History of Germany in Timeline
Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), is a Central European country and the most populous member state of the European Union. It encompasses 357,600 square kilometers (138,100 sq mi) and is home to over 84 million people. Germany is bordered by Denmark to the north, Poland and Czechia to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. Berlin serves as the country's capital and largest city, while Frankfurt is the main financial hub. The Ruhr region stands out as Germany's largest urban area.
1904: Herero and Namaqua Genocide Begins
In 1904, the German colonial government in South West Africa (present-day Namibia) initiated a campaign of extermination against the Herero and Namaqua peoples in response to their uprising.
1907: Herero and Namaqua Genocide Ends
By 1907, the German colonial forces, after brutal suppression and displacement, effectively ended the Herero and Namaqua uprising, marking the end of the first genocide of the 20th century.
1912: Establishment of Babelsberg Studio
The Babelsberg Studio, the world's first large-scale film studio, was founded in Potsdam in 1912.
June 1914: Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand
On June 28, 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary in Sarajevo ignited the start of World War I. This event triggered a chain reaction of alliances and declarations of war across Europe.
November 1918: German Revolution
In November 1918, amidst defeat in World War I, Germany experienced a revolution that led to the Kaiser's abdication and the establishment of a republic.
1918: German Revolution and End of World War I
In 1918, World War I ended with Germany's defeat. The German Revolution led to the Kaiser's abdication and the proclamation of Germany as a republic.
August 1919: Weimar Constitution Signed
President Friedrich Ebert signed the Weimar Constitution on August 11, 1919, officially establishing the Weimar Republic as a democratic government in Germany.
1919: Signing of the Treaty of Versailles
In 1919, Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, formally ending World War I. The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany, including territorial losses, disarmament, and significant reparations payments.
1919: Establishment of the Weimar Republic and Treaty of Versailles
The Weimar Republic was officially established in 1919 with the signing of the Weimar Constitution. Germany also signed the Treaty of Versailles, accepting blame for World War I and facing significant territorial and financial losses.
1924: End of Hyperinflation and Beginning of the Golden Twenties
Following a period of severe hyperinflation, Germany implemented a new currency and debt restructuring plan in 1924. This ushered in a period of relative economic stability and cultural flourishing known as the "Golden Twenties."
1927: Release of Metropolis
Fritz Lang's Metropolis, released in 1927, is considered the first major science fiction film.
1929: Great Depression Hits Germany
The global economic crisis, known as the Great Depression, hit Germany in 1929, leading to widespread unemployment and social unrest, which ultimately contributed to the rise of the Nazi Party.
1932: Nazi Party Becomes Largest in Reichstag
In the 1932 German federal elections, the Nazi Party became the largest party in the Reichstag, reflecting growing support for their ideology amidst economic hardship and political instability.
January 1933: Hitler Appointed Chancellor
On January 30, 1933, President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor of Germany, marking a turning point towards the establishment of Nazi Germany.
March 1933: Enabling Act and Establishment of Nazi Dictatorship
The Enabling Act, passed in March 1933, granted Hitler's government the power to enact laws without the consent of the Reichstag, effectively solidifying the Nazi dictatorship and dismantling the Weimar Republic.
1933: Nazi Seizure of Power
In 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, marking the beginning of Nazi rule. The Enabling Act granted Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively dismantling the Weimar Republic and establishing Nazi Germany.
1935: Nuremberg Laws and Saarland Plebiscite
In 1935, the Nazi regime introduced the Nuremberg Laws, stripping Jews of their citizenship and imposing discriminatory measures. Additionally, the Saarland region, previously under League of Nations administration, voted to rejoin Germany.
1936: Olympic Games Hosting
Berlin hosted the Summer Games and Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosted the Winter Games in 1936.
1936: Remilitarization of the Rhineland
In 1936, Germany violated the Treaty of Versailles by remilitarizing the Rhineland, a region designated as a demilitarized zone after World War I, demonstrating growing Nazi assertiveness.
1938: Annexation of Austria and Sudetenland
In 1938, Nazi Germany achieved the Anschluss, the annexation of Austria, without military resistance. Later that year, Germany also annexed the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia after the Munich Agreement.
