Monday, April 30, 2012
Angie's expectations of May term trip.
I'm very excited to be going on this May term trip as I've never been to Germany, Austria, or Italy. I expect to learn more about the individuals and what part they played in one of the most grievous time in German history. My ancestors come from Germany and my grandfather never spoke of his time there until just before his death 3 years ago, it was very painful for him to express the deep pain his childhood bared and the monstrosities that occurred while he lived there. I have a great deal of anxiety in seeing all the historical places that have been left behind in memorial to those that lost so much, I'm also honored that I will be seeing such deserving memorials. I look forward to learning more about the "rat line" and its historical path and those that followed it to their disreputable freedom.
My Expectations
It is almost time to head to the airport and get on our way for our May Term study experience. As I sit here packing my bag, I am thinking about my reasons for taking part in this trip. Of course there is the getting to go to Europe for class reason, but there are definitely more reasons for wanting to attend. First off, I have always been fascinated with history from the era of World War Two. To me, it is amazing that the Nazi Party was able to indoctrinate the German people into becoming an international super power that was able to conquer vast amounts of land and furthermore convince their people to exterminate over 6 million people. The jewish extermination was their answer to the so called "jewish problem" in Germany. However, what makes me so interested about this aspect of World War Two was that my Grandfather's family was sent to the extermination camps as Jews.
This leads to my expectations for this trip. I of course expect to have fun and learn a lot, but more importantly, I would like to really get a feel for how the SS were able to escape Germany. I really am expecting and hoping that this trip will be a once in a life time experience that will teach me a lot about one of my favorite era in history.
- Jeff
- Jeff
I am extremely excited to leave tomorrow! I have never been to a different country and can't wait to explore different cultures and experience new things as we follow the Nazi trail. There is also the added benefit of exploring the various types of beer, wine, and food that Austria, Germany, and Italy have to offer. Of course, the main purpose of this trip is to gain knowlege of the Holocaust and the tragedies that occured in Europe during World War Two. I have always been interested in history and I am thrilled to have a chance of seeing these historic places in person. I expect that this class will significantly improve my knowlege of the atrocities committed during the war, and will also allow me to view this topic from a different perspective as a defender in the trial.
My Expectations
I am very excited for this trip! I have never traveled to Europe before and I am very excited to see a new part of the world. The Holocaust is probably one of the only parts of history that I actually truly enjoy learning about. History has never been my favorite subject but there are a few events, such as the Holocaust, that I thoroughly enjoy learning about. I hope that by going on this trip I will be able to learn new information on the Holocaust and maybe get a new perspective on the events that took place.
I am most excited to be in Italy because that is where a lot of my family was from. I am also excited to go to a few church services, to see how they are different from here. I can not wait to leave and I can't wait for all the new places I will be able to see. I am also excited for all the new information that I will get to learn from this trip!
I am most excited to be in Italy because that is where a lot of my family was from. I am also excited to go to a few church services, to see how they are different from here. I can not wait to leave and I can't wait for all the new places I will be able to see. I am also excited for all the new information that I will get to learn from this trip!
Expectations
Good food, good beer, and good wine. Enough said? No, I believe this trip will offer these earthly pleasures, but only as a bonus to the deep layers of history that we'll be excavating day by day following a trail full of sorrow, injustice, and horror. As somber as this may seem, we are privileged to have the opportunity to learn from this history and gain insight into what should be done to prevent further injustices occurring on our planet today. Although I will not be taking this course for credit, I look forward to this life-enriching journey and expect every one of us to gain an unforgettable experience that may redefine our way of life and will definitely alter our perspective.
ITINERARY
The long-promised itinerary --
ITINERARY
“ON THE NAZI TRAIL”
Expectations for On the Nazi Trail
Having been born and raised in Germany, I have always been
interested in World War II. I have taken many history courses throughout my
education, but have somehow never studied the Holocaust in depth. When I lived in Germany, I was too young to
remember seeing of this amazing history. From this trip, I expect to gain a
deeper understanding of the Holocaust and the terrible things that took place.
