Rolf Wortmann: "Politische Theorie in der Umbruchszeit der Nachkriegsjahre"

Although there was no "zero hour" at the end of the Second World War, a huge intellectual and political void had to be filled. The lecture outlines the political theories, ideas and ideologies that developed in the post-war period until well into the 1950s, either new or based on old traditions. Contemporary historical challenges played an important role in this: for example, how to deal with the crimes of the Nazi era; the future of Germany in or between the military blocs; the role of the nation in a united Europe; the goal of German unity; or the political and economic order of the provisional "FRG".

The "Topographies of Terror" serve as an intensive and critical examination of Nazi ideology and its time, particularly using regional examples. The lecture series is also generally dedicated to the phenomenon of dictatorship, authoritarian governance and their negative consequences for the open and free life of societies. In 2025, the liberation from National Socialism 80 years ago will be the occasion for various events.

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