History and Remembrance
In my opinion, you cannot make a good impact on the future if you don’t learn from the past and take with you what is valuable from the past.
Dealing with the past and remembrance plays a role in better understanding the present. Looking at developments that have given rise to the present, also provides orientation for the future. To know where we are going, we must first know where we come from.
Value-Led Historical Research
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s preoccupation with German and European history is rooted in a commitment to values of Christian democracy and the principles of Konrad-Adenauer’s politics.
With events and publications on historical topics, we contribute towards safeguarding democracy, civil rights and liberties and parliamentarism in Germany and Europe. We are guided by the historian Hans Rothfel’s understanding of history, who ascertained that history does not form a “counterpart devoid of value”, but instead “something important for mankind.”
Archive for Christian Democratic Politics and Online Portals as a Means of Conveying History
The Archive for Christian Democratic Politics, founded in 1976, represents the heart of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s work on remembrance culture. The archive takes care of, evaluates and indexes the CDU’s collections in the Federal Republic and in the SOZ/GDR as well as the European associations of Christian Democracy. Archive documents encompassing more than 17 kilometres of shelving are available to users in the framework of the legal provisions.
With internet portals on the history of the CDU, the life and works of Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl, as well as the history of the GDR, we provide documents, texts and multi-media content for academia, historical learning and historical discourse in a pluralistic society.
German and European History as Focal Points
Our events in Germany and abroad are dedicated to the history of democracy in Germany and Europe, the history of resistance against National Socialism, and against the SED regime, alongside the history of European integration and the memory of Jewish life and culture in Germany.
Archive and Website Projects
Our archive and website projects offer you a comprehensive collection of sources, materials and information on selected historical themes.
Archive for Christian democratic politics (ACDP)
The archive material for Christian Democratic politics (ACDP) comprises records of the CDU federal party, the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the German Bundestag, the regional divisions and associations of the CDU, the CDU in the Soviet Occupation Zone/German Democratic Republic, the European associations of Christian Democrats, as well as personal papers of the Union’s leading elected representatives and office-holders throughout Germany and Europe.
Further information and contact persons can be found under Inventory Overview/Database Search.
Learn more about the Archive for Christian Democratic Politics
History of the CDU
The online portal presents a number of sources, essays and articles on everything to do with the history of the CDU as part of the general German and European history. Information and sources on the development and on key representatives of Christian Democracy are provided. While also dealing with the history of ideas of Christian Democracy as well as predecessor parties of the CDU and CSU. We participate in current debates with essays on contemporary history.
Konrad Adenauer
The online portal “Konrad Adenauer”, jointly created with the Stiftung Bundeskanzler-Adenauer-Haus in Rhöndorf, is a comprehensive internet platform on the biography of the first German Chancellor. Here you will find phases in life and overviews tracing Adenauer’s life and his political convictions. You will also be in introduced to a photo gallery, a genealogical table and compilation of Adenauer’s inventions and patents as well as an extensive collection of proven quotations. What is more, the portal points the way to familiar and new sources. The range of material is rounded off by explanatory keywords, short biographies of companions and a detailed calendar.
Helmut Kohl
The online portal provides sources and information on the life and works of Helmut Kohl (1930 to 2017). Thematic articles are devoted to his political convictions and to individual policy fields. The portal is complemented by photo galleries, keywords, biographical information on companions, documents and a bibliography.
History of the GDR
wikimedia/Siegbert Brey/CC BY-SA 4.0
The GDR Tutorial on the Adenauer Campus, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s digital learning platform, uses exciting and often interactive content to inform you about various aspects of the German Democratic Republic. Whether myth or reality, state and society or life and everyday life – the GDR Tutorial presents a myriad of freely available information and is aimed at teachers, pupils and politically interested citizens alike.
Publication Series
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung publishes several publication series with a focus on contemporary historical topics.
