The early 20th century was very destructive for the German state. With WW1 The Germans had the most powerful army and the second most powerful navy, The war was caused by Austria's Crown prince was assassinated. The war left over 2 million German soldiers dead, The economy in ruins because they were forced to pay all war reparations. Post war Germany was not allowed to have a standing army or Navy. This caused the Rise of Adolf Hitler, who felt Germany was ashamed and moved the German people and the country to starting WW2 with the 1939 invasion of Poland. During the course of the war between 3.25 million and 5.3 million soldiers were killed, and between 1 and 3 million German civilians were killed. This again caused the country to be in shambles separated by the Iron curtain. Democratic east and Communist west. Each area had established its own standing army. Post Cold war the newly formed Germany had around 360,000 soldiers.
The 21st century, the German army had around 7 divisions total. 5 mechanized (each with two mechanized brigades), 1 special forces, and one airmobile division. Germany is now allied with NATO and actively participates in NATO operations around the world. The active duty and reserve component of the military both man and women is around 115,000 man and women.
No comments:
Post a Comment