This book outlines the history of German development policy, provides important insights into Germany's motivations for development aid and closes an important research gap in this field. From its beginnings to the present day, German development cooperation has undergone various political and institutional changes. This volume offers a comprehensive analysis of these phases and highlights the milestones that have shaped Germany's approach to international development. It is aimed at academics, students, political decision-makers and anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of the developments and challenges of German development policy.