Overall, I am expecting to see a lot of history on this trip. Everywhere we are
going is filled with centuries of history that has affected us all. I want to
be able to come back and tell everyone the amazing things that I saw. I want to
gain a higher knowledge of the things that happened during WWII.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Expectations
For as long as I can remember, the Holocaust and the Nazis have fascinated me. I love reading books about all aspects of World War II and its impact on Europe, but the Holocaust is especially interesting to me as it hits close to home. Two of my grandparents were forced to flee Germany in the 1930s, and some of my other relatives ended up in concentration camps or were killed by the Nazis. I even had a great uncle who was captured on Kristallnacht and ended up in Dachau. He was able to escape and lived long enough for me to meet him; I remember at dinner parties when he would tell stories about his experience at Dachau and show us the branded number on his arm. For this reason, I am really excited but nervous to visit Dachau on this trip. I have heard that visiting a concentration camp is often a life-changing experience even if the Holocaust is not part of your family background. The Nuremburg Trials and the Nazi officials who escaped Germany after the war is one aspect of the Holocaust that I have not studied in depth, and I am really excited for the opportunity to learn more about it.
The Holocaust aside, European history is one of my favorite subject to study. This will be my first experience travelling to Europe, and I have always wanted to visit Germany, Austria, and Italy. I am really excited to visit the Renaissance towns in Italy and attend mass at the Duomo in Milan. I have also heard that the Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable places in the world. This trip will be the opportunity of a lifetime! I can't wait!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Munich's Dark Past
Your Munich tour guide here again ... Of course, you are travelling to Munich to delve into the city's Nazi past, and Third Reich tourism is actually a thriving business in Munich, bur frankly, many Muencheners would prefer to just forget it all. For the most part, Germany - especially Bavaria - still has a difficult time coming to grips with its Nazi past. Many public figures, even historians, would prefer to keep this past hidden so it remains forgotten. Even when the monumental Nazi buildings cannot be hidden, most areas do very little to call attention to them.
To be completely honest, tours like ours are sometimes denigrated as "Brown tourism" (brown being the Nazi color). Some think that to tour a concentration camp site is all the attention that should be given to Third Reich history, and any other site should be ignored. It has only been in the past few years that some historians have expressed the opinion that not only the sites of the victims of Nazism should be preserved and interpreted, but also the sites where the crimes were planned and regulated ... the Nazi government sites.
This is just some information to bear in mind during our tour ... as we visit the Nazi headquarters in Munich, which is now a music school, and the Feldherrnhalle monument on the Odeonsplatz, where the Nazis celebrated the "martyrs of their cause" who were killed during the 1923 putsch, and which today has no reminder of that time.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Some Hints on Dining Out in Germany
Dining out in a German restaurant can be a delightful experience! But there are several cultural and practical differences from the American norm ...
First off, eating at a sit-down restaurant in Germany is generally not fast, and can be a very time-consuming (if very rewarding!) experience. (It takes awhile to properly prepare that delicious German food!) A lot of the larger restaurants, especially in tourist areas, will have a menu (“die Speisekarte”) that includes English (although some of their English food names may not really tell you what the dish is!). (Note - the word “Menu” in German does NOT mean the same as menu in English - ask for the Speisekarte, not the Menu.) Most of the time, you order a main course meal, and you get what it comes with - you don’t get a choice of vegetables, salad, bread, etc. (there is the possibility of substitution, though). If you want to order bread and/or a condiment that doesn’t come with the meal, it will cost extra (up until very recently, you had to pay for every packet of ketchup or mayonnaise in any restaurant).
