This project analyses the connection between politics, collective and individual memory by exploring a collection of life story interviews with former border soldiers of the GDR. In light of onging debates about the shortcomings of the unification process and the disregard of East German experiences, it will bring the voices of men which have no recognition in debates about the commemoration of the GDR to the fore. The project will explore how they perceived their military service and how their interpretations changed with the judicial scrutiny and political and media debates about the “coming to terms” in unified Germany.

In cooperation with the Stiftung Berliner Mauer, Berlin (Dr Sarah Bornhorst and Dr Gerhard Sälter).

More information:
http://www.northernbridge.ac.uk/media/sites/teaching/northernbridge/Siemens,%20Daniel_NCL_BerlinWallFoundation.pdf