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== Some major historical events == | == Some major historical events == | ||
“The past actually happened, but history is only what someone wrote down”, said A. Whitney Brown. From a genealogist’s point of view, it is wonderful when events were recorded and sad when they were not. German national history is eventful, to say the least. Some actions had a major impact on the lives of our ancestors. Following are a few developments which altered the political and social landscape of Germany. To gain a more in-depth picture of an event or an area, local histories should be consulted. | “The past actually happened, but history is only what someone wrote down”, said A. Whitney Brown. From a genealogist’s point of view, it is wonderful when events were recorded and sad when they were not. German national history is eventful, to say the least. Some actions had a major impact on the lives of our ancestors. Following are a few developments which altered the political and social landscape of Germany. To gain a more in-depth picture of an event or an area, local histories should be consulted. | ||
=== Printing === | === Printing === | ||
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The printing press facilitated the spread of ideas swiftly. New ways of communication opened up and attempts were underway to translate the Bible into the language of the people. Martin Luther is one who undertook such a feat. His 95 theses why the Catholic Church should be reformed launched the first political and social revolution in Germany. | The printing press facilitated the spread of ideas swiftly. New ways of communication opened up and attempts were underway to translate the Bible into the language of the people. Martin Luther is one who undertook such a feat. His 95 theses why the Catholic Church should be reformed launched the first political and social revolution in Germany. | ||
=== Peasant War | === Peasant War === | ||
In 1525 inflamed through some pastors’ interpretation of the Reformation, the people of Thüringen, Schwaben and Salzburg sought for more equality. Up to this point they were subjects to feudal lords. The revolt helped to even the way to landownership as well as establish a new religion, Protestantism. The serfs established 12 articles (known as the rise of the common man) and demanded basically what much later the Declaration of Independence formulated thus: “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. The serfs had to wait centuries before they could enjoy such freedoms. | In 1525 inflamed through some pastors’ interpretation of the Reformation, the people of Thüringen, Schwaben and Salzburg sought for more equality. Up to this point they were subjects to feudal lords. The revolt helped to even the way to landownership as well as establish a new religion, Protestantism. The serfs established 12 articles (known as the rise of the common man) and demanded basically what much later the Declaration of Independence formulated thus: “We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”. The serfs had to wait centuries before they could enjoy such freedoms. | ||
=== Religious Strife === | === Religious Strife === | ||
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After Word War II Germany lost the following territories [http://www.zum.de/whkmla/histatlas/germany/194956.gif http://www.zum.de/whkmla/histatlas/germany/194956.gif] | After Word War II Germany lost the following territories [http://www.zum.de/whkmla/histatlas/germany/194956.gif http://www.zum.de/whkmla/histatlas/germany/194956.gif] | ||
Germany | Germany | ||
== Finding histories in the Family History Library Catalog == | == Finding histories in the Family History Library Catalog == | ||
The Family History Library has many published national, regional, provincial, and local histories for Germany. You can find histories in the Family History Library Catalog under: | The Family History Library has many published national, regional, provincial, and local histories for Germany. You can find histories in the Family History Library Catalog under: | ||
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*Reinhardt, Kurt Frank. ''Germany: 2000 Years''. Revised Edition. Two Volumes. New York, NY, USA: F. Ungar, 1989. (FHL book 943 H2rk.) | *Reinhardt, Kurt Frank. ''Germany: 2000 Years''. Revised Edition. Two Volumes. New York, NY, USA: F. Ungar, 1989. (FHL book 943 H2rk.) | ||
=== Local histories and genealogies === | === Local histories and genealogies === | ||
Local histories describe the settlement of an area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses in that area. They may contain information about families. Some county and town histories include separate sections or volumes containing biographical information. Even if your ancestor is not listed in a history, information on other relatives may be included and may provide important clues for finding the ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. | Local histories describe the settlement of an area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses in that area. They may contain information about families. Some county and town histories include separate sections or volumes containing biographical information. Even if your ancestor is not listed in a history, information on other relatives may be included and may provide important clues for finding the ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. | ||
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In addition, local histories should be studied and enjoyed for the background information they can provide about your ancestors' lifestyle and the community and environment in which they lived. The Family History Library has some local histories for towns in Germany, and similar histories are often available at major public and university libraries and archives. | In addition, local histories should be studied and enjoyed for the background information they can provide about your ancestors' lifestyle and the community and environment in which they lived. The Family History Library has some local histories for towns in Germany, and similar histories are often available at major public and university libraries and archives. | ||
=== Bibliographies === | === Bibliographies === | ||
Bibliographies that list local histories are available for most states and provinces of Germany. These are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalog under: | Bibliographies that list local histories are available for most states and provinces of Germany. These are listed in the Place Search of the Family History Library Catalog under: | ||