First off, eating at a sit-down restaurant in Germany is generally not fast, and can be a very time-consuming (if very rewarding!) experience. (It takes awhile to properly prepare that delicious German food!) A lot of the larger restaurants, especially in tourist areas, will have a menu (“die Speisekarte”) that includes English (although some of their English food names may not really tell you what the dish is!). (Note - the word “Menu” in German does NOT mean the same as menu in English - ask for the Speisekarte, not the Menu.) Most of the time, you order a main course meal, and you get what it comes with - you don’t get a choice of vegetables, salad, bread, etc. (there is the possibility of substitution, though). If you want to order bread and/or a condiment that doesn’t come with the meal, it will cost extra (up until very recently, you had to pay for every packet of ketchup or mayonnaise in any restaurant).
Normally the waiter/waitress will not bring you the bill (“die Rechnung”) until you ask for it (even if you are obviously finished). For that matter, after the waiter/waitress brings your food, you generally won’t see them again at your table until you call them. If you are in a hurry and the place is busy, it may take some doing to get their attention and get them to come to your table with the bill (if you are lucky, they will come to clear off the table, and you can ask to pay then). You can try holding up your wallet as a signal, or if all else fails, just get up and go to them. Also note that at most sit-down restaurants, you walk in and choose your own table - you don’t have to wait to be seated. If the place is crowded, you can also sit at empty spaces at a table where others are eating - just ask “Ist hier frei?” - this is done all the time in crowded restaurants in Germany.
You will hear almost every waiter/waitress in Germany say two things to all customers - “Guten Appetit” when they bring the food, and either “Hat es gut Geschmack?” or “Schmeckt es Ihnen?” when they clear the dishes - asking if you liked the meal. (You could just answer “Sehr gut, danke!”)
A few hints about drinks in restaurants - there are no free refills on drinks, including coffee, etc. (the concept of the “free refill” is just coming to a few fast food restaurants, like McDonald’s). Most Germans drink beer, wine, or sparkling water, or soft drinks, with their meal. A glass of table water or tapwater is almost unknown (and it won’t be free!) - if you’d like just plain water, ask for “Stilles Wasser” - this will get you a bottled water without carbonation. Another restaurant drink that is almost unknown is milk (milk is for babies). If you like diet colas, there are only a very few choices - “Cola Light” is about the same as Diet Coke (the taste is slightly different). One final drink hint - there is a very good reason why German beers are world renowned!
Friday, April 20, 2012
University Students vs. the Third Reich
Hi again ... Geoff Walden, your Munich tour guide, with a note about Munich history. A unique resistance movement against the Nazi government was formed among university students in Munich in mid-1942. This movement became known as the "White Rose" group, headed by siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, Alexander Schmorell, Christoph Probst, and others. The students printed and distributed anti-Nazi leaflets until February 1943, when the Scholls were caught throwing leaflets into the air in the atrium of the University of Munich. The Scholls were interrogated by the Gestapo and other members of the group were rounded up and tried in a Peoples Court (Volksgerichtshof), several receiving sentences of death. The Scholls, Probst, Schmorell, and others were executed by beheading.
The legacy of the "White Rose" lives on in Germany, particularly the memory of the Scholls, who are memorialized across the country in street names, memorial plazas, and monuments. We will have the opportunity to visit the Geschwister-Scholl-Platz at the University of Munich, to see for ourselves where the "White Rose" stood up against the Third Reich.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Expectations for May Term
I have been really excited about this trip for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the amount of history that is in Europe is amazing and learning something new everyday is guaranteed. I am also looking forward to learning the history involved with WWII and the correlation it has with the places we are going. I haven't studied WWII in depth very much and this is a perfect opportunity to do just that. Secondly, the locations we are going will be incredible. Munich will be a lot of fun, and I'm definitely looking forward to the Hofbrauhaus. Innsbruck looks gorgeous, and Cinque Terra is going to be amazing as well. The trip is just going to be overall fantastic and I can't wait to get there!
