Reichstag!
This is me at the Reichstag! This is where the German parliament meets. The choice of building is very symbolic because it has a long history. On January 18th 187, the new German Empire was formed and this building was the seat of parliament for the state. After the First World War the monarchy was done away with and Germany proudly flew their red gold and black colors, symbolizing their full democracy! After the war though, Germany faced some real repercussions from the treaty of Versailles and the people were struggling. This crisis allowed the Nazi party to rise. Hitler hated the democratic symbol of the Reichstag and a fire was started under mysterious circumstances and burned parliament down. Hitler claimed it was a communist attack and used it to claim emergency power. They essentially torched the symbol of democracy. After the war, Germany was divided and the wall went up, this became a museum. Once the wall fell, Germany sought to be unified once more under a democratic government. They added a glass dome and determined the Reichstag would be the perfect parliament.
This is historically important because this building is so closely tied with the idea and journey of German democracy. Symbolically it also stands for the existence of democracy before the Nazis, and the continuation of it now. Just like their democracy, this building was burned, graffitied, and dirtied. However, it was brought back, with a modern twist. This democracy is new and improved and focused on human dignity. Additionally, the glass dome they added symbolizes transparency.So that people know and feel clear on what the government is doing. It is also important to not that the original inscription of the Reichstag remains, “Dem Deutschen Volke, meaning “To the Germany People”. This building was built for the people and now it is back to serve in the name of democracy.
Having some form of governmental presence is key for a cultural capital. Buildings that symbolize the ideals of a city are necessary to maintaining the identity and integrity of a city. Having their Parliament here in Berlin, shows their focus on democracy, their welcoming of ideas and peoples and opinions. This concept of democracy is what allows culture to grow and flourish. Parliament also means the creation of legislation and rules are also essential for helping a city to maintain the peace,take care of its people, and help them to be in a place where they can think about higher forms of thought and culture. Finally because this building really is so intertwined to the history of Berlin, it is closely tied to their identify and must remain to add the atomosphete and collected knowledge that makes a historical cultural city.
I loved reading your post (and your other posts too the past few weeks)! As you mentioned, the Reichstag is important because it's tied with the idea German democracy, and all of the history it has undergone. Germany has such a rich past, and this building isn't different. It reflects the complexity of Germany's history, and because of this, it adds to Berlin as being a cultural capital by emphasizing its history and values.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts were great about how this building has a rich history. A dark one that shines new light in through those windows. The architecture is also symbolic of a new city because it has a modern twist. When it was rebuilt they did not keep everything the same to show that they are looking to represent a new Germany. A cultural capital is great at implementing new ideas and values close to democracy.
ReplyDeleteHey Anna! It's awesome you got to visit the Reichstag in Berlin! The history of this building really shows how important it is for German democracy. From being a symbol of their democracy before World War II to being restored with a modern glass dome, it stands as a beacon of transparency and unity. Having Parliament here strengthens Berlin's cultural capital by symbolizing their commitment to democracy, welcoming diverse ideas, and shaping laws that help the city grow and thrive.
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