Demographic Website Project - Germany                              

The Settlement Patterns

Nobody originated in Germany. Then how did people get here? How was it populated? In this section, we talk about and discover the history of Germany and how tribes came to settle him! Let's begin!

The Celts and "Germanic" Tribes

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The Celts were a group of peoples who originated in western Europe. Their date of formation is uncertain, although it is thought that they bonded together and actually became a notable force at around 400 B.C. in Middle Europe. They were tall, blond and messy, horrifying the Romans every time they went into battle. As population increased, many Celts could eventually not live with themselves in such cramped conditions. They started to expand, and so, while retaining their battle with the Romans in Italy, made way to the east, near unpopulated Germany. At first there were only Celts, but other "Germanic" tribes (known that way because they populated Germany) from all directions, just like the Celts, expanded their vast empires into the same land. What was unique about this was that the tribes made their own "feudal" system, where there would be rulers and slaves. They would also divide land up for farming from generation to generation. Each son would get a portion of their father's lands, and in doing so, there was almost no land left to farm. By 200 B.C., all of Germany was settled, and leaders of different tribes looked for areas to expand, however there were no place to expand. This is when war erupted, and many fought or tried to make alliances. Major powers stood out, which would later alliance and make Germany a whole. To the left is a reconstruction of what Celt soldiers looked like. (Britannica, Infoplease)

The Holy Roman Empire

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At around 800 A.D., we have Charlemagne, the leader of one of the many Germanic Tribes. Being crowned the leader of the Holy Roman Empire, he spreads Christianity and makes many Roman Catholic in Germany by doing so. At this time, Germany is already quite populated, and it becomes even more populated, as the Christian Faith spreads. To the left: a picture of Charlemagne and the spreading of Christianity. (Britannica, Infoplease)

Rise of Prussia

In the 19th century, we see the rise of Prussia. When I mean "rise", I am trying to describe Prussia's power as it expands. This is after Napoleon's defeat. Prussia, hoping something like this would never happen again, revised its government and system. In turn, the Holy Roman Empire revised its ways and was replaced with a German Confederation of all states. Germany continues to be unified to this very day. (Britannica, Infoplease)

Major Cities and Formation

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In this section, I will be describing some of the major cities of Germany and how they were formed. To keep things simple though, I will look at the most powerful city in all of Germany: Berlin.

Berlin is located on two sides of a river, which flows right through. Originally, in approx. 1237, we see the first settlers on one side of the river. As farming grew and more settlers came in, it became known as the village of Colln. On the other side were other "German" immigrants, who expanded as well along the whole river. In 1244, that side became known as the village of Nikolaiviertel. A few years later, these two separate villages united along the Spree (the river). As more and more came to settle next to the river and its soft, great farming land, most of the areas along the river were taking up. So, many started expanding farther and farther away from the rivers, and, as the two villages united, we have Berlin. It is one of the first cities of Germany, as well as the most developed, with beautiful churches and buildings. To the left: One of the beautiful antique church hotels in Berlin. (Wikipedia) There are many other cities, however. This includes (from largest to smallest) Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, Frankfurt, Essen, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Bremen, Hanover and Duisburg (Infoplease). Hamburg, for example also started on a river. As it got more and more populated with fertile land being taken up, more people spread outward and formed this city. Frankfurt was also a major population as it also started next to the river Main. 

Settlement Patterns Explained

          Here is a map of Germany's density in certain regions. Any area that is red is extremely dense. As you can see, most of the areas that are densely populated are on or nearby rivers. This includes Berlin. This is due to the fact that the first civilizations started around rivers, with their more productive soils. This allowed better crops, and allowed everybody to be the most productive, and in doing so, many could put their time into developing their country. Knowing how cities and communities formed in a country is crucial into understanding a country. Go to the next page!

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