Russian influence on Prussia and King Frederick III. Austria and Prussia maintained a good working relationship through the Congress of Vienna. With Prussia’s win of the Kingdom of Saxony, Metternich feared an unbalance of power, so Austria and Britain signed a secret alliance. To avoid war Prussia compromised and took only part of Saxony. In 1815 Austria, Prussia and Russia formed the Holy Alliance. The policies Metternich proposed to battle against liberal political change at this time, dominated not only in Austria but the German Confederation, which includes Prussia.

Prussia's Relationship with Austria during the Congress of Vienna

At the Congress of Vienna the Great Powers of Austria, Britain, Prussia, Russia and France gathered to restore the balance of power. Together Prussia and Austria did very well in the Congress of Vienna with there gains in Saxony and Italy. Austria and Prussia had a good working relationship. When the Kingdom of Saxony was rewarded to Prussia, Metternich feared an unbalance of power. Austria and France signed a secret alliance directed against Russia and Prussia. The threat of war caused Russia and Prussia to moderate their demands. Thus, Prussia only took part of the Saxony Kingdom. However, the balance of power was more equal and enabled France to become a Great Power.

Prussia Has Final Defeat Over Napoleonic France in the Congress of Vienna!

Prussia has succeeded in regaining lands taken by Napoleon! Justice was served at the Congress of Vienna and Prussia has been awarded our lands again. Napoleon's wrongdoings as an egotistical imperialistic dictator were finally put to rest as the Congress voted that Prussia get our lands back. We can again work towards victory in becoming a world power. Land equals money equals power- take that Napoleon! I feel a sense of not only pride, but of overall tranquility in that justice has been served and France has been fairly punished. The regaining of our lands leaves me feeling assured that we can rise to great power and gain even more territory.

Results from the Congress of Viena

Ah, alas Prussia has gotten it's land back. What Napoleon took from us, is now back in our hands. With these land gains, our economy should once again regain its footing. Also, Prussia has once again been divided into 10 providence and as a member of the nobility, I will regain my position of power in one of the providences. Even though we have had to forfeit some land to Poland, I am happy with the results of the Congress of Viena. As long as Napoleon is done terrorizing Europe, I am happy.

Prussian Nobel's Views of Napoleon

I am furious at the French and Napoleon alike. Due to his increasing victories in Europe, myself and the other nobles have lost almost half our countries territory. Prussia just received land that was previously controlled by Poland, now we lose it? This is ridiculous. As a majorly agricultural country, this affects everyone, not just the nobility. With these land losses it is guaranteed that the Prussian economy will severely suffer and no one wants this to happen. The country needs to stay strong and keep up it's efforts to put down Napoleon.

What Prussia Thought of Britain During the Congress of Vienna

During the Congress of Vienna, Prussia stuck along with Russia and Austria primarily. Many proposals had to do with Prussia or Russia gaining much land. In doing so, Britain was against the proposals since Britain and France had a plan of their own. Debating different areas of land, resolutions came and in the end each country primarily received what they had wanted in return.

Napoleon Can't Touch Us!

Dear Journal,
I am writing to you in great confidence as my country Prussia, in conjunction with the Fourth Coalition, has defeated the fierce Napoleon. The Enlightenment, independence of America, and the success of the French Revolution has instilled in my country a great sense of nationalism. Our defeat of the seemingly unstoppable Napoleon only confirms this. I can promise grand things for the future of our country as we are gaining more power with each battle won. We have weakened Napoleon's forces and he was defeated once again at the Waterloo. Our win over Napoleon shows our people a prime example of the importance of liberty and equality.

Expect to hear more wonderful advancements in our country in the near future!

Liberty and Equality For All!

Dear Journal,
Currently throughout Europe there is much disagreement between the towns people and the government over liberty and equality for the people of society. Across from us, England is starting to show a parliamentary system and individual liberty. We of Prussia are hoping for the same as well! Liberal ideas have been flourishing out country throughout the 18th and 17th centuries. Liberty, happiness and faith within science, rationality and progress are all ideas that we have been expanding upon. We hope that our country Prussia will soon take upon the same ideas as Britain and have our liberty and equality.
Fondly,
Henry

Prussia's feelings on the Napoleonic Era (a journal entry)

Dear Journal
I write to you in October of 1806, the Napoleonic Era. Napoleon has intervened in German affairs and my homeland of Prussia is scared. He just keeps winning, and even with the help of Russia in battle, Alexander I had to ask for peace. Everyday I waited for our King, Frederick William III, to return from the shore with the results. He arrived today with news. “ In the subsequent treaties of Tilsit, Prussia lost half of its population, while Russia accepted Napoleon’s recognition of western and central Europe and promised to enforce Napoleon’s economic blockade against British goods”(717).Napoleon is greedy. He sees himself as an Emporer to all of Europe when really he is only the Emperor to France. He has built a Grand Empire which consists of three parts. We are in the third part along with Austria and Russia. With this he expects us to support him and cease trade with Britian. Russia has been doing very well in war. Hopefull we will soon desert Naploeon and join Russia and Great Britain.

Until next time,

Beginning of Population Explosion / Growth of the Cottage Industry

The Industrial Revolution and the growth of the Cottage Industry did not spread to Prussia until long after it exploded in Britain. The Prussian government finally began to support such local industries as they feared falling behind other countries' developments. The government in Prussia took on the role of innitiating, financing, managing, and subsidizing businesses in hopes of catching up to Britain. The industries in Prussia did in fact grow in the nineteenth century. Prussia purposely supported every economic development possible, especially transportation and industry. With this newfounded prosper came an inevitable population expolsion, very similar to Britian's. However, the Cottage Industry remained primarily a British focus and did not spread much in Prussia like other industries.

Prussia and the Building the Atlantic Economy

During the seventeenth century the Atlantic economy grew. However, Prussia played a very small role in the Atlantic economy’s growth. Its location geographically was not near the Atlantic causing Prussia to have little significance to the Atlantic trade. Prussia did not play a large role in trade or in the building of the economy because their main focus was their outstanding army. There were three Silesian wars in which Prussia fought for control of Silesia. In the first war Frederick II came into Silesia to claim money that was considered Prussias due to the 1537 Treaty of Schwiebus.In the second war the Treaty of Dresden was signed, which confirmed the Prussian possessions in Silesia. And the third was was part of the Seven Years war. In addition, Frederick William had two main features in his internal policy, taxation and money for building his army.

Prussia and The United Kingdom Having

The region of Prussia was very similar to The United Kingdom in many different aspects. Both regions had groups of people specifically the peasants that were suffering from lack of food and diseases due to malnutrition. Farming was an important aspect within The United Kingdom as well as Prussia, within Prussia the young boys worked in the fields and plowed. Politically the aristocracy benefited within Prussia and The United Kingdom whether it being food, parliament or the regulation of laws. Prussia and The United Kingdom had many similar aspects within their regions which were seen socially, culturally and politically.