F4B. Weimar: Political Failure and Cultural Icon
History & World Affairs | Registration closed 9/13/2025
In 1919, a group of liberal politicians assembled in sleepy Weimar to ratify a constitution. The new German Reich faced crushing war reparation payments abroad, internal war bond repayments, and no history of representative democracy. Hope slowly turned to chaos and economic collapse. Yet, despite hyperinflation and political upheaval, Weimar is best remembered for its artistic exuberance in art, literature, film, and music. What were the Weimar years really like for the average German? Who were the most influential artists, authors, composers, directors, and personalities? Why did this democratic failure succeed as a cultural touchstone?
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Shelley Weiner
Presenter
Shelley Weiner grew up in Brooklyn, graduated from Colby College (BA), and attended the MDiv program at Earlham School of Religion. She worked in print production for graphic designers and book publishers, represented commercial printing firms in the Northeast US, taught technical MacOS/iOS classes to educators and corporate clients for Apple, and owned an Apple-authorized training center in the Hudson Valley for 15+ years. She geeks out over history, languages, art, travel, and music.
Robin Berger
Class Manager & Presenter
Robin Berger (LLI) taught for many years at Chancellor Livingston Elementary School in Rhinebeck. Now that she is retired, she is spending her time hiking across the Hudson Valley.
Mary McClellan
Producer & Class Manager
Grace McKay
Class Manager