Munich and National Socialism

The tour provides an introduction to the exhibition Munich and National Socialism. We will look at the origins and rise of National Socialism in Munich, the special role the city played in the reign of terror during the Nazi dictatorship, and the difficulties the city has had in confronting this past since 1945.

The tour begins with the end of World War I in Munich. Starting with the November Revolution of 1918, we will trace the formation and the rise of the NSDAP—the National Socialist German Workers’ Party—and then look at how the Nazi state functioned and at living conditions in Munich under the Nazis. Why did Munich play such a significant role? Which groups of people were excluded and persecuted under the Nazis? Who was responsible for this and what was the attitude of mainstream society? How did the Nazi policy of persecution and extermination become more radical during World War II, and what were the consequences of the war in Munich?

Finally, we will focus on how the city has dealt with its Nazi past up to the present day and ask “What does this have to do with me?”  

If you are interested in focusing on a specific topic, please let us know and we will try to make this possible.