Tour of the exhibition Germany: memories of a nation with British Museum Director Neil MacGregor

Summary

In this engaging highlights tour of the British Museum’s exhibition, 'Germany: Memories of a Nation,' Neil MacGregor explores Germany’s complex history, from the fragmented Holy Roman Empire to the division and reunification after the Berlin Wall’s fall. The exhibit highlights key moments, such as the invention of printing by Gutenberg, the cultural achievements of figures like Goethe and Dürer, the impact of the Bauhaus, and the horrors of the Nazi era. The exhibit concludes with a symbol of reconciliation—the statue of 'The Hoverer'—representing both the tragic past and hope for a unified future.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the exhibition 'Germany: Memories of a Nation' at The British Museum?

The exhibition aimed to explore the complex history of Germany, focusing on the period 25 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, which led to the reunification of East and West Germany.

How did East Germany and West Germany differ after the fall of the Berlin Wall?

East and West Germany had completely different political histories, having been separated for over 40 years. The main question after reunification was whether East Germany should remain independent or merge with West Germany.

What does the placard from the demonstration represent in the exhibition?

The placard in the exhibition urged the reunification of Germany and depicted a map of Germany that had never existed in history, symbolizing the new state that was about to be formed.

How did Germany's political fragmentation affect its history?

Germany had been politically fragmented for centuries, with around 200 currencies and various independent states, each with its own administration, army, and legal system, leading to a complex and diverse historical narrative.

What role did the Holy Roman Empire play in German history?

The Holy Roman Empire, which existed from 800 to 1800, held together a diverse range of political units in Germany. It represented a system of negotiated power, with city-states, duchies, and religious entities all working under the emperor’s nominal control.

How did the Holy Roman Empire accommodate religious diversity?

The Holy Roman Empire was able to accommodate different religions, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism. The emperor offered protection to Jewish communities, and the empire allowed for religious coexistence despite frequent tensions.

What was the significance of Gutenberg's invention of the printing press?

Johannes Gutenberg's invention of movable type printing revolutionized the spread of knowledge by making books more accessible to the general population, which played a key role in the rise of literacy and the dissemination of information across Europe.

How did Dürer’s work reflect German identity?

Dürer’s engravings, such as 'The Melancholy' and 'The Knight, Death and the Devil,' became iconic representations of the German character, symbolizing both the reflective and adventurous sides of the German personality.

What was the significance of Weimar in the creation of modern Germany?

Weimar became the birthplace of the Weimar Republic after World War I, symbolizing a new, democratic Germany. It also became a center for cultural and intellectual movements, including the Bauhaus, which significantly influenced modern design.

How did the rise of the Nazis impact German society?

The rise of the Nazis, fueled by economic instability and political catastrophe like the hyperinflation of the 1920s, led to widespread repression, persecution, and the horrors of the Holocaust, which shaped Germany’s history in the 20th century.

What does the Buchenwald gate symbolize in the exhibition?

The gate of the Buchenwald concentration camp, which reads 'Jedem Das Seine,' symbolizes the perversion of justice by the Nazis. It also represents the tragic history of the Holocaust and serves as a reminder of the need for reconciliation and remembrance.

What is the significance of Ernst Barlach’s sculpture 'The Hoverer' in the context of German history?

Ernst Barlach’s sculpture 'The Hoverer' symbolizes both the tragedy of the First World War and the desire for peace and renewal. It later became a symbol of reconciliation between East and West Germany, reflecting the hope for healing after the division and destruction caused by the war.