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Roots of environmentalism in German history

Nachhaltigkeit is the German principle for sustainability, which has been used throughout history and is at the core values of German forestry as a whole. Nachhaltigkeit is what the German forests are famous for throughout the globe, and in terms of environmental practices. German forests in particular through the 19th century had state-issued guards in the forests across Germany, limiting access to citizens in order to preserve resources. This practice helped cut down on deforestation, though like the majority of the western world at this time, did not completely work. This was partly due to the extensive manicuring of the forests, including the rigid structure of growing trees in rows and clearing any underbrush. This weakened the natural ecosystem of the forests, and made the trees more prone to pests and disease.

Germany's strict control over its forests allowed for the ideal of German romantic forests, that were idolized and used in literature to show the beauty and magic of nature.

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During Nazi regime, the idea of conversationism for German Forests coincided with the Nazi propaganda of an attack on liberal values. The Nazis used the phrase Naturgemasse Waldwirtschaft, "forestry according to nature," to explain that in all forms, they (the Nazis) were merely restoring Germany back to its purest form. However, the core of the Nazi party was not particularly fond of forests in their natural state, as the forests expressed the diversity of Germany that the Nazi party was trying to eradicate. Many minorities would also hide in the forests for protection from those that did not know the land as well, and Hitler was known to call the forest a hiding place for weak ethnic groups. Regardless, Nazi regime tried to protect German forests and saw them as a symbol of nationalistic excellence in their purity. Any conservation efforts brought by the Nazis were undermined by military plans.

Literature

Many fairy tales have been inspired by the German forests, such as works from Brothers Grimm and Herder. Musicians such as Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner, and Franz Schubert have also written works about German forests. Core ideas in these writings are love for Germany and the forests, unity, brooding, and magic. It can be said that these themes showed unity for Germany as a whole, while describing the forests similarly.