Vorwarts zum neuen Menschen? Die sozialistische Erziehung in der DDR (1949-1989)

Abstract

Non-German approaches to East German history can usually be divided into British, American or ‘other’. One international perspective we do not hear enough of is that of French researchers. Unlike Britain and America, twentieth-century France had a relatively strong and influential Communist Party, which possessed important regional strongholds. During World War II French Communists played a crucial role in the resistance to German occupation. Those captured often suffered in concentration camps such as Buchenwald and Dachau; they had first-hand experience of the ruthless methods used by the Gestapo. After the war, in recognition of their sacrifices and contribution to la patrie , Communists briefly took part in government. Successive French governments feared the resurgence of German nationalism. In their occupation zone, the French were determined to root out not only Nazism but also Prussianism. This cocktail of Gallic preoccupations—mixing familiarity with Communism with vivid fear of Prussians—gives French histories of divided Germany a unique perspective.