History Extra podcast
Germany's postwar reinvention
Dec 9, 2024
Historian Frank Trentmann, author of "Out of the Darkness: The Germans, 1942-2022," explores Germany's remarkable transformation from postwar devastation to economic powerhouse. He discusses the nation's grappling with its Nazi past and the Cold War's impact on identity. The conversation also touches on the moral dilemmas during the 2015 refugee crisis and the complex ties between German environmentalism and cultural identity, revealing the contradictions in a country that values nature yet struggles with high emissions.
46:08
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Quick takeaways
- Germany's moral reckoning following the 2015 refugee crisis illustrates a complex reflection on its Nazi past and national identity.
- The divergent approaches of East and West Germany towards their Nazi legacy reveal lasting societal differences that continue to influence contemporary debates.
Deep dives
Germany's Moral Reflection Post-2015
Germany's response to the 2015 refugee crisis highlighted a significant moral debate among its citizens. With the country taking in nearly one million refugees, the discourse centered on moral responsibilities and self-reflection regarding Germany's past, particularly its Nazi history. This situation prompted discussions not only about the practical aspects of refugee aid but also about deeper ethical questions of identity and societal values. The moral reckoning led many Germans to introspect about their nation’s evolution from its historical atrocities to its present-day values.
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