The End of Prussia.

After the appointment of Hitler as the new chancellor, the Nazis used the opportunity of the absence of Franz von Papen to appoint Hermann Göring federal commissioner for the Prussian ministry of the interior. The Reichstag election of March 5, 1933 strengthened the position of the National Socialist Party.
Because the Reichstag building had been set on fire a few weeks earlier, the new Reichstag was opened in the Garrison Church of Potsdam on March 21, 1933 in the presence of President Paul von Hindenburg. In a propaganda-filled meeting between Hitler and the Nazi Party, the "marriage of old Prussia with young Germany" was celebrated, to win over the Prussian monarchists, conservatives, and nationalists and induce them to vote for the Enabling Act of 1933.
In the centralized state created by the Nazis in the "Law on the Reconstruction of the Reich" and the "Law on Reich Governors" the states were dissolved. The federal state governments were now controlled by governors for the Reich who were appointed by the chancellor. From 1934 almost all ministries were merged and only a few departments were able to maintain their independence. Hitler himself became formally the governor of Prussia. His functions were exercised, however, by Hermann Göring, as Prussian prime minister.
As provided for in the "Greater Hamburg Law", certain exchanges of territory took place. Prussia was extended on April 1, 1937, for instance, by the incorporation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Lübeck.
The Prussian lands transferred to Poland after the Treaty of Versailles were re-annexed during World War II. However, most of this territory was not reintegrated back into Prussia but assigned to separate Gaue of Nazi Germany.

History of Prussia

For centuries, Prussia had a significant influence on German and European history. In 1701, he union of Brandenburg and Prussia in 1618 led to the proclamation of the Kingdom of Prussia. The last capital of the state of Prussia was Berlin. During the 18th century, it became a great European power under the reign of Frederick II and during the 19th century, Chancellor Otto von Bismarck pursued a policy of uniting the German principalities into a "Lesser Germany" which would exclude the Austrian Empire. Prussia became the dominant power in Germany in 1815, after the Napoleonic Wars and Prussia finally became part of the German Confederation. Prussia dominated northern Germany politically, economically, and in terms of population. In 1919, after World War I, Prussia became part of the Weimar Republic as a free state. The long struggle in Germany between liberals, who wanted a united, federal Germany under a democratic constitution, and conservatives, who wanted to maintain Germany as a patchwork of independent, monarchical states, with Prussia and Austria competing for influence. Because of Prussia's size and economic vitality, smaller states began to join its free trade area. In regards to size and capability, Prussia was incredibly successful and powerful. Its population capsized that of bordering countries and states and therefore made Prussia stronger economically.

Prussia after WWII

After World War I, West Prussia was lost to Poland, and East Prussia was separated from the rest of German Prussia in 1919, under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The other provinces of Prussia between the two World Wars were Rhine, Brandenburg, Pomerania, Berlin, Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Hannover, Westphalia, Grenzmark Posen-Westpreussen, Hessen-Nassau, and Hohenzollern, and Silesia. In 1947, after World War II, Prussia was abolished as a political unit and, with the exception of East Prussia, split into different parts of the four zones of occupation in Germany, which was controlled by France, Great Britain, the United States, and USSR. The northeastern part of East Prussia was annexed by the USSR, and the remainder was put under Polish control. Berlin was the capital of Prussia prior to World War II, and the principal cities included Frankfurt am Main, Cologne, Essen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Magdeburg, and Königsber. The state of Prussia was legally abolished in 1947 by the Allied Control Council, a group formed after World War II to resolve issues relating to Germany.

Bismark's Reign, 1863

Journal,

Bismarck has became the chief minister of Prussia. He refuses to grant members of the middle class any sort of control or order and he's dedicated to ruling by blood and iron, convinced it is the only way to solve any problems. Many of my voter friends, like the doctor, for example, rallied a group of good men and opposed Bismark's ways by sending large liberal majorities to parliament. I can only imagine Bismark was not amused. Although, he was able to keep Russia and France neutral after our first attempted annexation of Schleswig Holstein, which led to our alliance with Austria in the war against Denmark. The German Confederation was dissolved and a new North German Confederation, led by Prussia, was formed. Austria then backed down from German affairs and, as a result, Bismarck's goal of Prussian expansion was being accomplished.
Although he's a very stiff and harsh ruler, Bismark has done Prussia a world of good.

