Changes

[[File:Paris, Wachablösung.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Change of guard at hotel Crillon place de la Concorde in Paris. Picture taken in 1940.]]

[[File:Paris, Wachablösung.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Change of guard at hotel Crillon place de la Concorde in Paris. Picture taken in 1940.]]

The '''goose step''' is a type of marching step performed in formal military parades and special ceremonies.  While marching in parade formation, the goose step is performed by troops through swinging their legs in unison off the ground, while keeping each leg straight and unbent.

The '''goose step''' is the nickname given to the ''Stechschritt'' a type of marching step performed in formal military parades and special ceremonies.  While marching in parade formation, the goose step is performed by troops through swinging their legs in unison off the ground, while keeping each leg straight and unbent. Its origins are among [[Prussia]]n calvary officers who used it to stretch the tendons for horseback riders.  

Because of the goose step's association with [[Nazism|Nazi]] Germany, the [[Soviet Union]], blind obedience and dictatorships, it has acquired a negative reputation in the Anglo-American world.  Anglo-Americans commonly mock goose stepping.

Because of the goose step's association with [[Nazism|Nazi]] Germany, the [[Soviet Union]], blind obedience and dictatorships, it has acquired a negative reputation in the Anglo-American world.  Anglo-Americans commonly mock goose stepping.

Beyond a certain point, military display is only possible in countries where the common people dare not laugh at the army.<ref>[http://jackofkent.com/2012/04/orwell-and-the-ridicule-of-extremists/ George Orwell and the ridicule of extremists]</ref>}}

Beyond a certain point, military display is only possible in countries where the common people dare not laugh at the army.<ref>[http://jackofkent.com/2012/04/orwell-and-the-ridicule-of-extremists/ George Orwell and the ridicule of extremists]</ref>}}

==Notes==

==Notes==