ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a wide range of articles from differing perspectives that placed in a long-range historical context the dramatic events of 1989 to1990 in Germany, culminating in the unification of the country. Responses to German events were shaped to a great extent by historical memories of the political success of the Federal Republic, but also of the tragedies imposed on the world by some Germans in the past. If we consider what is technically easier, German or European unification, there can be no doubt about the answer. To give precedence at all costs to European unity, as is currently fashionable, harms and delays both processes. The new German state can be built solidly, but the 'European house' will take longer. People who still speak of the Wall as an 'unbelievable deed of shame' as does the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung of course make themselves suspect.
