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Calling upon anybody who knows enough on European history.

Both Germany and Korea sit upon the crossroads of their respective regions. (Europe vs. East Asia)

Both Germany and Korea suffered massively from wars they had no control over(30 years war vs. Japanese/Qing invasions of Korea).

Yet by the late 18th century/early 19th century Germany leads Europe in the scientific revolution, etc while Korea lags behind the little renaissance-moment both China and Japan bask under.

For me the reasons why Korea struggled is pretty simple - it was ravaged by war, and it took centuries to recover.

But Germany also suffered massive casualties - the population was basically cut in half (afaik). Why didn't it also struggle to recover?
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