The Role of History and Tradition in the Urban Geography of West Germany

Abstract

Cities of pre‐industrial cultures with long‐standing and continuous urban life as part of their indigenous tradition are likely to retain historical characteristics even after complete industrialization and modernization. Also, in old cultures with a pre‐industrial urban tradition, urban innovations and changes may need to be molded to fit the traditional and inherited pattern. This thesis is based on the observation of contemporary urban characteristics and trends of postwar West Germany. Today West Germany is one of the most highly developed and industrialized nations in the world but has nevertheless retained a number of pre‐industrial and early industrial traditions and institutions only slightly adjusted to the modern urban economy. In addition, many innovations of the modern age have been adopted only after considerable adjustment to existing patterns. In view of the vast and sometimes complete destruction of most German cities during World War II, even the typical appearance of the urban layout and build of contemporary German cities cannot be explained by their remarkable age alone. The most notable processes behind this urban traditionalism in Germany are the influential political and social reactionism and the positive sense for historic and humanistic responsibility.

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