Digital Modules

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repositorio.grial.eu/handle/grial/118

Digital Modules produced during Multicultural Interdisciplinary Handbook
(MIH Comenius Multilateral Project)

Browse

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Propaganda in the First World War
(UNA - University of Augsburg, 2011) Kortler, Lena
In the First World war, modern media like films and images, postcards and posters were used for different propaganda purposes. The population was confronted with it at many levels, which facilitated mental mobilization. The images were not only published in relevant magazines, like Simplicissimus or Kladderadatsch, but also used as decorations on everyday objects like stamps and porcelain. Children were also prepared for war by means of toys. Dolls and teddy bears with uniforms substituted conventional toys. In addition, modern telecommunications allowed a quick spread of propaganda, so that, within the shortest time, the latest news could be announced all over Germany and worldwide. Intercontinental undersea cables, electricity and the world telegraphic network enabled worldwide exchange of information. As regards various means of propaganda, one should differentiate between the propaganda which refers to one’s own land and the one which agitates against the enemy. The image of Germany abroad was mostly that of the ugly German, the Hun, who violates the neighbouring states and turns them into ashes. As far as the style of representation is concerned, the French and British propaganda images directed against Germany were very similar. The self-image of the Germans was always positive, e.g. that of a peaceful population and a cultural nation.
Reign of Terror and Displacement 1939-1949
(UNA - University of Augsburg, 2011) Kortler, Lena; Fendt, Christian; Simmet, Oliver
After the First World War, the Czechoslovak state in which the Germans formed only a minority was founded. The relationship between Germans and Czechs remained difficult as a result of the founding of the state. In 1938, the Sudetenland was annexed to the German Reich; on 30.9.1938, the NS regime occupied the remainder of Czechia (“Rest-Tschechei”) as well. All Czech resistance was fought against uncompromisingly by imprisonment, detention in concentration camps, death sentences and retaliatory measures. Resulting from the war, during the six-year NS reign in Czechia, there also was ruthless exploitation of Czech workers. After the war, the displacement of Germans from Czechoslovakia followed. This controversial topic strains the German-Czech relations up to the present. Only under the umbrella of the European Union, reconciliation gradually succeeds.
Urbanization in Europe in the 19th Century
(UNA - University of Augsburg, 2011) Kortler, Lena
Big, contiguous congested areas developed along with growing industrial cities. The century witnessed a rapid growth of an enormous number of factories, especially in heavy industry and textile industry. In order to produce as much as possible and to obtain as high sales of goods as possible, workers were needed in the factories. They often came from countryside to town, in hope of achieving a proper standard of living by working. The factories could assuredly nourish the population surplus, yet the worker had to in a way subject himself to the machine. The hard working day in the companies left hardly any space for the free development of workers. Moreover, the factory owners did not provide them with any care or protection. They did not have any protective clothing, breaks or holidays. At the beginning of industrialization, there was no coverage against illness or worker participation in the works council. Only over the years, did trade unions and work insurance develop. In order to distribute goods, a well-developed infrastructure with a comprehensive railway network as well as connections to sea ports was of high importance. The mobility within the cities was increased with the introduction of cable cars. In order to guarantee transport services even beyond city boundaries, large cities and congested areas were first linked to the railway network. Thus, the time needed for the transportation of goods was shortened and the market for the produced goods was extended.
Urbanization: Urban and Rural Development in the 19th Century
(UNA - University of Augsburg, 2011) Kortler, Lena
With the beginning of the industrialization in the Great Britain, fundamental changes in the lives of the worldwide population began. By means of intense overseas trade, innovations rapidly spread on the European mainland. A well-expanded transport network and a sound infrastructure, factories, raw material, employees and employers are only some factors required for the success of industrialization. Due to the technical innovations, the life of the population changed. Many people moved from the countryside to the cities, in hope for work and better opportunities to earn money. The primary sector gradually lost its importance. Urbanization is a result of industrialization. Towns had to brace themselves for their permanently growing populations. The supply of the inhabitants with water and electricity had to be ensured, just like the connection to a transport system and adequate housing space. The simple worker, however, could not afford big dwellings due to his small allowance, so that his family had to live in cramped housing space. Particularly strong urbanization can be observed in areas in which factories and high raw material deposits exist, like, for example, the Ruhr region, where, consequently, many workers were needed in order to work on and process these.