- Prussian militarism and expansionism: In the 19th century, Prussia emerged as a powerful and expansionist state in Europe, which led to conflicts and tensions with neighboring countries. Prussian militarism and the pursuit of territorial expansion were widely perceived as a threat to the balance of power in Europe and contributed to negative perceptions of Germany.
- The First World War: The outbreak of World War I in 1914 and the subsequent German invasion of Belgium and France generated significant anti-German sentiment among Allied countries. The war saw extensive destruction and loss of life, and Germany's role in starting and prolonging the conflict left a lasting negative impact on its international image.
- Nazi Germany and the Holocaust: The rise of the Nazi Party and Adolf Hitler in Germany in the 1930s and the atrocities committed during World War II, including the systematic genocide of millions of Jews in the Holocaust, led to widespread revulsion and condemnation of Germany worldwide. The horrors of the Holocaust and the subsequent revelation of Nazi crimes further fueled negative sentiments toward Germany.
- Competition and rivalry: Economic and political competition between Germany and other countries has also contributed to anti-German sentiment at times. Germany's rapid industrialization and economic growth, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, led to fears of German dominance and economic rivalry with other European powers.
- Cultural and historical narratives: Cultural narratives and historical interpretations can shape how people perceive a country. In some cases, negative stereotypes and prejudices about German culture, history, and national character have contributed to anti-German sentiments.
It is important to note that anti-German sentiment is not universal, and public opinion can change over time. In modern times, Germany has undergone significant political and cultural changes, and efforts have been made to address historical issues and foster international reconciliation. However, negative stereotypes and occasional episodes of anti-German sentiment can still arise in various contexts.