History of Germany

The Federal Republic of Germany has been a central figure in the history of Europe. Although marred by wars and political strife, German history also includes great cultural and scientific achievement.Google Books: German Culture Today, Germany is a leading member of the European Union.German Embassy in Washington, D.C.: European Union

Germany was divided into four parts after World War II, each governed by countries who had been members of the Allies during the war. West Germany consisted of occupation zones managed by the United States, France and Great Britain, while East Germany was under the control of the Soviet Union. The city of Berlin, while wholly located within East Germany, was also divided. After reunification in 1991, the capital was moved from Bonn to Berlin.Britannica: The Era of Partition

• 1962: Otto I is crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire

• 1815: The Congress of Vienna establishes the German Confederation

• 1871: Wilhelm I of Prussia is proclaimed German Emperor on January 18

• 1918: Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates on November 9

• 1933: Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor on January 30

• 1939: Germany invades Poland on September 1, which triggers World War II in Europe

• 1945: The Nazi government surrenders

• 1949: Germany is divided into East Germany and West Germany

• 1955: West Germany joins NATO

• 1961: Berlin Wall is erected in August

• 1989: The Berlin Wall is demolished in November

• 1990: West and East Germany are reunited on October 3