In 1998, the German automaker Daimler-Benz and the U.S. automaker Chrysler formed what they called a ‘merger of equals.’ However, Daimler’s culture was very formal and emphasized quality, while the American company had an informal ‘cowboy’ culture that emphasized cost control. A few years later, the merger was declared a failure. What lessons can we learn from this?

Culture differences do matter

Explanation:

In general Germans and German companies are known for being formal, following the rules as strict as possible and regarding the quality of a product as the supreme issue that must not be taken lightly.

The Americans however are less formal, more (market) flexible and show a clear business attitude that focuses more on quantity in production.

Not to mention the social gap when it comes to the working conditions  between the two cultures...

The Klu Klux Klan was founded by former Confederate Army officers in Tennessee in 1866.

Explanation:

The Ku Klux Klan is a racist and violent secret society, especially active in the southern United States. The clan was active as a unitary organization from 1865 to 1875 and from 1915 to 1944. Since 1950 there have been several independent groups under this name.

It was founded by several former Confederate officers in December 24, 1865, and its primary goal was to oppress the blacks in the south. Its acts of violence were initially directed against blacks and their protectors as well as against the numerous northern settlers who wanted to benefit from the reconstruction of the south after the Civil War. It was a paramilitary group that tried to achieve its political goals with terror and violence and was dissolved around 1870. The clan was re-established in 1915 as a nativist mass organization. With up to four million members (1924), this clan pursued a policy of white supremacy, especially towards African Americans, but also militant anti-Catholicism and anti-Semitism.