Hanna Schissler Knihy

Stereotypical portrayals of West Germany often depict it as an "economic miracle" or reduce it to Cold War politics, overlooking the material hardships that preceded its success and the complexities introduced by its fascist past and communist counterpart. This volume, crafted by leading scholars in German history, literature, and film, delves into the rich and diverse cultural history of postwar West Germany. It highlights the experiences of various individuals, including children of black Occupation soldiers, communist activists, surviving Jews, Turkish "guest" workers, young delinquents, and middle-class mothers. The essays explore how these individuals navigated the institutions and social forces that shaped their lives and the broader culture. They reflect on how two generations of West Germans confronted issues such as war guilt, division from East Germany, nuclear anxiety, evolving gender relations, the Americanization of culture, and the rise of conspicuous consumption. Each essay uncovers fascinating, often overlooked aspects of German life, collectively illustrating what it truly meant to live in West Germany during the 1950s and 1960s. The contributors include prominent scholars who enrich this exploration of a complex society.