Eric M
Eric M
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
How to Change Your $$ into Euro in Germany
You may have already changed dollars for Euros before you get to Munich (I don't know your itinerary). If not, or if you need more Euro, you could change money at the airport Money Exchange, but this is the most expensive - worst exchange rate. Probably the best way to get Euro cash in Germany is to use your ATM card or MasterCard/Visa at a “Geldautomat” (ATM). This will give you the best exchange rate, and won’t charge you any extra fees (although your bank may tack on fees). Be aware that the Geldautomat machine will not give you a receipt, so you’ll just have to jot down how much you withdrew, if you’re keeping track. To find a Geldautomat, look for the following signs - Bank, Sparkasse, Geldautomat, or a small sign with EC in big letters (don’t look for “ATM”, unless maybe in a big tourist area). You may even find a convenient Geldautomat in the airport, at a bank kiosk or even by itself. Most Geldautomat machines (in fact, most automated machines of all types) in Germany allow you to choose what language is displayed - for English, choose the British flag.
Your Tour in Munich
Gruess Gott! (That's how Bavarians say "Hello") I am Geoff Walden - I will be your tour guide for Third Reich sites in Munich. Munich was very important to the Nazis, as it was their "Capital of the Movement" and birthplace of the Nazi Party. We will see some of the most important sites associated with the Nazis in Munich, along with other important locations. I hope you have a great Munich tour!
Just a little background on myself - I am currently stationed with the US Army in Bavaria, a position I have been lucky enough to enjoy for 10 years. This situation has allowed me to visit many historical sites associated with World War 2 and the Third Reich. I have used these experiences to publish a then-and-now photo webpage, "Third Reich in Ruins" (www.thirdreichruins.com).
I will be posting a few notes to the blog regarding our tour, as well as general hints for enjoying your time in Bavaria.
For those who have learned German in school, what you learned is “Hochdeutsch” - book German. But the Bavarians speak essentially a different language. It’s more than just an accent - it’s a distinct dialect, with different words. There is a standing joke, that's actually true, that people from other parts of Germany have a hard time understanding Bavarian TV shows (I’ve even seen German national TV networks put Hochdeutsch subtitles on when interviewing a rustic Bavarian). You can go ahead and speak Hochdeutsch in Bavaria - all but the most rustic and isolated folks understand and speak “normal” German as well, even if they speak Bavarian at home (and it’s not just Bavaria - many parts of Germany have regional dialects that are unintelligible to someone who knows only “book German”). One more thing - the standard German greeting of “Guten Tag” is not used in Bavaria. The normal Bavarian greeting is “Gruess Gott” (more-or-less, God’s Greeting).
A note on safety, to bear in mind throughout your time in Munich … Please pay attention to pedestrian crosswalks and traffic signals - “jaywalking” is illegal in Germany (although you will see some do it). VERY IMPORTANT - Most of the Munich sidewalks are divided into two sections - one for pedestrians and one for cyclists - take extra care and always be aware to STAY OUT OF THE CYCLIST LANE! Munich bicyclists ride very fast and insist on their right-of-way, and they will run you down if you are in their lane (not intentionally, but they are expecting no pedestrians in their lane). Look for a blue circular sign that shows a bicycle on one side and a woman holding a child by the hand on the other side - this will tell you which side of the sidewalk is for cyclists (there will generally also be some sort of dividing line - either a painted line or a series of metal bumps). Also be aware of your surroundings when you stop to take photos.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Euro Trip? Not quite. Let's get our history on!
Hello crew!
I just want to start off with saying that I am SO excited for this trip! I have never left the country before, and am so glad that this will be my first international experience. To explore the wonderful history of Europe and to see such beautiful places will be an experience I'll carry with me forever. I have always enjoyed history. I have enjoyed learning in general. I'm one of those people that loves listening to lectures and reading. I am also extremely interested in WW2 history, so this will pretty much be perfection.
I'm really looking forward to visiting these historic cities and discovering the stories they have to tell. But I'm also incredibly nervous. To visit a place where I don't know the language and have no sense of familiarity will be an odd experience. Yet it's also something I'm really looking forward to! It's quite an odd feeling, yet I've decided rolling with it is the best route.
With our departure date quickly approaching I am more than ready to begin our journey! I am sure that we will learn and experience so much, yet time will fly by! I plan on enjoying my time the best I can and get the most out of the experience that I can.
