Population and settlement of germany
These population graphs show a significant decrease in population in Germany's future. The reason for this decrease is exemplified in the first graph. The majority of the population is in the post reproductive stage. As time goes on, the pre-reproductive group will become the reproductive group and there will be much less of them than there is today.
The history of early settlement in Germany isn’t very well known and there are multiple speculations on when and why this occurred. Germany as a country is fairly new and has previously been independent states that housed first the Roman Empire, then the Holy Roman Empire and finally the Austrian Habsburgs("Germany"). Germany became a very important country in world history, producing Martin Luther’s Protestantism and Hitler’s position in the World Wars. However, by analyzing the reasons for early settlement in Germany, it is easier to understand the ways of life for these influential people in history.
The earliest settlers of Germany date back to 200 B.C. to the Celts. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. they were followed by German tribes ("Germany"). These Germanic tribes are believed to have come from Scandinavia. These Germanic tribes that lived to the west of the Rhine River and south of the Main River were soon taken over by the Roman Empire. Tribes living to the east and north of these rivers remained free(“History of Germany”). A united Germany did not emerge until 1871, under Kaiser Wilhelm I("Germany").
One of the speculated reasons for this move to Germany is that they were forced due to overpopulation(“History of Germany”). Guns, Germs and Steel discusses the earliest farmers 12,000 years ago while Germany’s first settlers didn’t arrive until roughly 3,000 years ago. This is quite a time difference and supports the theory of overpopulation. As farming and families grew in the Fertile Crescent, these tribes may have been forced to travel northwest for more room.
This time difference also would have allowed the transportation of plants and animals that were necessary to survive. This means that the plants and animals native to the Germany didn’t necessarily need to be ones easily domesticated. Germany has more forests than any other country around Europe and this allows a wide array of animal life (“Animals in Germany”). The most common animals found in Germany are the red squirrel, weasels, beavers, and badgers, all animals that could not necessarily be used by these early settlers (“Animals in Germany”). Germany’s landscapes varies from tall mountains, rolling plains, and forested hills. They receive rainfall year round producing a very green and luscious habitat for animals.
This research supports the latitude theory from Guns, Germs, and Steel. This theory determined that the Fertile Crescent was so fertile because it was a vast land that expanded east and west along close to the same latitude. Germany did not become inhabited until long after the first farmers and this may be because of how far north-west it is from the Fertile Crescent. The climate and landscape varies from the Fertile Crescent because of their different latitudes. Germany is colder, has more rainfall, and didn’t have the same animals and plants these farmers were accustomed to living off of.
Animals in Germany. (2012). Retrieved September 10, 2015.
Germany. (2015). Retrieved September 10, 2015.
History of Germany, Early History to 1945. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2015.
The earliest settlers of Germany date back to 200 B.C. to the Celts. At the end of the 2nd century B.C. they were followed by German tribes ("Germany"). These Germanic tribes are believed to have come from Scandinavia. These Germanic tribes that lived to the west of the Rhine River and south of the Main River were soon taken over by the Roman Empire. Tribes living to the east and north of these rivers remained free(“History of Germany”). A united Germany did not emerge until 1871, under Kaiser Wilhelm I("Germany").
One of the speculated reasons for this move to Germany is that they were forced due to overpopulation(“History of Germany”). Guns, Germs and Steel discusses the earliest farmers 12,000 years ago while Germany’s first settlers didn’t arrive until roughly 3,000 years ago. This is quite a time difference and supports the theory of overpopulation. As farming and families grew in the Fertile Crescent, these tribes may have been forced to travel northwest for more room.
This time difference also would have allowed the transportation of plants and animals that were necessary to survive. This means that the plants and animals native to the Germany didn’t necessarily need to be ones easily domesticated. Germany has more forests than any other country around Europe and this allows a wide array of animal life (“Animals in Germany”). The most common animals found in Germany are the red squirrel, weasels, beavers, and badgers, all animals that could not necessarily be used by these early settlers (“Animals in Germany”). Germany’s landscapes varies from tall mountains, rolling plains, and forested hills. They receive rainfall year round producing a very green and luscious habitat for animals.
This research supports the latitude theory from Guns, Germs, and Steel. This theory determined that the Fertile Crescent was so fertile because it was a vast land that expanded east and west along close to the same latitude. Germany did not become inhabited until long after the first farmers and this may be because of how far north-west it is from the Fertile Crescent. The climate and landscape varies from the Fertile Crescent because of their different latitudes. Germany is colder, has more rainfall, and didn’t have the same animals and plants these farmers were accustomed to living off of.
Animals in Germany. (2012). Retrieved September 10, 2015.
Germany. (2015). Retrieved September 10, 2015.
History of Germany, Early History to 1945. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2015.
climate mapThis map shows the difference in climate when traveling to different latitudes. It exemplifies the different climates of the Fertile Crescent and Germany.
World Climate Maps. (2007). Retrieved September 12, 2015. |
modern day germanyThis map shows modern day, united Germany. It exemplifies the small size of the country.
GERMANY MAP. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2015. |
suggestions for more information on the settlement of germany
http://www.infoplease.com/country/germany.html This website will describe the geography and the earliest settlers on the first page. The earliest settlers are only briefly mentioned; however, it does give a reason why these people came to German lands.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/migration/chapter111.html This website discusses the possibility of people in Germany as far back as 700,000 B.C. and what they were doing there.
http://www.let.leidenuniv.nl/history/migration/chapter111.html This website discusses the possibility of people in Germany as far back as 700,000 B.C. and what they were doing there.