A Peasant's View of the Revolution of 1830 in France

Dear Journal,

Louis XVIII's Constitutional Charter gave me great hope. All our economic and social advances seemed completely protected as were our rights of artistic freedom and total liberty. Although this was the case, Charles X, Louis's successor, was an awful, terrible man. He took away all our rights and demeaned our society, and so after our revolt, Charles fled, leaving Louis Philippe as our new king. He seemed to take on the Constitutional Charter and accepted the blue, white and red flag of the Revolution, which made me extremely content. Although all these changes should make for more progress, our situation here has remained unchanged. It seems our Revolution -all our fighting, our war and our efforts- were completely in vain.

Prussia And Peace (A Monarch's Journal Entry)

Dear Journal,

The Congress of Vienna was to generate a peace settlement that I, the aristocratic monarch of Prussia would like to uphold. First and foremost, it is with my utmost duty that the other monarchies of Russia, Austria, and Great Britain all hold France in line and limit their power. We need to find a balance of power and justice. Prussia recieved territory on France's eastern border against France. There are unfortunately disputes concerning decisions at the Congress of Vienna. Those disputes will be settled by the Great Powers. Prussia is one of the Great Powers, so I will make sure that Prussia recieves and benefits in all ways possible. Hopefully, the decisions we make will lead to new ideas that motivate the world to change in a positive way.

-Prussian Leader

(beginning of Chapter 23, leads to the Radical Ideas and Early Socialism)

The Life of a Prussian Peasant in the City

Dear Family,

Due to the new intellectual and political era that erupted, there is a rapid period of urbanization that is occuring. The growth of industry has provided me with many new working opportunities. Although, I do have a job working in a factory and I am getting paid thanks to the growth of cities there are negative side effects. Since I am unfortunately a peasant, i suffer from bad housing, lack of sanitation, and a sense of hopelessness that doesnt seem to cease. Unfortunately, the industry and city growth is mostly negative to me and my health. Hopefully, sanitation rules and public health will improve quickly.

From,
A Prussian Peasant




**Prussian Peasant living in the city/working conditions

Prussia during The Congress of Vienna

Prussia and Russia are in agreement during The Congress of Vienna, both countries believe that they should be compensated for what they lost. The Prussians wanted the large and wealthy kingdom of Saxony and parts of Germany, while the Russians wanted to restore and dominate Poland. These various demands made by Prussia and Russia led Castlereagh and Metternich to opposition and secret alliances. Prussia realized the risk of war ahead and finally settled for only parts of Saxony.

Peasant Journal Entry

Journal,

Napoleon has slowly but surely taken over western Germany. Our country is especially surprised by his control in German affairs and we have mobilized our troops even though we have been at peace with France for more than 10 years. Our troops were outnumbered more than double at Jena, and were defeated by Napoleon’s armies. The war was then joined by the Russian army and lasted until the spring of 1807. I consider the worst part to be Prussia’s expected support of Napoleon’s continental system, which ceased trade with Britain. We have suffered under Napoleon’s rule for far too long. I only pray for the final days of his era.

Political Balance After the Congres of Vienna

Metternich, Castlereagh, Hardenberg, Talleyrand and Tsar Alexander I were all in agreement that the future security of Europe would be promised if, and only if, all five major powers were considered approximately equal, and no one power could overthrow the others. Not only was this was distribution of power extremely beneficial, it was also very effective. The period of time between 1814 and 1815 is considered one of the best examples of a balance of power in all of Europe.

Cultral Impact in 17th Century Prussia

More young people married for love rather than for economic reasons, schools and education led to the rise of new literature. Prussia led the way for universal education by encouraging the reading of the bible and attendance to elementary school. Education for commoners began in the 17th century and was headed by Protestant Prussia.

The Changing Life of People (Prussia)

Social Impact: Extended families were popular as well as the rising of a late marriage combined with a Nuclear Family household. More marriages were delayed and maturity in a marriage was evident.Europe also experienced an illegitimacy explosion, illegitimate births rose steadily which led to a growing population.Economic Impact: Economic fluctuations and unemployment were constant threats to young men, Government run foundling homes were established. The cottage industry grew, created new opportunity for earing a living. Political Impact: Reign of Frederick the Great in PrussiaCultural Impact: More young people married for love rather than for economic reasons, schools and education led to the rise of new literature. Prussia led the way for universal education by encouraging the reading of the bible and attendance to elementary school.