Robert Cromley's Argument For The Reunification Of East Germany

Economically, the reunification was unexpectedly difficult, as it had resulted in an economic downfall, which was caused by the free movement across the borders. The collapse of the Berlin Wall and the deindustrialization of many areas in East Germany called for a mass migration from the East to the West, especially of the young and capable, resulting in a brain drain. This led to high unemployment and market shortages. Unemployment rates right after reunification shot up to approximately 10 percent in East Germany, which was double of the West. Migration flows in Germany following reunification were more prominent in the east. However, it is important to consider William Berentsen & Robert Cromley’s studies that fail to support this argument

Since the reunification in 1990, West Germany has had to transfer large amounts of money to East Germany in order to fulfill their demand for equal standards of living. The West Germans were pumping out as much as 100 Deutschemarks per person as a welcome ‘package’ for the East Germans who were entering Western areas. Bruce and Derek Headey agree that the West German had suffered at the expense of the East. However, their argument goes a step further to show that the East Germans had become materially wealthier but their welfare has been

This mindset had exacerbated the problems that arose during reunification. This effect contributed to a vicious cycle that continuously proved to be problematic for the process of reunification. The mentality of inferiority stemmed from the fear that they were losing control over their political, economic and social systems. This made it difficult for the two states to be holistically reunified as the East Germans felt like they did not belong to united Germany. The failure to build a brand new political identity and the problems that emerged due to the rash decision to reunify had led to the failure to fulfill expectation as well as political dissatisfaction. The economic burden brought on by the reunification was also an unexpectedly difficult challenge to reunification as it led to many internal problems. Lastly, there was a strong desire for the past, as social and cultural aspects of reunification proved to be problematic as well. However, it is also important to acknowledge that although the German reunification was problematic, there was a lack of revolt from the people that would have affected the process of reunification. Moreover, Germany has enjoyed two peaceful decades and has been regaining its national confidence over time. It should be asserted that