Scratching the walls of history
I grew up in Europe when I was younger. What Jeff said the other day about everything being seeped in history is so true. Every place we visit will have thousands of stories behind them. It's amazing to be able to be surrounded by buildings that are hundreds upon hundreds of years old. It's definitely not an experience that we as Americans have on a daily basis. It's going to be amazing. I am also excited to get back into European culture. It's definitely something I miss, and will be eager to jump right into. The food, the people, and the experience will be great. Don't be afraid to test the waters, try something new. Don't just stick with the same old things you can find here in the States, immerse yourselves, It'll be an incredible experience.
Gothic? Romanesque? Baroque?
We'll visit a number of extraordinary churches on this trip, none more so than that enormous Gothic cathedral (or Duomo) at Milan, pictured here. But what exactly does that mean? What is a "cathedral" and what makes its architecture Gothic, instead of Byzantine or Rococo? Why are they shaped the way they are? What's an apse? A flying buttress? A campanile?
Check out this well-done site at Wikipedia, of all places, including the Milan cathedral.
Which Saint is that again?
The Transfiguration, St Jerome and St Augustinec. 1500Tempera on panel, 28 x 36 cmGalleria Pallavicini, Rome
from the Web Gallery of Art http://www.wga.hu/index.html
Hi everyone - we are, of course, going to be looking at LOTS of wonderful art, and the great majority of it will be religious in nature. Religious paintings tend to be loaded with symbolism, not least because the common folk were often illiterate, so needed a visual cue to know which saint they were looking at, what scene they were seeing depicted, etc.
Here are a couple of sites that are very useable for sorting out which saint is which.
http://www.aug.edu/augusta/iconography/index.html
For example, if you're wondering who the patron saint of Milan is, you can enter "Milan" in the search engine and come up with several images of St. Ambrose. You'll also see a brief discussion of the iconography (i.e., the visual sacred symbols) associated with Ambrose, in this case a riding whip, often with three cords to symbolize the trinity. If you were trying to figure out who Jerome and Augustine are in the above Botticelli, you could look them up, too.
If you really like this kind of stuff, you can also check out a much more complete website of saints at:
http://www.catholic.org/saints/
Note, for example, that there are 773 entries (!) under "M" alone. But again, this is fully searchable -
Jeff
Expectations of Nazi Trail
I have traveled to Europe a few times but I have never been to the counties we are going to be visiting. My expectations are to gain a different knowledge of Germany, Austria and Italy then the stereotypical tourists traveling through these countries. I am very excited to get a more individualized understanding of WWII than what I have received in previous History classes. I didn't know the extent of the war crimes along with the war crimes trials and I am very interested in learning about the processes and the conspiracies that entailed with the trials' of the Nazis after WWII. My main excitement for the trip is to see the ratline trail that some of the more infamous Nazis used to flee after WWII ended and to examine the layers of history that Europe holds pertaining WWII.
Europe- here we come!
Many have mention previous interest in Nazi history and I think that is one of the many common things we as a group have in common. I've been passionated about Nazi history since I was in High School; in fact, my plan for the future was to get station in Germany so I can visit all the places that involved any Nazi activities. I never thought I would be going on a May Term trip during my years here at Westminster BUT I was ecstatic when I heard about this trip and couldn't pass up such an opportunity. It is a double win! I get credit towards my major (Justice Studies) and I also get to experience the whole Nazi trail abroad!
I believe that this trip will allow us to learn beyond what any book could have taught us because we will personally see how gruesome the camps were. I personally know that a trip can have a bigger affect in learning something because just last summer I went to Ghana where we visited slave castle, and I could feel in my bones the horrible feeling those poor A.A went through. I expect so much more from this trip simply because this part of history fascinates me the most (not in a morbid way!).
I hope we all have fun together learning whole also having an adventure of a life time. Just a heads up, I love to document my life which means I will be taking as many pictures as I can during this trip. We have a few more days until we leave to Europe and I can't wait! Let's make this trip memorable.
