(Published in GralsWelt 43/2007) The 20th century has been called the century of demagogues and dictators: Lenin, Stalin, Mussolini, SAlazar, Hitler, Franco, Mao, Castro, Pol Pot. As different as these oppressors were in their personalities or their political profiles, they all sparked a pseudo-religious "enthusiasm" - in fact it was hysteria - that has continued to [...]
(Published in GralsWelt 32/2004) Rancher, Cowboys and Bandits The conquest of the “West” went hand in hand with an economic development - not to say: a waste of resources - in which one (often short-term) “boom” replaced the other. It all started with the lucrative fur trade, which peaked in 1840. Then came the California gold rush of 1849, the discovery of [...]
(Published in GralsWelt 32/2004) The Great Awakening Daring, ingenious technical achievements, but at the same time unrestrained greed and inhuman brutality - these were the signs in the "Wild West" of North America where the colonization of the Great Plains took place. A departure of unimaginable proportions, a time that is glorified in countless films and books - the great age of railway construction, the [...]
(Published in GralsWelt 30/2003) Train of Tears After the War of Independence - see Part 3 of this series - the USA was an undisputed, sovereign power that could think of the internal expansion of its country. However, the war costs were high, the states were in debt - and the government was inclined to procure the missing money where it [...]
About the Appalachians (Published in Grail World 29/2003) The bloody history of the “Wild West” in North America offers an exemplary insight into the state of mind of mankind around 250 years ago. Driven by thirst for conquest and - see the introductory quote - even with reference to the “will of God”, the subjugation and extermination of the Indian people was promoted - [...]
The threat posed by the whites is growing (Published in GralsWelt 28/2003) In the American consciousness the word “border” has a special, almost mystical meaning. The limit is the place of probation, adventure and success beckon here, and progress is fought for. For example, President Kennedy spoke of a "new frontier" when it came to the [...]
Go West! (Published in GralsWelt 31/2004) A joke was circulating in America in the 19th century: When a real Westerner stands at the gates of heaven, his first question to St. Peter is: “Where does it go West?” In the West, many looked for the praised Country. Wealth and happiness were promised to everyone, if only they were willing to join the [...]
(Published in Grail World 27/2003) Today, at the beginning of the 21st century, North America is considered the leading world power, and American ideals serve as models for many people. The history of the "United States of America" seems to have largely been dealt with historically: We know how bloody the struggle for the "New World" was once and we regret the fate of the [...]
The plague in Europe (published in Grail World 20/2001) In the 14th century the worst of all known epidemics raged through the European countries: the plague, associated by many with the "fourth horseman" of the apocalypse. And it is a fabulous mistake to want to recognize only a disease in the "black death" that cannot be identified with the medical options available at the time [...]
(Published in GrailWorld 20/2001) On December 6, 1941, Abd-ru-shin (1875-1941) left this earth. Here is described what happened world-historically at that time. Europe at the beginning of December 1941: The Second World War reached its first climax in the form of the "European war". For two years, German troops had rushed from victory to victory. They had won the [...]