Germany
A New History looks to be a really good reading to prepare our group for
the Germany trip. My interest in the first couple of chapters came from the
Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther as these are two things that I have
studied and know a little bit about previously. Martin Luther is a fascinating
person to me, as is any historic figure that has stood up to power and
authority. People who disagree with something and want to fight for what they
believe, no matter who the fight is against, are real heroes in my eyes and
definitely peak my interest.
That being said, the Protestant
Reformation has always interested me because I believe it was an historical
event that probably inspired America’s stand against Great Britain from the
beginning, when the Pilgrims arrived. Quaker Pilgrims did not agree with the
King’s rule or the English religion, and instead of reforming in the way Martin
Luther did, they moved and started an entire new country in the 13 colonies.
The American to German comparisons are a big interest of mine in going abroad.
Furthermore, I mentioned in my
first blog that Italy was an eye-opening experience for me when I was fortunate
enough to go in June. A big regret of mine is that I did not know enough about
Italian history or culture before I went. I believe this text and all the
readings and meetings we will have before our journey overseas will much better
prepare me for the German experience. For my own interest and research
knowledge, I am going to try and push myself this fall to learn some Italian
history and culture beyond what I learned so that I can have the 3rd
country of interest to include in my studies along with Germany and the United
States.
Overall, I
was thrilled to be able to go over to Italy this summer and had an amazing
experience while there. However, I did not feel I was rightfully prepared or
learned in the history and culture of the Italians and I do not want to make
that same mistake with our experience in Germany. I believe our readings will
help to keep me from that mistake and I’m excited to learn.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther Preaching Ideals to the Emperor
Pilgrims Arrival in America
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