How did Germany lose its edge in mathematics? When asked, "And how is mathematics in Göttingen, now that it has been freed of the Jewish influence?" Hilbert replied: "Mathematics in Göttingen? In 1933, the Nazis began to systematically drive Jewish mathematicians and scientists away from Germany. Göttingen never regained anything close to its former prominence, and neither did Germany.

Source: Forbes February 06, 2017 19:41 UTC