Presentations can involve any period and aspect that engage with these terms. With the emergence of the Anthropocene as a leitmotif for historical research, understanding the relationship between the use of energy sources and the effects of their application has gained in importance. The thermodynamic understanding of energy and the word Umwelt were both developments of the nineteenth century, but the use of wind, water, and other forms of energy has defined engagement with the environment for far longer. How did people use and conceptualise different forms of energy? Was there a notion of sustainability or fears of depleting finite resources? Presenters may choose to emphasise either term, but we encourage reflections on the relationship between the two and how it has been expressed over time.

Please send your abstract (max. 300 words), together with a short paragraph summarising your CV, institutional affiliation and research interests, to germanhistoryworkshop@gmail.com by 27 January 2022.

The Cambridge German History Research Group is an online seminar series that brings together scholars working on German history (in the broadest sense), offering them an opportunity to broaden their network, present their research and exchange ideas. It is funded by the DAAD Cambridge Hub. Seminars will take place fortnightly between 1 February and 10 March 2022.

Contact: germanhistoryworkshop@gmail.com