Research and Sources on Contemporary History
Droste/KAS
In the “Research and Sources on Contemporary History” series, the Archive for Christian Democratic Politics has been publishing academic studies on Christian Democracy, depictions on the history of the Federal Republic and the CDU, along with biographies of important representatives since 1980.
Learn more about the Research and Sources on Contemporary History
Historical-Political Communications
KAS/ACDP
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung’s “Historisch-Politischen Mitteilungen” (Historical-Political Communications), published once each year, present a forum for research and depictions on the history of Christian democratic movements and parties and their historical background in the context of intellectual, political and social developments of the 19th and 20th centuries. The thematic focus is on Germany and Europe.
Zeitgeschichte AKTUELL
KAS/WD-ACDP
It is often that case that current debates require a foundation in contemporary history. Knowledge about the origins and background of conflicts also enables better evaluation and decision-making. Against this background, there is a great need for orientation, especially in politics. The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung would like to support this. The publication series “Zeitgeschichte AKTUELL” (Current Contemporary History), identifies current discourse and explains the historical background and contexts.
Event Series
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers a number of events with historical relevance. Particularly worthy of mention here are our regular event series that deal with various aspects of contemporary history.
Bonn Forum on Unity
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
Each year, on 3 October, the Day of Germany Unity, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung holds a ceremony in the former plenary hall of the German Bundestag in Bonn. During the event, which is one of the most important events in the Rhineland on this day, discussions take place on central political and historical topics of the 21st century, among other things.
DenkTag
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
27 January has been an official day of remembrance for the victims of National Socialism in Germany since 1996 and on the initiative of the then Federal President Roman Herzog. It was on this day that the Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by the Red Army. For many years, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has used 27 January as an occasion to conduct a series projects and events throughout Germany. In numerous federal states, readings and talks with contemporary witnesses take place or exhibitions are organised.
The Kohl Era Under Discussion
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V. / Harald Odehnal
With the series “The Kohl Era Under Discussion”, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung offers a platform for discussion between contemporary witnesses and academics. The goal is to historicise Helmut Kohl’s chancellorship and to inspire questions, debates and research.
Forum 20 July 1944 – Legacy and Future Mission
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V. / Marie-Lisa Noltenius
With the “Forum 20 July 1944 – Legacy and Future Mission” series, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, in cooperation with the Stiftung 20. Juli 1944, honours the resistance fighters against National Socialism and keeps their memory alive. The focal point of the annual event are issues of civil courage and civic engagement for society as prerequisites of a liberal, democratic and constitutional state.
Goslar Speech
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
The first CDU federal party conference took place between 20 and 22 October 1950 in the old imperial city of Goslar. Under the motto “Unity, Justice and Freedom”, the federal party was established from the hitherto largely independent state parties. With the Goslar speech, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung commemorates this event every year. In conjunction with remembrance, the main emphasis of the event series are current Christian democratic issues, about which prominent politicians from the ranks of the CDU usually attend as speakers.
Hohenschönhausen-Forum
KAS/Marie-Lisa Noltenius
Since 2008, once a year the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, together with the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial, has organised the Hohenschönhausen-Forum in Berlin. In addition to numerous lectures, the spotlight is on vibrant discussions of a guiding topic with high-ranking guests. Regular participants at Hohenschönhausen-Forum are historians, teachers, students, memorial staff and members of victims’ associations.
Living Tribute to Konrad Adenauer
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V.
Konrad Adenauer’s birthday is on 5 January. For many years now, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has used this as an occasion to invite the public to a joint annual kick-off event with the Stiftung Bundeskanzler-Adenauer-Haus. The event, where predominantly relatives, companions and citizens connected to the first German Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany gather at the Steigenberger Grandhotel on the Petersberg near Bonn, is framed by a wreath-laying ceremony on the Rhöndorf Waldfriedhof (forest cemetery).
