Download The German Problem

The German Problem
The “German Problem” refers to when, in 1870, Germany was unified and
became the most populous and powerful state in Europe. Their economy was also
growing rapidly. This became the “German Problem” to the neighboring states
and people in Europe because it threatened to create an unbalance(sp) of power
and create instability. After WWI the victors tried to fix the “German Problem”
by taking away some of Germany’s territories and making it pay reparations. This
did not solve the problem for in 1939, Germany invaded Poland, which started
WWII. After WWII the victors divided Germany into four sector, each occupied
militarily by the victors of WWII. After abandoning the occupation, efforts by
NATO and the Warsaw Pact helped to include parts of Germany. Finally,
Germany was unified once more (reunified) though not as militarized, and was
not viewed as a threat. Thus, fixing the “German Problem”. MA
Why this was the best answer:
 Clearly states facts - why and when the German problem started
 Defines what factors lead to Germany being viewed as “the problem”,
and why (imbalance of power)
 Provides a historical evolution of this “problem” todate – 1990.
The Cold War
“Cold War” is the period that begins some argue in 1917, but most agree on the
period between 1945-1950 and ends in 1989. This period is marked by an
ideological clash of cultures between two groups. Those represented by the
United States and those represented by the USSR. A bipolar system was created
in which many states chose one side or another. The USSR attempted to spread its
influence both through territorial gain and by ideological coercion. The United
States adopted a policy of containment within the larger context of the Truman
Doctrine. The Truman Doctrine stated that the US would support states threatened
by the Soviets. The policy of containment was an attempt to stop the spread of
communism over Europe. This policy further intensified the Cold War. Now, the
US was publicly at odds with the USSR. The US had become a state actor
concerned with defending and destabilizing, while the USSR had become a state
actor concerned with spreading their own influence and ideologies. AR
Why was this the best answer?
 Dates and facts are provided
 Specifies that this was an ideological not physical conflict that yielded a
bipolar system
 Containment is linked to the appropriate US Government policy, and
specifies what the target of the policy was
 NB: The last sentence was the student’s interpretation and was not
necessary although it demonstrated an understanding of what was going
on.