Germany only became a world power in the 20th century, and they lost WW1, which led to terrible agreements and humiliation, so they launched ww2 with Imperialst and Facist Italy as their allies. They lost, and then NATO was formed. The EU became a country, bcuz its kind of proven that when 2 european countries go to war, the results are never too great. Now Germany makes like 20% of scientific discoveries worldwide, the EU makes up 70% of contributions, and the Americans have a fair share to. I think its fair to say that members of NATO contribute 90% of global scientific discoveries
I find 'win quick' gambits disgusting

Hell yea. They're economy is arguably stronger than the US. If Nazi Germany didn't go to war so soon, or had a smarter leader than Hitler, they might have won the war. They're freaking brilliants

in blitz, gambits result in more "real" chess. often ultra safe lines will just descend into seeing who can flag who in a drawn position, a gambit at least relies on attacking and defending ideas. and you should only fall for the obvious ones that instantly lose once (and it's better you do in blitz before someone plays the same gambit in an OTB tournament).

Germany wasn't a country until quite near WW1... Similar to Italy. A collection of feudual states. Germany didn't have an empire. A little bit in Africa, maybe. Which mean they have limited cultural influence. But german don't sound too good anyhow... A little harsh on the ear. In both WW1 and WW2 Germany had success. But fighting on two or three fronts was just impossible. If operation Barbarossa, the invasion of Soviet Russia, had taken place a month earlier, the war could have been over right there. Italy failed against Greece and had to be rescued. And forget the Holocaust... If they took Russia they had the Hunger Plan... Which meant starving tens of million civilians to Death. Genuine d,mn evil. And then... uh, what was the point again? Gambit player? Can't think of many great Germany Chess player... Oh, wait... Steinitz? And Sergelbert thingy. And that Uhlmann dude... Am I going crazy?
Spain, the UK and and France pretty much controlled the world, except for most of Asia, in the 1700's
tru dat