Ludwig-Erhard Colloquium
KAS/Peter Bouserath
With the Ludwig-Erhard Colloquium, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung presents a joint event with the Ludwig-Erhard-Stiftung, which is devoted not only to the memory of the first Federal German Minister of Economics, but above all discusses aspects of economic history with a view to current regulatory policy debates. We want to use these connecting lines between history and the present to contribute towards shaping and further developing the social market economy.
Contemporary History Film Series
KAS/Wadim Lisovenko
At irregular intervals – but at least once a year – the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung invites you to the Contemporary History Film Series. Since 2017, we have been showing contemporary films on historically and politically relevant topics. The goal of the series is to bring history to life and make it tangible for the widest possible audience, while also placing the film content in a historical context.
In the Footsteps of Konrad Adenauer on Lake Como
kas
Lake Como has beguiled poets, writers, musicians and artists as well as princes, kings, and politicians. Its picturesque villages with many villas and palaces bear witness to this. From 1959, Konrad Adenauer spent many holidays at Villa la Collina, situated high above the lake. It is from here where Adenauer also shaped German politics. Some of the ministers that he received at the villa included Richard Stücklen, Heinrich von Brentano, Theodor Blank and Franz-Josef Strauß. The villa became a kind of “substitute chancellery” – governance took place via telephone and telefax. This historical place will provide you with an insight into the work and life of the first Federal Chancellor. You would like to combine your political interest with a stay at one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe? Then we cordially invite you to our seminars in Cadenabbia.
Publications to the topic
„Wenn du darüber sprichst, wirst du ins Lager zurückgebracht…!“
Adenauer-Karikaturen von Wilhelm Hartung
hrsg. von der Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e. V., bearb. von Matthias Krüger
Ausstellung
Lesen im Sozialismus: DDR und VRB
akg-images / WHA / World History ArchWHAi
Eine neue Dimension der Judenverfolgung
Die Novemberpogrome 1938 im Deutschen Reich
Stefan Boness/IPON/Süddeutsche Zeitung Photo
Sie verstehen einander nicht
Die „Bewältigung“ der Vergangenheit trennt Opfer und Täter.
Premier
Tadeusz Mazowiecki. Pisma i dokumenty 1989-1990
Amio Cajander / flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0
Die ordoliberalen Grundlagen der europäischen Integration
Historischer Hintergrund und Fortbestand
Frankreich: Identitätspolitik als Spaltpilz der Gesellschaft
Wie die Debatten um Laizität, Integration und die nationale Identität die Französische Republik prägen
Einleitung: Die politische Mitte und die Gefahren des Kulturkampfes
werch ein illtum! Zur Verortung der Identitätspolitik in der politischen Landschaft
Geschlecht und Identität
Begriffliche Einordnung und aktuelle Problemfelder
Ethnische Herkunft und Identität: Die etikettierte Welt
Warum linke und rechte Identitätspolitik Diskriminierung nicht bekämpft, sondern befördert
Umstrittene Erinnerung
Wie Identitätspolitik unseren Umgang mit der Geschichte beeinflusst
USA: Politische Polarisierung entlang der Parteilinien
Identitätspolitik in den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika
Polen: Kulturkampf auf Kosten des Zusammenhalts
Identitätspolitik als machtpolitisches Instrument der polnischen Regierung
Israel-Woche in Brandenburg
75 Jahre Israel: wieder ein Terrorangriff und Krieg gegen Israel, Antisemitismus in Deutschland, Deutschland und Israel
KAS-ACDP 10-001-650
Mehr Freiheit wagen!
Historische Erfolge und zukünftige Aufgaben der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft.
Manfred Vollmer/Süddeutsche Zeitung Photo
Antiparlamentarismus in Europa
Historische Perspektiven und aktuelle Tendenzen
Deutsches Historisches Museum
23. August - ein wichtiger Gedenktag
Vor 84 Jahren: ein folgenreicher Pakt
National Photo Company - Library of Congress, National Photo Company Collection
Was uns „Silent Cal“ zu sagen hat
Calvin Coolidge und die Zukunft des Liberalkonservatismus
Events on the topic
Dec
04
2023
Facebook Live: Reden wir über Familie – Der Feierabendtalk
Demokratiebildung - Aufgabe für Familie, Schule und Gesellschaft!?
