For what reasons did experimental psychology emerge in Germany and not elsewhere?
Germany provided many opportunities to learn and practice new scientific researches, which were not supported in England and France. Oxford and Cambridge both opposed, the emergence of new field at that time in England.
German universities on the other hand, gave full leisure to the teachers to teach. There was no defined syllabus, and teachers could teach whatever they found fit. They had the liberty to undertake research topics they wished.
Experimental psychology was not yet recognized in England and France. However, in Germany scientific community was more welcoming towards zoology, biology, and other science subjects. England and France favored the deductive mathematical approach. Biological and physiological sciences did not allow facts to be deduced, so biology was slow in getting acceptance from the Britishers and French.
Moreover the Germans defined science broadly, involving archeology, linguistics, and esthetics. England and France considered chemistry and physics the only branches of science. On the other hand, Germany had full faith in the descriptive and taxonomic biology.
United States also had no universities which had research centers. Only until 1876 was, the first university established that encouraged research. It was John Hopkins University. At the time of its establishment it followed the German style of teaching. At that time because of Germany’s Policy of teaching, it was the only place where a research scientist, could imagine living decently.
Although Germany was excelling in research especially in experimental psychology, the research scientists were of extremely high caliber. There was a lot of pressure in submitting significant research. Only the best were able to achieve success in the 19th century Germany. Hence, there is no doubt that the German university professors were directly involved in the flourishing of scientific psychology.