Flight, Exile and Emigration in Germany's Age of Extremes: Biographical Perspectives

The international workshop titled 'Flight, Exile and Emigration in Germany’s Age of Extremes: Biographical Perspectives' will be held at Georgetown University in Washington DC. Convened by distinguished scholars Frank Biess from UC San Diego, Anna von der Goltz from Georgetown University, Simone Lässig from TU Braunschweig, and Richard Wetzell from the German Historical Institute in Washington, the workshop aims to explore the historical contexts of flight, exile, and emigration in 20th century Germany, particularly during the tumultuous years of the 1920s to the 1950s.

In light of contemporary crises such as wars, economic disruptions, and political persecution, the workshop seeks to draw parallels between past and present experiences of displacement and upheaval, considering how these issues resonate today in various geopolitical contexts.

The workshop will facilitate an exchange of ideas among both junior and senior scholars from across the Atlantic, focusing on biographical approaches to understanding the experiences of individuals affected by political persecution. Scholars will investigate key questions regarding the motivations for emigration, the structural conditions that influenced individuals' decisions, and the impact of major political events like the Russian Revolution, fascism, and the Cold War on personal lives.

By identifying patterns that transcend individual stories, participants aim to contribute to a broader understanding of how the experience of exile has shaped political identities and commitments. The workshop will promote dialogue and is expected to result in a collaborative publication, enhancing the historiography surrounding this critical period in German history.

Funding for the event is provided by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the BMW Center for German and European Studies at Georgetown University, and the German Historical Institute.