Dec
05-06
2023
Meine Flucht aus der DDR
Schulprojekt in Schwerin
Dec
05
2023
Carl Schulze
Widerstand gegen die Diktatur in Bad Liebenwerda
Dec
05
2023
„Aufarbeitung. Die DDR in der Erinnerungskultur“
Schulveranstaltung
Event Reports on the topic
"Die Zeit wendet sich gegen die Demokratie!"
Verfassungsrichter Peter Müller hält Goslarer Rede 2023
Konservatismus in Deutschland – Eine tragische Geschichte?
19. Treffen des Ideengeschichtlichen Arbeitskreises
Erika Rosenberg: Vermächtnis der Schindlers
„Zivilcourage, Mut, Tapferkeit Unbesungener Helden Emilie und Oskar Schindler“
KAS
Die Besonderheiten des ehemaligen Konzentrationslagers Bergen-Belsen
Schulexkursionen in die Gedenkstätte Bergen-Belsen
NS Lager in der Region Weser-Ems
Exkursion mit internationalen Studentinnen und Studenten der Jade Hochschule in Wilhelmshaven und Oldenburg
KAS
"Die Geschmeidigen"...
... im Spagat zwischen Versprechen, Erwartungen und Verantwortung
KAS/Marie-Lisa Noltenius
„Die Mitte muss sich als Vermittler behaupten“
Podiumsdiskussion über Ursachen für und Wege aus der Polarisierung
Bedrohter Alltag – als Pfarrer im Fokus der MfS
Lesung aus dem Buch "Bedrohter Alltag " mit anschließender Fragerunde
Mauerfall und Erinnerung: Wie die Vergangenheit die Zukunft prägt
Augustusburger Schlossgespräch zum Tag der Deutschen Einheit.
Von kleinen und großen Schritten
50 Jahre Deutschland in den Vereinten Nationen
Christlich? Liberal? Konservativ? Die CDU zwischen gestern und morgen
Vortrags- und Diskussionsrunde in Hannover
Anne Frank Friedenstage 2023
Internationale Projektwoche in Bergen
Lesung: Feindbild Israel
Udo Albrecht, der rechte Terror und die Geheimdienste
Volksaufstand 17. Juni 1953 - Freiheit in Vergangenheit und Gegenwart
Jugendforum: Perspektiven. Geteilt!?
Martin Reuber
100 Jahre Hitler-Putsch
Was Demokratie und Rechtsstaat daraus lernen können?
KAS/Christiane Stahr
„Widerstand aus christlicher Überzeugung“: Dietrich Bonhoeffer und die Bekennende Kirche
Forum 20. Juli 1944: EKD-Ratsvorsitzender a.D. Wolfgang Huber sprach über die evangelische Kirche in der NS-Zeit sowie den widerständigen Theologen Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Vom fröhlichen Wiederaufrichten der DDR
Am 28.08 lud die KAS Bremen zu einer Abendveranstaltung mit dem Titel "Vom fröhlichen Wiederaufrichten der DDR" ein.
Stadtrundgang 17. Juni - auf QR-Code-Suche im Dresdner Stadtbild
Veranstaltungsbericht
KAS Sachsen-Anhalt
Rückblick auf unsere Veranstaltung „Spitzbart, Bauch und Brille – sind nicht des Volkes Wille - Der ...
karsten prausse fotodesign
Freiheit wagen! 1953.2023
Veranstaltungsbericht zum Gedenktag des Volksaufstand am 17. Juni 1953
Media library
70. rocznica powstania czerwcowego 1953
Wspominamy niemiecki czerwiec '53, kiedy to jednostki Stasi, policji i Armii Czerwonej krwawo stłumiły niemiecki bunt przeciwko władzy komunistycznej.
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