March 1939: Germany Occupies Czechoslovakia
In March 1939, Germany violated the Munich Agreement and occupied the entirety of Czechoslovakia, further expanding Nazi control in Europe and escalating tensions leading up to World War II.
August 1939: Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
In August 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression pact that included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
September 1939: World War II Begins
On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of World War II in Europe. Britain and France declared war on Germany in response to the invasion.
1940: German Conquest of Western Europe and Battle of Britain
In 1940, Germany conquered Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. However, the German air campaign against Britain, known as the Battle of Britain, was unsuccessful.
1941: Invasion of Yugoslavia, Greece, and the Soviet Union
Germany expanded its military campaigns in 1941 by invading Yugoslavia and Greece before launching Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union.
1942: Germany Controls Most of Continental Europe
By 1942, Germany and its Axis allies controlled most of continental Europe, marking the height of their territorial expansion during World War II. However, the tide began to turn with the Soviet victory at Stalingrad.
1943: Allied Victories in North Africa and Italy
In 1943, Allied forces achieved significant victories in North Africa, leading to the expulsion of Axis forces. They also launched the invasion of Italy, opening up a new front against Germany.
1944: D-Day and Soviet Advance
The year 1944 witnessed the D-Day landings in Normandy, France, marking the beginning of the Allied liberation of Western Europe. Meanwhile, Soviet forces continued their advance from the east, pushing back German forces.
May 1945: Germany Surrenders, Ending World War II in Europe
On May 8, 1945, Germany signed the instrument of surrender, effectively ending World War II in Europe. This followed the collapse of the Nazi regime and the suicide of Adolf Hitler.
1945: Emergence of Trümmerfilm
After World War II, the immediate post-war period in German cinema was marked by the emergence of Trümmerfilm, characterized by its depiction of the war's devastation.
1948: Marshall Plan Aid Begins
In 1948, West Germany began receiving economic aid under the Marshall Plan, a US-led initiative to rebuild Western Europe after World War II.
May 1949: Establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany
On May 23, 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) was officially established from the merger of the American, British, and French occupation zones.
October 1949: Establishment of the German Democratic Republic
On October 7, 1949, the Soviet occupation zone of Germany became the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), solidifying the division of Germany into two separate states.
1949: Establishment of East and West Germany
After World War II, Germany was divided into East and West Germany in 1949. The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) was established in the western zones, while the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) was established in the Soviet zone.
1949: Establishment of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law)
In 1949, Germany adopted its constitution, known as the Grundgesetz (Basic Law), laying the foundation for the country's political system as a federal, parliamentary, and representative democratic republic.
1949: Konrad Adenauer Elected First Chancellor
Konrad Adenauer was elected as the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, a position he would hold for 14 years, shaping West Germany's post-war development.
1949: Post-War Party System Dominance
Since 1949, the German party system has been dominated by two main parties: the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD). These parties have played a pivotal role in shaping German politics, with every chancellor since then belonging to one of these parties.
1951: Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival, or "Berlinale," a prominent film festival awarding the "Golden Bear," has been held annually since 1951.
1954: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 1954.
1955: West Germany Joins NATO
In 1955, West Germany joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a military alliance formed during the Cold War, further integrating it into the Western bloc.
January 1957: Saarland Joins West Germany
On January 1, 1957, the Saarland, which had been under French administration after World War II, officially rejoined West Germany following a referendum.
1961: Construction of the Berlin Wall
In 1961, the German Democratic Republic (GDR, East Germany) erected the Berlin Wall to prevent its citizens from fleeing to West Berlin. This barrier became a potent symbol of the Cold War, dividing the city and representing the ideological divide between East and West.
1972: Olympic Games Hosting
Munich hosted the Summer Games in 1972.
1972: UEFA European Championship Victory
The German men's national football team won the UEFA European Championship in 1972.
1974: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 1974.
1979: Oscar Win for The Tin Drum
The German film The Tin Drum (Die Blechtrommel) won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1979.
1980: UEFA European Championship Victory
The German men's national football team won the UEFA European Championship in 1980.
