Erlangen: Departing from the Past

Abstract

In order to better understand what was done after World War II in Erlangen, I needed to explore National Socialism, the Third Reich, and the roots of its takeover. I was interested in Erlangen because it is so close to the party rally grounds. I also felt a connection with Erlangen, having studied abroad there. I am placing Erlangen in the larger picture of Germany during National Socialism. In the first chapter, I explore the local and national contexts of National Socialism in Germany, going back to discover why Germany was so susceptible. In the second chappter, I explore Erlangen's involvement with National Socialism. To what extent were they caught up in the party? The third chapter deals with the American Occupation in Erlangen. I use this chapter to see how Erlangen, along with the rest of Occupied Germany under American Command, was denazified. After that, I have the conclusion in which I better explore how Erlangen, and to an extent, Germany, coped with their past.