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What did you do in the war, Papa? The Student Revolt of 1968 | The German History Podcast: 8

Reichs & Republics: The German History Podcast

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In this episode, Katja and Chris explore how West Germany transformed from a conservative postwar society into one rocked by youth rebellion. From the economic miracle of the 1950s to the student protests of 1968, they examine why a new generation began questioning their parents’ past, asking uncomfortable questions about Nazism, authority, and democracy. Along the way, they uncover how cultural change, political tensions, and global movements collided to reshape modern Germany.

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Host: Katja Hoyer & Dr Christopher Dillon
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Credits:
Host: Katja Hoyer and Dr Christopher Dillon
Production: Linus Klaßen

20 Comments

@colonialstraits1069 2 months ago (edited)

This era is always cited as a major catalyst for the “Krautrock”/“Kosmische Musik” scene.

Bands like Can, Faust, Neu!, Amon Düül, Popol Vuh, the Organisation (Kraftwerk), Ash Ra Tempel, Cluster, etc. came out of the student movements of the late 60s and rejected Anglo American rock and blues, in order to create a “future looking German music”.

@johnkelly4850 13 days ago

Another great podcast, had no knowledge of modern German history especially post war.

@classicalmusiclover3 2 months ago

Very informative! Thank you for this quality podcast.

@GeneStrattman 1 day ago

I love all the stuff you do! You guys are the best.

@alanblight9233 2 months ago

Interesting and very listenable . Many of us have read about the Second World War but know very little of the events pre and especially post the conflict and Nuremberg . I’ll be working my way through your videos . Thanks .

@cadmdh5282 3 months ago

I adore this series ! The light complicity in all seriousness is very enjoyable ❤

@petebondurant58 4 months ago

I highly recommend the 2008 German film ‘Der Baader Meinhof Komplex,’ starring Bruno Ganz, which covers this radical political movement in postwar West Germany.

@peppigue 1 month ago

Very interesting, there is so much in this period to go deeper on...

I think the fundamental economic and demographic figures, the on the ground reality behind them, and how they changed during the period is always worth emphasizing, From what I have learned before, many Germans had very basic living conditions in 1945 to 1950.

The psychological imprint of living in humbling or maybe even desperate circumstances, followed by gradual improvements and eventually a full on economic recovery that you yourself have a sense of participation in, will undoubtedly convince you of the glory of the societal regime you're in.

@timwestcott361 3 months ago (edited)

Met many Germans on the Hippie Trail in the 1970s. Most lived in West Berlin - as young men living in West Berlin were exempted from the obligatory military service required in West Germany proper. Went to stay with some of them in the late 1970s - southern Bavaria - and met their parents. The very definition of generation gap. The past was the elephant in the room. The silence was deafening. Eerie.

@user-gl4hy4uh1n 3 months ago

This was a great find. I grew up in a military family, and we lived in West Germany from 1959 till 1962, Mannheim Garten Stadt. At 72 years now, this kindled memories from long ago.

@kennethlund9825 3 months ago

The Beatles got their "Beatle haircuts" in Hamburg!

@flak509 4 months ago

Always interesting to hear about my southern neighbours.

@MarkAarons-j2j 3 months ago

Excellent series!

@StephenAKatz 4 months ago

Thank you so much for your lecture.

@cynthiacarroll5442 1 month ago

Very good podcast!

@williamgrange1579 3 months ago

Very interesting, as always. 1968 was my first experience of the German culture, and I was likewise struck by the authoritarianism that I found as a student at Heidelberg. The shop closing laws to me were incomprehensible, but other aspects of German culture were exceedingly pleasant. I wish that this episode had spent more time on the revolution that Willy Brandt instigated. It was revolution, though many people failed to realize it at the time.