German History - Highways and Byways

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. When, according to German historians, was that forerunner of Germany, the Holy Roman Empire, founded? 1254 (First written mention of the Holy Roman Empire) 800 (Coronation of Charlemagne by the Pope) 962 (Coronation of Otto I by the Pope) 843 (Treaty of Verdun)

2. In the period c. 1190-1250 German (Middle High German) literature flourished. Which of these epics, all written between about 1200 and 1240, ends with gloom, doom and total destruction? Parzival Kudrun Nibelungenlied Tristan

3. Germany was an 'elective' monarchy until 1806. That is, the kings (emperors) were elected. True False

4. Which German ruler backed Luther from a very early stage and ensured his personal safety after he was declared an outlaw of the Empire in May, 1521? The Count Palatine The Emperor The Duke of Saxony The Margrave of Brandenburg

5. In 1618 the Habsburg monarchy embarked on an attempt to establish real control of the Holy Roman Empire and reverse many of the results of the Reformation. The result was the Thirty Years' War (in German, 'der Dreißigjährige Krieg'). In the course of this devastating war many foreign powers fought either on the side of the Habsburgs or of the Protestants. Which of the following foreign states did *not* intervene on any significant scale? France Sweden Transylvania England

6. In the period c.1670-1740 one of the German states rose rapidly and unexpectedly to the status of a first-class military power in Europe. Which was it? Answer: (One Word)

7. In the nineteenth century the German and Austrian universities achieved unparalled international acclaim for their reseach. Which of these universities was the first to encourage its professors and other full-time teachers to engage in research? Göttingen (founded in 1737) Leipzig (founded in 1409) Heidelberg (founded in 1386) Halle (founded in 1694)

8. In 1866 Prussia expelled Austria from Germany. True False

9. The Nazis called themselves 'National Socialists'. Which of these measures did they implement? None of these Government ownership of the main German industries High levels of income tax that produced a significant redistribution of wealth High benefits for the senior citizens, the sick and disabled and the unemployed

10. After WWII there was no serious attempt in the Federal Republic of Germany to confront the past. True False