NC German Studies Seminar Series Presents: Workshop with Noah Strote
The NCGS Series will hold a workshop on "Christian democracy, social democracy, and the foundation of the West German state" with Noah Strote. This event will take place at the National Humanities Center in Research Triangle Park (7 Alexander Drive). The IAH is a co-sponsor for the NCGS Series.
| What |
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| When |
Dec 02, 2012 from 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM |
| Where | National Humanities Center |
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Christian Democracy, Social Democracy, and the Foundation of the West German State
Noah Strote
North Carolina State University
When asked for historical examples of success in Western-sponsored nation-building projects, advocates invariably cite the occupation and supervision of post-Nazi Germany. They point to the removal of its non-democratic political elements, the stabilization of its currency, the integration of its big business into an international free-trade system, and the incorporation of its armed forces into military alliance under Western leadership. However, such an emphasis on police power and economic development has obscured a vital component of how nation-building actually worked in Germany during its transition to stable democracy over the long mid-century. This paper and presentation will point to the creation of consensus among social groups in a long-divided population, focusing particularly on the ideological reconciliation of Christian democrats and social democrats in response to their common persecution after 1933.
Noah Strote is Assistant Professor of History at North Carolina State University. He is currently working on his book, tentatively entitled Late Nation-Building: Persecution and the Origins of Consensus in Germany, 1933-1968.
