Foundations of German Commerce and Industry

Abstract

Located at the center of the European land mass, Germany has long been a powerful force in the culture, thought, science, and commerce of Western civilization—a powerful force, yes, but not always a welcome one. Since the founding of the Holy Roman Empire—the First Reich—in 800 and continuing well into the middle of the twentieth century, Germany’s neighbors have often struggled to come to terms with this often enigmatic nation. The so-called German problem is one that many have attempted to define; but few have succeeded (Sheehan 1981).