In this thesis, I analyze the origins and development of Germany's and America's healthcare systems, and the effects of those policies during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, I examine the historical, political, and cultural factors that shaped both countries' early attempts to implement compulsory healthcare. I then trace the changes both countries' early health care endeavors underwent during the 1900s. Finally, I connect the strengths and weaknesses of Germany's and the United States' healthcare systems to their ability to respond to the first months of the coronavirus pandemic. This analysis demonstrates how Germany's robust healthcare system provided the country with sufficient hospital bed capacity, insurance coverage, and paid sick leave guarantees, factors that were integral to Germany's ability to limit coronavirus fatalities during the first few months of the coronavirus pandemic. Conversely, the United States' private healthcare system’s limited supply of hospital beds, the high percentage of uninsured Americans, and lack of sick leave contributed to the high rates of preventable coronavirus fatalities in the first few months of the pandemic.