Witnessing the Dawn of a New Era: Unraveling Germany's Mixed Emotions Surrounding VE Day
German Journey: May 8th and the Final Chapter - Germans' Timeline: Events from May 8th
Strolling with a determined stride, Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel clad in an impeccable uniform, enters the grand hall. In attendance are Allied generals eager for his arrival. Silence fills the room as the document is unfolded in front of them. Keitel signs, setting into motion the end of six years of German aggression, ushering in an era surrounding the death of millions and marking the twelfth year of the Nazi dictatorship. The Templehof Pioneer School in Berlin-Karlshorst became the stage for this monumental event, signifying the end of World War II in Europe, on the night of May 8th, 1945.
But was the end of such violence and heinous racial ideologies truly a liberation? Research suggests, the answer is far from universal, especially among German people. A recent survey conducted by Yougov and Sinus reveals that an alarming 45% of the nearly 2,200 participants do not perceive May 8th as liberation. Conversely, 15% view it primarily as a defeat[1].
The Seismic Shift of Expectations
In the tumultuous days of the final warfare, the conflict between liberation and defeat ran deep. Understandably, those who had survived concentration camps, forced labor, and relentless opposition to the Nazi regime saw their release as anything but liberation. News of the heinous crimes committed within these camps reached civilians across the nation, instilling profound regret and depression amongst many German civilians. War, devastation, and the fear of retribution from the victorious Allies overshadowed any thoughts of reflection on the causes of the loss or the origin of the undesirable political leadership[2].
Life's Harsh Reality
For many Germans, the post-war period meant surviving the struggle for daily necessities, fearing for the wellbeing of family members, seeking shelter, food, and grappling with the ongoing uncertainty. Historian Wolfgang Benz points out that these difficult circumstances left little time for introspection on the causes of the lost war or the enduring support for the Nazi regime.
The Dark Shadow: Nazism's Lasting Impact
The war's aftermath was marked by the physical destruction of entire cities, the forced displacement of millions of people, and lingering fear. Allied bombers dropped over 100,000 tons of explosives on Berlin alone, leaving widespread ruin in their wake. In the shadows of this catastrophe, nationalism burned with renewed fervor, leaving an indelible impact on the psyche of the country. "I wanted nothing more to do with it," remembers Anneliese Leinemann, a resident of Bremen, reflecting on the grim reality that consumed her post-war existence.
The narrative of May 8th as a liberation did not become widely accepted until 1985, when Federal President Richard von Weizsäcker delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the significance of the day[3]. However, the acceptance of this idea was not universally embraced. In the 1980s, heated debates erupted, known as the "Historikerstreit", surrounding the unique nature of Nazi crimes and the inherent national guilt that persisted[3]. Some politicians, such as CSU leader Franz-Josef Strauß, insisted that the German nation was simply plagued by bad leadership[3].
In 1995, a public outcry followed the display of crimes committed during the war in the "Wehrmachtsausstellung" (Army Exhibition), shedding light on the long-standing struggle within the country to confront its past[4]. In more recent years, the rise of far-right political parties, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), has fueled concerns about the resurgence of nationalism and the dilution of the historical narrative surrounding May 8th[5].
Reflecting on the Legacy
Historian Christoph Meißner, from the Museum Berlin-Karlshorst, implores us to utilize the 80th anniversary of the end of the war to reflect on the nature of liberation and the growing uncertainties surrounding the country's future. "What kind of story do we want to tell about this 8th of May?" he asks, prompting us to reconsider the complicated and ever-evolving interpretation of this pivotal day.
BerlinWilhelm KeitelSurrenderGermanyWorld War IIWolfgang BenzCrimesAnna KaminskyRichard von WeizsäckerLuftwaffeEuropeSinti and RomaDeathSoviet UnionUSAGreat BritainFranceSED dictatorshipHistorikerstreitAlternative for Germany (AfD)
[1] Heute-Journal (2022, May 8). 45% of Germans do not see May 8th as liberation – survey. DW.COM. URL: https://www.dw.com/en/45-of-germans-do-not-see-may-8-as-liberation%E2%80%93-survey/a-61089964
[2] Das Parlament (2019). May 8th – The day of liberation? DER SPIEGEL. URL: https://www.spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/may-8th-war-der-tag-der-befreiung-a-1309301.html
[3] Deutsche Welle (2015, March 21). 70 Years Later, German Leaders still argue over May 8th's Legacy. DW.COM. URL: https://www.dw.com/en/70-years-later-german-leaders-still-argue-over-may-8ths-legacy/a-18540929
[4] The Jewish Virtual Library (n.d.). Wehrmachtsausstellung. URL: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/wehrmachtsausstellung
[5] ZDF (2021). Germany, a Country of Fear? Why so many Germans are worried. DW.COM. URL: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-a-nation-of-fear/a-62047130
- In the coming years, it is crucial for the German community to reevaluate and update their employment policy to address the growing concerns about the resurgence of nationalism and the dilution of historical narratives.
- As the general-news surrounding the 80th anniversary of VE Day approaches, politicians and historians alike should focus on fostering a sense of unity, explaining the notions of liberation versus defeat, and discussing the impact of the Wehrmacht's actions on Germany's political landscape.
- To bridge the gap between different perspectives, collaborative discussion and deliberation, marked by signatures from relevant parties, might be an effective means to draft a community policy that seeks to educate the nation about the lasting impact of the war and encourage introspection on the causes of the lost war.
- In light of the far-right AfD's increase in influence, the German government should consider updating their employment policy in 2024 to ensure that education systems and media outlets emphasize the importance of learning from the past and promote a cohesive understanding of Germany's wartime history.
