This book describes the history of North Rhine-Westphalia since its establishment in 1946 - thoroughly researched, yet highly readable and richly illustrated: From the Operation Marriage, the union of the disparate parts of the states Rhineland and Westphalia in 1946, through the economic miracle, the crises and upheavals to the current structural changes. The author describes not only the political history of the country. He also focuses on structural issues such as the development of the economy and education, migration and integration, the media and the environment. He also presents the change in living conditions and lifestyles. Skryť popis