How did the progressive democracy of Weimar Germany evolve into the authoritarian Nazi regime of the 1930s? Between 1918 and 1933, Germany lived under a progressive regime, one of the most politically enlightened systems in the world and experienced a renaissance in cinema, art, literature and architecture. But economic instability and political upheaval threatened the Weimar Republic and contributed to its downfall. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of this extraordinary era in German history and try to understand how it led to the rise of Adolf Hitler.

Format: Class members will be expected to provide a 10-20 minute presentation, which may utilize a combination of YouTube videos, slides or PowerPoint, followed by class discussion. Distribution of questions for class discussion prior to each class will be encouraged.

Resources/Expenses: Eric D. Weitz’s Weimar Germany: Promise and Tragedy, Weimar Centennial Edition is available from Amazon, used, in paperback from $12.96 and up. An additional bibliography will be emailed to the class, as well as lists of any pertinent films, documentaries and other resources.