1989. A turning point in European history through primary sources - Einzelansicht

The year 1989 changed Europe and the world forever. It marked the beginning of the end of the East German state and the East-West conflict as such that had divided Europe for forty years. With the collapse of a political system and enitre states, the "great transformation" hit the eastern part of Europe the hardest. But Western Europe was faced with great political challenges too since the peaceful revolutions threatened to alter well established power structures also in the West. 

What did the miraculous year of 1989 mean for different people in different European countries? Do we have to interpret 1989 rather as the end of an era or rather as the beginning of something new? We will tackle these questions from different geographical vantage points with a focus on political and diplomatic history. However, we will also ask what influence 1989 had on the cultural, social and economic history of Europe.

Timothy Garton Ash, The Magic Lantern. The Revolution of '89 witnessed in Warsaw, Budeapst, Berlin and Prague, Oxford 2019; Mary Elise Sarotte, 1989. The Struggle to Create Post-Cold War Europe, 2. Aufl., Princeton 2014.

The seminar will take place in presence as long as the pandemic situation permits.

Every week we discuss (at least) one source. In addition, you will be asked to read a weekly text from the secondary literature of approx. 20 pages. In order to complete the seminar successfully, you have to give a presentation of 15 to 20 minutes as well as actively and regularly participate in the seminar discussion. 

Course language is English. 

The course concludes with a written source interpretation of approx. 10 pages.