Bernhard von Bülow’s comments about Place in the Sun remind us that Germany had been seeking a place for centuries, one that it thought it had finally attained by means of unification in 1870. His comments reflected this century long search for a place in the international community.

As a newly united country, however, many of the world powers had trouble accepting the emergence of this “new kid on the block,” which some regarded as an unwelcome upstart to the status quo.

At that time, the other powers had their world-wide colonial empires and Germany also launched its attempt at attaining colonies, while at the same time building a navy to guard its imperial interests.

Aggressive alliances came into being to check these developments, leading to increasing international friction, ultimately culminating in the First World War and the calamities of the last century.

The so-called great powers lost their empires and faced a different world after the world wars. And by mid-20th century Germany had become a major ally in NATO and a foundational cornerstone of the West, which now saw Germany as a crucial partner in world affairs.

No longer viewed as an upstart, but rather as a bulwark of democracy and economic strength, Germany became the locomotive for European unity, pulling the continent into the 21st century. Germany has greatly contributed to Europe finding its place.

This transformation has taken place in little more than a century.
In the past, Germany struggled for its place in the sun, now she increasingly sees that the world and Europe in particular needs her to take on a leadership role.

Rather than searching for a place in the sun, Germany now finds herself increasingly being pushed and nudged onto center stage to take on a greater leadership role in European as well as world affairs as an integral part of the international community.

Finding a place in the sun means that everyone needs a little sunshine if they are to blossom, but all have to work together to enjoy it. Getting to this point and place was a step in the right direction for Europe, but one preceded by many false steps in the wrong direction.

Much was gained in the process, but the price was high and the map of Europe looks quite a bit different than it did a century ago.
Too bad no one really listened to von Bülow when he said: “We do not want to place anyone in the shadow, but we also ask for our place in the sun.”

Yours truly,

Dr. Don Heinrich Tolzmann, Cincinnati

P.S. For information on the author’s latest book, German-Americana: Selected Essays, please click HERE