At the end of the Millennium

In the last decade of the 20th century Hamburg was one of the richest cities in Europe, looking back on a democratic development of over 50 years. With the reunification in 1990, Hamburg spread its metropolitan function toward the east of north Germany. The cultural variety of the town by people from the meditteranean area but also from overseas was enlarged by east europeans. In 1997 over 15% of the citizens of Hamburg were foreigners.

The port had to maintain it‘ s important role against the competing ports by the north sea through constant modernization. At the same time the area around Berlin grew to a competitive industrial location; the planned Transrapid was to connect both capitals rapidly.

Contemporary office buildings changed the appearance of the city centre and symbolized the attractiveness of the economical location of Hamburg, where, to an increased extent, modern service enterprises established. Contrary to the prosperity, increasing poverty, crime and consumption of drugs became apparent.

Succesful musicals, events such as marathons and cycle races and the celebration of the harbour shaped the positive appearance of Hamburg outwards. Plans for the extension of the port in Altenwerder and the port city will have far- reaching consequences for the city in the 21st century.


Hamburg in the 20th. century (2)
-    Winter food shortages, refugee misery, black market trading
-    From occupied city to federal state
-    The modern metropolis
-    The exhileration of the consumer Society
-    The ups and downs of the Economic Miracle
-    Social policy and alternative politics
-    The limits of growth
-    Cultural city Hamburg
-    At the end of the Millennium

Hamburg in the 20th. century (1)