-Rosa
I believe that this trip will allow us to learn beyond what any book could have taught us because we will personally see how gruesome the camps were. I personally know that a trip can have a bigger affect in learning something because just last summer I went to Ghana where we visited slave castle, and I could feel in my bones the horrible feeling those poor A.A went through. I expect so much more from this trip simply because this part of history fascinates me the most (not in a morbid way!).
I hope we all have fun together learning whole also having an adventure of a life time. Just a heads up, I love to document my life which means I will be taking as many pictures as I can during this trip. We have a few more days until we leave to Europe and I can't wait! Let's make this trip memorable.
-Rosa
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Nazi Trail Trip
Ever since I can remember, I have loved learning about the Holocaust. Although it was tragic, it fascinates me and I love learning all that I can about it. When I was in 10th grade, my history class watched a movie called "Escape from Sobibor", which is a movie about Dachau. To this day, it still haunts me and is something that I can never forget. When I was a Junior in high school, I was on the debate team and wrote a speech about how it is important to remember the Holocaust so that it doesn't happen again. That summer, my parents took me to Washington, D.C. The most memorable part of my trip was when I visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum. It was so touching and heart-wrenching to read all of the stories and see all of the pictures from the different camps. When I was about 19 I decided I wanted to know more about Hitler, so I decided to read Mein Kampf. I have yet to finish it, but my goal is to finish it before we leave in May. Although I love learning about the Holocaust, I never studied it from the perspective of the Nazi officers. I think that this class will be somewhat of their perspective and isn't something that most people learn about. Getting to go to Germany, Austria and Italy will definitely be an added bonus and I can't wait for this class to start.
Why I Cannot Wait for On the Nazi Trail
In short I've almost always been fascinated with WW2 history, ever since the time of opening a history book in middle school. This trip is going to allow me to make real, the places and events that have only thus far transpired in text or on a TV screen.
Another reason I look forward to this trip is for the incredible experience of traveling to another country, and getting to spend a substantial amount of time there. I have been incredibly fortunate to experience roughly 45 states here in the US, but my experiences traveling abroad are limited.
What I love about traveling may not be your typical things. For me there is nothing greater then getting off the beaten path and just "experiencing" what another place is like. I'm not one to fly to some exotic place and sit on the beach. I tend to take the philosophy of "can I do this at home?" if the answer is yes, then I had better be looking to find something else to occupy my time.
In closing, I am looking forward to this trip because it will make history come alive in some sense, experiencing the places history happened first hand. And also the experience of traveling to a far away place is valued in and of itself. I also look forward to the opportunity to connect, and make new friends inside the Westminster student body.
Another reason I look forward to this trip is for the incredible experience of traveling to another country, and getting to spend a substantial amount of time there. I have been incredibly fortunate to experience roughly 45 states here in the US, but my experiences traveling abroad are limited.
What I love about traveling may not be your typical things. For me there is nothing greater then getting off the beaten path and just "experiencing" what another place is like. I'm not one to fly to some exotic place and sit on the beach. I tend to take the philosophy of "can I do this at home?" if the answer is yes, then I had better be looking to find something else to occupy my time.
In closing, I am looking forward to this trip because it will make history come alive in some sense, experiencing the places history happened first hand. And also the experience of traveling to a far away place is valued in and of itself. I also look forward to the opportunity to connect, and make new friends inside the Westminster student body.
My Expectations
Well, it all started about a year ago when I decided that in spring of 2012, I was going to leave the country.
I had no place in mind, no purpose. I just knew when. Spring 2012. My mother tried to persuade me that there was no rush.
"You don't have to go anywhere so soon. You'll have just as many chances to leave the country the next year, or the year after that.
What she said made sense, but was belied by a certian anxiety I felt deep within me, one that told me I had to go that soon. Anyways, I was ready for an adventure, I had a lot of money saved up, and I wanted to see the world.
