Episode 78 -- Project 1933, Part III: May 1 to May 31

Rainer Herrn's 'Der Liebe und dem Leid: Das Institut für Sexualwissenschaft 1919-1933' provides the first comprehensive history of the Institute for Sexual Science in Berlin, founded by Magnus Hirschfeld. The book explores the origins, activities, and impact of the Institute, which was a pioneering center for the study of sexuality, gender, and sexual minorities. Herrn examines the Institute's research, advocacy, and public education efforts, as well as its role in promoting tolerance and understanding of diverse sexual identities and practices. The study also investigates the challenges and controversies that the Institute faced, including the rise of conservative and anti-homosexual forces. This groundbreaking work sheds new light on the history of sexuality in Germany and the legacy of Magnus Hirschfeld and his Institute.

Timothy Mason's 'Nazism, Fascism and the Working Class' delves into the complex dynamics between political ideologies and labor movements in 20th-century Europe. The collection of essays examines the social and economic conditions that facilitated the rise of Nazism and Fascism, focusing on how these movements appealed to or suppressed the working class. Mason analyzes the strategies employed by these regimes to control labor, co-opt worker support, and dismantle existing trade unions. The book provides insights into the modernization and neoliberalization tactics used during that period, which still resonate in contemporary discussions about labor and economic policy. This seminal work offers a critical perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and social class in understanding the trajectory of totalitarian regimes.

Jens Dobler's 'Polizei und Homosexuelle in der Weimarer Republik' examines the complex interactions between law enforcement and the homosexual community during the Weimar era. The book analyzes how the police constructed and regulated the image of the 'sinful Babylon,' focusing on the policing of homosexual spaces and activities. It investigates the legal frameworks, social attitudes, and political forces that shaped the treatment of homosexuals in Weimar Germany. Dobler also explores the experiences of homosexuals who were subjected to police surveillance, harassment, and prosecution. By examining the intersection of law, sexuality, and social control, this study offers valuable insights into the history of homosexuality in modern Germany.

Richard J. Evans's 'The Feminist Movement in Germany, 1894-1933' offers a detailed account of the evolution of feminist activism and thought in Germany during a transformative period. The book traces the movement's origins, its diverse strands, and its engagement with issues such as suffrage, education, employment, and sexuality. It highlights the key figures, organizations, and campaigns that shaped the feminist agenda. Evans analyzes the internal divisions and external pressures that weakened the movement, particularly the economic crises, political polarization, and the rise of Nazism. The final chapter of the book focuses on the collapse of the feminist movement under the Nazi regime, exploring the ways in which women's rights and autonomy were suppressed. This comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of gender, politics, and social change in modern Germany.

Barbara Greven-Aschoff's 'Die bürgerliche Frauenbewegung in Deutschland 1894–1933' offers a detailed analysis of the bourgeois women's movement in Germany, tracing its development from the late 19th century to the rise of Nazism. The book examines the social, political, and economic factors that shaped the movement's agenda and strategies. Greven-Aschoff explores the movement's focus on issues such as education, employment, and legal rights, as well as its engagement with broader questions of national identity and social reform. The study also investigates the internal divisions and external challenges that the movement faced, including the rise of conservative and anti-feminist forces. This seminal work provides valuable insights into the complex history of women's activism and its role in shaping modern German society.

Laurie Marhoefer's 'Sex and the Weimar Republic' provides a comprehensive look at the period's evolving attitudes toward sexuality, gender, and identity. The book challenges the conventional narrative of the Weimar Republic as a haven of sexual freedom, revealing the complexities and contradictions within this era. It examines the legal, medical, and cultural discourses surrounding sexuality, as well as the experiences of various groups, including homosexuals, prostitutes, and gender non-conforming individuals. The study also investigates the backlash against liberalization, highlighting the social and political forces that sought to regulate and control sexuality. Marhoefer’s work demonstrates that the history of sexuality in the Weimar Republic is crucial for understanding the rise of Nazism and its subsequent impact on sexual and gender minorities.