German History Paper

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 1,000 words long, typed double space with one-inch margins on each side. It is worth 150 points and should address the following:

What, in your opinion, were the major problems that emerged from the fall of the wall for the newly united Germany? Could some of these problems have been avoided? How? In answering these questions, you need to reflect upon and refer to the various events outlined in this lesson. Who were the players during the "two plus four" negotiations and what were their interests? What was the overall mood in Germany at the time and how would the alternatives you suggest have affected that mood?

After completing this lesson, you should be able to do the following:

• Discuss the overall reasons that led to the collapse of the German Democratic Republic.

• Chronicle the events that led to the fall of the wall in 1989 and German reunification in 1990.

• Elaborate on the remaining problems and challenges for Germany since 1990.