The geopolitical differences of the Netherlands and Germany seemed to have formed the origin or established the roots

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Close Neighbours – Distant Relations

Tracing back the Dutch-German relationship

Paper Dossier Part One: Social Relations and their Origins

 

                                                                                                                 © Mat Rijnders

European Studies, 2F

Paper Dossier Part One

 Re-examination

Professor T. Blom

12.08.2005

Sophie Wulk

i262129

Pigeonhole 10

[email protected]


Table of Contents

  1. Introduction                                                                page 3

2.   Geopolitical Developments Compared                                page 5

        2.1        The Impact of the Reformation                                page 5

        2.2        Independence of ‘The Seven United Provinces’                page 7

        2.3        Political Development in Germany                                page 8

        2.4        Comparing Geopolitical Backgrounds                        page 9

3. Religious Disparities                                                        page 10

3.1         Lutheranism                                                        page 10

3.2        Calvinism                                                        page 11

3.3        The Seedbed for Religious Developments                        page 12

3.4        The Theory of Max Weber                                        page 13

3.5        The Religions in the Countries                                page 14

4.        Conclusion                                                                page 17

  1. References                                                                page 19


1. Introduction

At first sight it is not possible to distinguish Dutch and German nationals. Thus, it is tempting to assume that they are not only similar in appearance but also in cultural terms. However, this paper aims at comparing these two nations to show that there are differences and distances. Most people might not expect divergent cultures or traditions when contrasting the two. And true, from the outward, strong differences cannot be detected. Yet, despite geographic proximity and similarity in appearance, one must admit that Dutch and German people differ in conduct, conception and their way of thinking, more than anticipated. Superficial similarities can be deceiving, and when cultural disparities are underestimated, misunderstandings can easily build up.An awkward outcome of the interaction might be the result. In order to avoid such an uncomfortable situation as a consequence of miscomprehension it is important to become aware of these differences between the two.

First of all, it is necessary to find out why these distinctions in conduct and perception exist. Is it just the language barrier that creates this distance or are other factors involved? Since the happenings of the Second World War cannot be held responsible alone for the distances in daily life this paper aims at elaborating on possible other reasons for the distanced relations between the Dutch and the Germans that are rooted in earlier history.  The main argument draws on different geopolitical and religious developments that seem to have shaped the respective attitudes divergently. Having in mind the argument of Max Weber that religion has impacted the development of culture, the influence of the Reformation and out of it. the fruition of different Protestant movements, thus, Lutheran in most parts of Germany and Calvinism in most parts of the Netherlands, will be analysed according to those terms.

Thus, the dossier deals with the historical background of the two countries stressing the developments in the sixteenth and seventeenth century. It first takes into account differences in geo-political and economic developments to find out why the Dutch-German relationship is not as easy as it seems and second argues that the political differences seem to have provided breeding ground for different religious developments. Those, in response, seem to be liable for shaping the cultures in different ways, which again produce the difficulties that complicate the interaction of the two neighbours. In the final conclusion a short summary will be given to spot if this ‘chain of reaction of events’ can be regarded valid to justify why the Dutch and the Germans are not as similar as initially imagined.

 This paper can be regarded as an approach to make people, especially of the two countries, aware of their differences. Awareness and explications are important not only to avoid underestimations of differences but also to create understanding and taking aware subtle tensions. As an idealist, one could expect a way out of the difficulties when the sides are clear; out of the reserved moral distance into a more open and cordial neighbourhood!


2. Geopolitical Developments Compared

Sixteenth century Europe is marked with constant change and development. The influence of the Reformation changed the territorial organization in many ways, leading to a consolidation of particularism in Germany and the independence of the Low Countries, or the Seven United Provinces. Also before the Reformation movement took hold, which meant the end to an overall Catholic Europe and the development of independent Protestant churches, small and middle sized states existed within a relatively weak imperial framework, especially in the area of today’s Germany. Feudal and agrarian relations dominated within the small areas. The overall area was known as the ‘Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation’ and the Emperor Charles V practically ruled over half of Europe. His domain also included the Low Countries, today’s Netherlands and Belgium. There was no overall unity and tensions and struggles for territorial power were predominant and political and financial resources were not sufficient to maintain this large kingdom. Besides, Charles V was constantly struggling against France in the West and the Turks in the East to defend his Empire.

2.1        The Impact of the Reformation

During the early 16th century revolts by peasants of the Roman Empire increased as they were faced with economic suppression. Threatened by the French and Habsburg, attempts to dominate Italy, the Papacy needed to defend its political position for which it required additional resources. These supplementary financial means where mainly ordered from Germany, a rich area without a central government which could have resisted the Church’s demands. The “grasping nature of the papacy” could be seen at all levels of the Church in Germany. It seemed as if the accumulation of wealth was a priority to the spiritual services. The ‘Peasant’s Wars’ reflected the common people’s discontent out of increased taxation by the Papacy. The outflow of financial resources increased tensions not only among the common people. Especially the political leaders of the German territories disliked the Pope’s manner to raise revenues and anti-clericalism spread.

Out of this situation, Luther published his ninety-five theses at the Church door of Wittenberg, an action with which he triggered far more changes then he might have expected. With this action which is later called to be responsible for the emergence of the Reformation, thus the change of conviction of many from Catholicism to Protestant movements, Luther tried to stimulate the awareness that Christianity was abused for financial gain. A popular tactic of the church to increase financial inflow was to sell indulgences to the people. These indulgences were supposed to guarantee salvation. Thus, paying money to the Church was to secure life after death. Slogans were created to raise the sale of indulgencies: “As soon as the coin in the cofferings, The soul from purgatory springs. Luther argued against the sale of these indulgences, arguing that the church was abused by the clergy. God offered salvation to everybody who had faith. Faith alone was sufficient for salvation; in his eyes no intermediary was necessary to obtain the grace of God. Luther declared “the priesthood of all believers”, saying that everybody was individually responsible for his actions before God. With this statement Luther quickly gained support of the local rulers which regarded his thesis as a way to gain independence from the Papacy. Luther fostered the leader’s aspiration to assume control of religious affairs within their territory, believing that rulers received their power directly from God. In his eyes, secular rulers had to be obeyed in all matters, if they abused their power, only God had the power to judge them after death.

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The Lutheran world view pleased the local lords in all terms and many became his followers. Others remained under the influence of the Papacy and the Emperor who tried to maintain his influence leading to struggles between the two camps. A settlement could not be reached, but the emperor had to admit that a split within his realm was unbridgeable. Thus, at the Diet of Regensburg, “the Lutheran doctrine of obedience to authority was reshaped to mean obedience to the territorial … local ruler, and not to the Emperor” . However, political and military disturbances continued. In the Diet of ...

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