"Mögen Sie eigentlich die Amerikaner?" - The historical development of anti-Americanism in Germany

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction
• 1.1 Relevance of the topic
• 1.2 Structure and central research questions
• 1.3 Literary sources
• 2. Anti-Americanism a theoretical approach
• 2.1 Theories and definitions
• 2.2 Motives and functions
• 2.3 Anti-Americanism and anti-Semitism
• 3. The development of anti-Americanism in the context of German history
• 3.1 Anti-American perceptions in the 18th and 19th century
• 3.2 Anti-American images at the beginning of the 20th century until the Second World War
• 3.3 The Third Reich
• 3.4 The Post-War and Cold War period (1945-1990)
• 3.5 From the German Reunification to the war in Iraq
• 3.6 The presidency of George W. Bush
• 4. The future of German-American relations – change with a new president?

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis examines the historical development of anti-American sentiment in Germany, focusing on the fluctuating nature of German-American relations. It aims to demonstrate that the surge in anti-American feelings during the George W. Bush administration was not an isolated event, but rather a phase in a long and complex relationship marked by both admiration and resentment. The study analyzes the historical context of these sentiments, exploring how they have evolved over time and varied across different social and political groups.

• The historical evolution of anti-American sentiment in Germany.
• The ambivalent nature of German attitudes towards the United States (both positive and negative perceptions).
• The influence of historical events and political contexts on shaping these attitudes.
• The role of stereotypes and their persistence over time.
• The impact of the George W. Bush administration and the Iraq War on German-American relations.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter introduces the topic, highlighting the surge in anti-American sentiment during the Bush administration and emphasizing the long and complex history of German-American relations. It outlines the thesis's objectives and methodology.

Chapter 2: Anti-Americanism - A Theoretical Approach This chapter provides a theoretical framework for understanding anti-Americanism, examining definitions, motives, and functions, and exploring its relationship with anti-Semitism.

Chapter 3: The Development of Anti-Americanism in the Context of German History This chapter traces the historical development of anti-American sentiment in Germany, from the 18th and 19th centuries through the Bush presidency, analyzing the changing social and political contexts that shaped these attitudes.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Anti-Americanism, Germany, United States, German-American relations, historical development, stereotypes, political context, ambivalence, George W. Bush, Iraq War, public opinion.