In this exercise, the students deal with how right-wing political forces in particular dealing with the end of the war, which has led to discussions in the German public for several times. Using the example of an interview with Alice Weidel, the leader of the AfD party, they learn about her position and her associated justification. By taking up opposing positions, they should learn to develop their own opinion. This exercise also aims to promote historical-critical thinking and develop their own powers of judgment.
Introduction:
As an introduction, reference can be made to the growing influence of right-wing political parties in Germany. In eastern Germany in particular, the right-wing AfD is in some cases even the strongest political force; nationwide, it won 20.8% of the vote in the last federal elections in February 2025. Accordingly, the positions that the party represents with regard to German history are becoming increasingly important.
Step 1: Analyzing Alice Weidel’s interview
First, the class looks at Alice Weidel’s interview, which is stored on the PowerPoint presentation (Attachment 1) , and analyzes it critically. In particular, the students also examine the question of whether this is a historical revisionist position. They recognize that Ms. Weidel’s position is one-sided and ignores the suffering caused by National Socialism. With her statement, she falls beyond the basic consensus on remembrance policy in Germany that May 8 is first and foremost a day of liberation.
Step 2: Critical analysis of opposing positions
In the next step, it becomes clear that this interview has led to a broad debate in Germany. The students look at social media posts that both support and criticize Weidel’s position. These posts are also critically analyzed. This makes it clear that there is certainly support for Weidel’s positions, but that they are also met with rejection in broad social circles.
Step 3: Creative writing – writing your own social media post
The students write their own social media post, using the appropriate formal guidelines. They realize how difficult it can be to formulate a balanced post with the character limits.
At the same time, this strengthens their own skills in decision-making. Students are handed with social media post template and work on their own (Attachment 2).
Step 4: Discussion in class
The results are presented to the class.
The following questions could be the focus of the discussion:
• What must be the basic consensus when considering May 8/9 in Germany?
• What are the possible consequences of ignoring the aspect of liberation? Does this contribute to a trivialization of National Socialism?
• Is it possible that the rise of the AfD in the eastern federal states is also linked to the GDR’s culture of remembrance? Or are there much more important factors?
Attachements