So at the May Term Study Abroad fair, I looked for my affordable, adventurous, out-of-the-country trip. I saw one of my previous professors, Jeff, was heading one of the study experiences and went over to check it out.
And lo and behold, I met On the Nazi Trail.
Affordable? Check. Credit I would use? My minor is history- check. Interesting, meaningful? Check, check.
And an adventure?
You bet. Check.
-Brianne
I had no place in mind, no purpose. I just knew when. Spring 2012. My mother tried to persuade me that there was no rush.
"You don't have to go anywhere so soon. You'll have just as many chances to leave the country the next year, or the year after that.
What she said made sense, but was belied by a certian anxiety I felt deep within me, one that told me I had to go that soon. Anyways, I was ready for an adventure, I had a lot of money saved up, and I wanted to see the world.
So at the May Term Study Abroad fair, I looked for my affordable, adventurous, out-of-the-country trip. I saw one of my previous professors, Jeff, was heading one of the study experiences and went over to check it out.
And lo and behold, I met On the Nazi Trail.
Affordable? Check. Credit I would use? My minor is history- check. Interesting, meaningful? Check, check.
And an adventure?
You bet. Check.
-Brianne
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Visiting Nazi Sites in Munich
Geoff Walden will soon be joining the blog, and he's sent a list of the sites we're likely to visit on 2 May. A couple of things I'd like us to think about in advance:
Munich is a big, old, relatively wealthy city that always ranks high on lists of best places to live. But like so many European places, it has layers of history. People still live and work in and around the places we'll see. What's it like to live with this kind of history all around you, from medieval times to the present? What's it mean to live in a place with a name - "Munich" - that for many people evokes memories of (among other things) the appeasement of a dictator, Nazi atrocities, or attacks on Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics? How do Germans acknowledge that past, e.g. in monuments and memorials?
Munich is a big, old, relatively wealthy city that always ranks high on lists of best places to live. But like so many European places, it has layers of history. People still live and work in and around the places we'll see. What's it like to live with this kind of history all around you, from medieval times to the present? What's it mean to live in a place with a name - "Munich" - that for many people evokes memories of (among other things) the appeasement of a dictator, Nazi atrocities, or attacks on Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics? How do Germans acknowledge that past, e.g. in monuments and memorials?
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Munich
Munich has been an important city since at least 1158, when "Munchen" - "by the monk's place" - was a stop-off on a major salt route. Since then it's been the capital of Bavaria, a center for the Catholic counter-reformation, and the home for many artists, musicians and writers.
Today it's the third-largest city in Germany, and the headquarters for many industries (inc. BMW) and publishing houses.
Munich played a vital role in the rise of the Nazis and the leadup to World War II. The party was founded there, Hitler attempted to lead a 1923 putzsch against the government there, and much of their early support came from there. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed the agreement that allowed Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia in Munich; because of that, "Munich" has become diplomatic shorthand for "appeasement."
On May 2, we'll tour some important Nazi sites in the city with Geoff Walden. You can find his Munich site, with many excellent photos, at:
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site
Hello all. At this link is the official site of the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial. It includes a short "virtual tour" that will help introduce us - and prepare us - for our actual visit. It's quite well done, moving, and of course very important.
Please also consider attending the Days of Remembrance events at the University of Utah; check at http://www.shalomutah.org/.
Jeff
Please also consider attending the Days of Remembrance events at the University of Utah; check at http://www.shalomutah.org/.
Jeff
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Molly Nelson
I am really looking forward to this class. I have always been interested in World War II and I have taken several classes on the subject. I am anxious to get to experience it first hand. There is a major difference in learning a subject from books and the places it actually happened. I took antisemitism May term several years ago which really opened my eyes to a different side of the Holocaust so I hope that this trip will bring another perspective that I haven't researched before. I am somewhat prepared to go into the camps and experience the emotions I feel they will bring however, it is difficult to truly anticipate how you will feel. I am taking this course to fulfill my international business credit so I hope that I will have interactions from people in these different cultures. Overall I am excited for the experience and what I will learn this May.
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