1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall and the Wende
In 1989, a series of events unfolded in East Germany that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the eventual reunification of Germany. Hungary's decision to open its border with Austria allowed East Germans to escape to the West, sparking mass demonstrations and a reform movement known as "Die Wende." These events ultimately led to the collapse of the East German government and paved the way for unification.
October 1990: German Reunification
On October 3, 1990, East and West Germany reunited after more than four decades of separation. This historic event marked the end of the Cold War division in Europe and the reunification of a nation.
October 1990: German Reunification
In October 1990, East Germany ceased to exist, and its former states joined the Federal Republic of Germany, marking the completion of German reunification.
1990: Development of Strategic Partnership with Russia
After the reunification of Germany in 1990, Germany and Russia began to build a "strategic partnership" with a focus on energy cooperation. This partnership led to Germany becoming a major importer of Russian natural gas and crude oil, playing a significant role in both countries' energy sectors.
1990: Germany's Primary Energy Consumption Reduction
Between 1990 and 2015, Germany achieved an 11% reduction in its primary energy consumption.
1990: German Unity Day
Since 1990, October 3rd has been observed as German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit), marking the country's national day.
1990: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 1990.
1992: Previous Low Crime Rate
The year 1992 marked a previous low point for Germany's overall crime rate, setting a benchmark for safety and security in the country.
1992: Signing of the Maastricht Treaty
Germany signed the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, a pivotal step in the process of European integration. This treaty led to the creation of the European Union and the euro currency.
1994: Redefinition of German Military's Role
After a ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court, the definition of "defense" expanded to include not just the protection of German borders but also conflict prevention and crisis reaction.
1994: Berlin/Bonn Act
The Berlin/Bonn Act of 1994 formally established Berlin as the capital of the newly reunified Germany. Bonn, the former capital of West Germany, was granted the special status of a "federal city" and retained some government ministries.
1996: UEFA European Championship Victory
The German men's national football team won the UEFA European Championship in 1996.
1999: Government Relocation to Berlin
In 1999, the process of relocating the German government from Bonn to Berlin was completed. This move symbolized the reunification of the country and the establishment of Berlin as the central seat of power.
2001: Women in the German Military
As of 2001, women in Germany were permitted to serve in all functions of the military without restriction.
2002: Introduction of the Euro in Germany
Germany adopted the euro, the common European currency, in 2002.
2002: Oscar Recognition for Nowhere in Africa
Nowhere in Africa (Nirgendwo in Afrika) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002.
2005: Angela Merkel Elected Chancellor
Angela Merkel made history in 2005 when she became the first female chancellor of Germany. Her election marked a significant moment in German politics and paved the way for her long tenure as a prominent figure on the world stage.
2005: Germany's Ranking in Research and Development Expenditure
Since 2005, Germany has consistently ranked fourth globally in terms of research and development spending.
2007: Signing of the Lisbon Treaty
In 2007, Germany signed the Lisbon Treaty, another significant agreement aimed at strengthening and reforming the European Union. The treaty aimed to streamline decision-making processes and enhance the EU's role on the global stage.
2007: The Left Enters the Bundestag
In 2007, the democratic socialist party, The Left, became a consistent presence in the German Bundestag (parliament). While they have been a significant force in German politics, they have not yet been part of a federal government.
2007: The Lives of Others Wins Oscar
The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen) received the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2007.
2009: Approval of €50 Billion Stimulus Plan
In response to the global financial crisis, the German government approved a substantial €50 billion stimulus plan in 2009. This measure aimed to mitigate the economic downturn's impact and support economic growth.
2011: Islam as the Second-Largest Religion
According to the 2011 census, 1.9% of the German population identified as Muslim, with the majority being Sunnis and Alevites from Turkey.
2011: End of Compulsory Military Service in Germany
Compulsory military service for men at age 18 in Germany was officially suspended and replaced with a voluntary service.
2011: Jewish Population in Germany
In 2011, formal members of the Jewish community made up only 0.2% of Germany's total population, with a majority (60%) living in Berlin and a significant portion being Russian-speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union who arrived after the 1980s.
2011: Christianity as the Largest Religion
The 2011 census revealed that Christianity was the most prevalent religion in Germany, with 66.8% of respondents identifying as Christian, including 31.7% Protestants and 31.2% Roman Catholics.
