Clio Wired (History 696)

How interesting that a number of us chose subjects dealing with Germany and WWII issues.
I'll be interested to hear the answer as to why this has happened.....

Ammon: Your project is awesome! Regardless of what challenges could come up b/c of the inputting of oral histories, I think the challenge is well worth your effort b/c of the lack of digital commentary on your topic!

Hi Ammon:

I look forward to seeing this up and running. The reference I mentioned to you is: Mary Fulbrook, Anatomy of a Dictatorshp: Inside the GDR 1949-1989 (Oxford U. Press, 1995). Fulbrook uses newly opened archives in East Germany to argue that people under the GDR found various ways to challenge state restrictions and one way was through the Protestant church. Thus, even though some historians define the role of the Church during this period as a tool of the state; Fulbrook argues the Church figured out how to mediate with the state while, at the same time, it could retain its religious function and purpose. For your site's purpose, she argues with good sources that the church was able to provide a safe haven for people to meet. These meetings eventually fostered the peace movement that brought down the wall. Hope it helps, Maureen