Hamburg: Post-War Recovery

Although our visit to Hamburg was brief, our walking city tour gave us a quick glimpse into how Hamburg has rebuilt and defined itself as a city since its near total destruction during WWII. There are a couple of factors that have led Hamburg to being the city that it is today.

First, since the end of World War II it has enjoyed a relatively stable geopolitical climate. Unlike Berlin, which was at the center of the cold war, Hamburg had fewer outside forces playing a role in dictating its reconstruction. As a result, it was able to rebuild and grow as a unified city.

Additionally, Hamburg’s unique geographic location gives it a unique advantage for industrial growth. Hamburg is the main port city in Germany. It is the gateway to the north and thus all major Atlantic trade into Germany enters through this port. Having the maritime industry in Hamburg has brought the city a steady source of income, also contributing to its current wealth.

While some Berliners may remark that Hamburg does not have the renowned art scene that Berlin boasts, the last 80 years since the end of WWII have been a remarkable stretch of prosperity for the city of Hamburg.