2012: Food Statistics
In 2012, over 99% of all meat produced in Germany was pork, chicken, or beef.
2013: Germany's Prominent Music Market
In 2013, Germany secured its place as the second-largest music market in Europe and the fourth-largest worldwide.
2013: Beer Consumption
German beer consumption per person was at 110 liters in 2013, remaining among the highest in the world.
2013: Germany's Healthcare System Funding
In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that Germany's healthcare system was funded by 77% government contributions and 23% private contributions.
2013: Germany's Positive Global Influence
A BBC global opinion poll in 2013 identified Germany as having the most positive influence on the world.
2014: Obesity Concerns in Germany
A 2014 study indicated that 52% of German adults were categorized as overweight or obese, raising concerns about a growing health issue.
2014: Germany as a Major Arms Exporter
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany became the fourth-largest exporter of major arms globally between 2014 and 2018.
2014: Germany as a Leading Study Destination
An OECD report in 2014 ranked Germany as the third most popular destination globally for international students.
2014: Germany's Healthcare Expenditure
Germany dedicated 11.3% of its GDP to healthcare in 2014.
2014: Continued Positive Perception
Germany maintained its position as the country with the most positive global influence for the second consecutive year, according to a BBC poll conducted in 2014.
2014: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
2015: Germany's Primary Energy Consumption Reduction
Between 1990 and 2015, Germany achieved an 11% reduction in its primary energy consumption.
2015: European Migrant Crisis
Germany played a significant role in addressing the 2015 European migrant crisis by welcoming over a million refugees and migrants. The country's open-door policy demonstrated its commitment to humanitarian values and international cooperation.
2015: Refugee Crisis Impact
In 2015, Germany became the second-largest host of international migrants globally, taking in about 12 million people (5% of the global migrant population) following the refugee crisis.
2016: Land Use Statistics
As of 2016, data indicated that 51% of Germany's land was allocated for agricultural purposes, while 30% was forested, and 14% was dedicated to settlements and infrastructure, reflecting the country's land use priorities.
2016: Low Murder Rate
Germany recorded a low murder rate of 1.18 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016, indicating a high level of safety and security.
2016: Church Membership
In 2016, the Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church accounted for 28.5% and 27.5% of the German population, respectively.
2017: Alternative for Germany Enters Parliament
The 2017 German federal election marked the first time that the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) secured enough votes to gain representation in parliament. This development signaled a shift in German politics and sparked debate about the rise of populism.
2017: German Economic Sectors
In 2017, the service sector in Germany contributed approximately 69% to the total GDP, the industry sector contributed 31%, and agriculture contributed 1%.
2017: FIFA Confederations Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.
2017: Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage became legal in Germany in 2017, reflecting growing social acceptance and the advancement of LGBT rights in the country. This legal change granted same-sex couples the same rights and recognition as heterosexual couples.
2017: German Troops in Foreign Countries
In 2017, around 3,600 German troops were stationed in foreign countries as part of international peacekeeping efforts.
2017: Germany's Contribution to the Eurozone Economy
Germany contributed to 28% of the eurozone economy in 2017, according to the International Monetary Fund.
2017: Administrative Divisions of Germany
As of 2017, Germany was divided into 401 districts (Kreise) at the municipal level. These districts consisted of 294 rural districts and 107 urban districts, reflecting the country's administrative structure.
2018: Rise of Irreligion
A 2018 study estimated that 38% of the German population did not belong to any religious group, with this trend being more pronounced in former East Germany and major cities.
2018: Germany as a Major Arms Exporter
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Germany became the fourth-largest exporter of major arms globally between 2014 and 2018.
2018: Germany's Ranking in Scientific Publications
Germany achieved the fourth position globally regarding the number of published science and engineering research papers in 2018.
2018: Germany's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Per Capita
Germany's greenhouse gas emissions per person were the ninth-highest in the EU in 2018, however, these numbers have been decreasing.
2018: Record Low Crime Rate
In 2018, Germany experienced its lowest overall crime rate since 1992, reflecting effective law enforcement and a safe living environment.
