History & Politics

"Everything that was rotten and bad in the Reich fled, as if by magic, to Munich", this is how Lion Feuchtwanger in his novel "Success" characterized the decade after the end of WWI, the time when Munich became the founding city and nerve centre of the Nazi party. On a tour of the historic city centre we explore buildings, streets, squares and memorials witnessing the birth, rise, reign, the crimes and atrocities and the downfall of National Socialism and its legacy as well as the role local authorities and the people of Munich played in it. Vielleicht interessieren Sie in diesem thematischen Zusammenhang auch folgende Veranstaltungen (in deutscher Sprache)?: <a href="https://www.mvhs.de/kurse/460-C- W121060">Münchner Freiheit – mehr als eine Adresse. Orte, Aktionen, Menschen der Freiheitsaktion Bayern (W121060)</a>, geplant für Freitag, den 24. April von 15 bis 17 Uhr, eine Stadtführung von und mit Anette Spieldiener <a href="https://www.mvhs.de/kurse/460-C-W121025">Zeiten der Gewalt: München und die Anschläge auf das jüdische Altersheim, die israelische Olympiamannschaft und das Oktoberfest (1970-1980) (W121025)</a>, geplant für Freitag, den 19. Juli von 10 bis 15.30 Uhr, ein Sonntagsseminar von und mit Gerd Modert <a href="https://www.mvhs.de/kurse/460-C-W121015">Jüdisches Leben in München einst und jetzt (W121015)</a>, geplant für Sonntag, den 9. August von 14 bis 16.30 Uhr, eine Stadtführung von und mit Gerd Modert

This course aims to provide an overview of German social reality and everyday culture that goes beyond clichés and stereotypes. We will cover a broad range of aspects, from economic and sociological facts to intellectual, religious, and cultural traditions. Of course, we will talk about beer, sausages, football, and Autobahn, but also about less famous aspects like German humour, media, and the education system. We will also explore the things that participants find puzzling in their daily life in Germany. Participation is possible without having attended the previous parts of the course.

No other square in Munich's city centre has undergone as many changes in two hundred years as Königsplatz. The future King Ludwig I had it built at the beginning of the 19th century in classic Hellenisitc style. The National Socialists (NSDAP) converted it into a parade ground for their party quarter. Following an architectural and historical examination of Königsplatz, we will visit St. Boniface's Abbey and take a closer look at the former buildings of the NSDAP.