1920s: Germany transforms from pre-war optimism to a state of cynicism and violent class conflict in a matter of less than ten years. Political, economic, and social turmoil plunges Germans into a state of psychological shock, as evidenced in "Black Expressionist" art and in plays and literature expressing similar feelings of pessimism and bitterness.

Today: The 1990 tumbling of the Berlin Wall (erected in 1961 to further defend the political demarcation between East Germany and West Germany following Hitler's defeat in World War II), marks a new era of unity for Germany.

1920s: Class conflict exacerbatedby the war and rampant inflation make the country ripe for the rise of Hitler's "Third Reich" and its promise of a new society.

Today: Germany holds a strong position in the world economy as well as the respect of fellow members of the United Nations.

1920s: Naturalist or Realist theater...