2018: German Military Spending
In 2018, Germany spent \$49.5 billion on its military, which was the eighth-highest in the world at the time.
2018: Michelin Guide Recognition
In 2018, the Michelin Guide awarded eleven restaurants in Germany three stars, bringing the country's total to 300 stars.
February 2019: Climate Data for February 2019
In February 2019, Germany experienced an average monthly precipitation of 30 liters per square meter.
April 2019: Climate Data for April 2019
Germany recorded an average monthly precipitation of 30 liters per square meter in April 2019.
June 2019: Climate Data for June 2019
June 2019 saw Germany experiencing an average monthly temperature high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) and an average of 300 hours of sunshine.
November 2019: Climate Data for November 2019
Germany had an average of 45 sunshine hours in November 2019.
2019: World's Second-Largest Aid Donor
In 2019, Germany solidified its position as the world's second-largest aid donor, trailing only the United States. This ranking highlighted Germany's commitment to international development and its role in addressing global challenges.
2019: Target for East German Economic Modernization
The year 2019 was set as the target date for completing the modernization of the East German economy following reunification. This ambitious goal aimed to address economic disparities between the former East and West Germany.
2019: Germany as an Energy Consumer
Germany ranked as the seventh-largest energy consumer globally in 2019.
2019: Wine Production
In 2019, Germany was the ninth-largest wine producer in the world.
2019: Life Expectancy and Mortality Rate in Germany
In 2019, Germany had a life expectancy of 78.7 years for men and 84.8 years for women, ranking 21st globally. The country also maintained a low infant mortality rate of 4 deaths per 1,000 live births, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death (37%).
2019: Migrant Population Percentage
As of 2019, Germany had the seventh-highest percentage of migrants in its population among EU countries, at 13.1%.
January 2020: Bundeswehr Personnel
As of January 2020, the Bundeswehr, Germany's military, had 184,001 active soldiers and 80,947 civilians.
January 2020: Unemployment Rate in Germany
In January 2020, the unemployment rate in Germany was 3.2%, the fourth-lowest in the European Union.
January 2020: Climate Data for January 2020
Germany recorded a low average monthly temperature of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020.
February 2020: Climate Data for February 2020
Germany experienced an average monthly precipitation of 125 liters per square meter in February 2020.
2021: German Military Budget
Germany's military budget in 2021 was 53 billion euros.
2021: German Automotive Industry Ranking
The German automotive industry ranked sixth largest globally by production in 2021.
2022: Increase in German Military Spending
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Germany announced that it would increase its military spending to above 2% of its GDP. This represented a significant increase, almost double the 2021 military budget of 53 billion euros.
2022: Germany's Population
The population of Germany reached 82.7 million according to the 2022 German census, making it the most populous country in the European Union.
2022: Migration Background Population
In 2022, 23.8 million people in Germany, representing 28.7% of the population, had a migration background.
2022: Germany's Ranking as a Tourist Destination
Germany became the eighth most visited country in the world in 2022.
2022: Volkswagen Group's Global Ranking
The Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Germany, was the world's second-largest automotive manufacturer in 2022 based on vehicle production.
April 2023: Ukrainian Refugee Influx
By April 2023, Germany had taken in over 1.06 million refugees from Ukraine due to the 2022 Russian invasion.
2023: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany
As of 2023, Germany had 52 properties listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
2023: Germany as a Car Exporter
Germany became the world's third-largest car exporter in 2023.
2023: Phase-out of Nuclear Power Plants in Germany
Germany completed the phasing out of all its nuclear power plants in 2023.
2023: Germany's Ranking on the Global Innovation Index
Germany ranked eighth on the Global Innovation Index in 2023.
2023: Fortune Global 500 Companies in Germany
In 2023, 32 companies headquartered in Germany were listed on the Fortune Global 500, a ranking of the world's 500 largest companies by revenue.
April 2024: Motorsports Accomplishments
As of April 2024, Porsche had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race 19 times and Audi 13 times.
2030: Germany's Target for Primary Energy Consumption Reduction
Germany has set a goal to reduce its primary energy consumption by 30% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
2050: Germany's Target for Primary Energy Consumption Reduction
Germany has set a goal to reduce its primary energy consumption by 50% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.