Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
Second Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Reilly, Jack
Second Advisor
Sutherland, Wendy
Area of Concentration
Political Science, German
Abstract
Germany's notable process of dealing with the past, known as Vergangenheitsbewältigung, has predominantly focused on the National Socialist era. However, it overlooks other dark aspects of its history, notably its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. This thesis explores how cultural institutions, specifically museums and memorials, can address these overlooked histories to cultivate collective memory and influence public opinion and policy. Emphasizing emotional and interactive engagement, this thesis examines methods used by such institutions through qualitative analysis of interviews and site visits in Berlin, Hamburg, and Flensburg. Results underscore the efficacy of these methods in fostering collective memory and suggest potential implications for public opinion and policy in Germany. Through an exploration of methods of representation in museums and memorials, this thesis contributes to understanding the role of cultural institutions in shaping collective memory and its connections to public opinion and policy.
Recommended Citation
Wittmann, Sabine, "DEALING WITH DARK HISTORIES: EXAMINING REPRESENTATIONS OF GERMAN COLONIALISM IN MUSEUMS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR COLLECTIVE MEMORY, PUBLIC OPINION, AND POLICY" (2024). Theses & ETDs. 6611.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/6611