Monument(s) to Freedom and Unity: Berlin and Leipzig. Issue 3 (1st September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olsen, Jon Berndt
• Is Part Of: German politics and society. Volume 37:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 111
• Page End: 131
• Publication Date: 2019-09-01
• Subjects: Berlin -- Germany -- Leipzig -- memorials -- memory culture -- Monument to Freedom and Unity; Germany -- Civilization -- Periodicals; Germany -- Politics and government -- 1945-1990 -- Periodicals; Germany -- Politics and government -- 1990- -- Periodicals; 943.005
• DOI: 10.3167/gps.2019.370308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1558-5441

Abstract

Abstract : This paper explores the memorial projects in Berlin and Leipzig, Germany, to commemorate the fall of communism and the reunification of Germany. While neither memorial has yet been completed, the debates reveal a great deal of tension between the memorial preferences of ordinary citizens and those of the elected political elite. Further, the debates illustrate the emergence in a large segment of society of a desire to balance the memories of Germany's darker past with positive memories of its accomplishments.