The 20th century was a turbulent era that completely reshaped Germany and the global political landscape. This comprehensive 15-day program offers students a profound, multi-perspective exploration of Germany’s modern history, tracing the trajectory from the dark years of the Third Reich through the hardships of the Holocaust, into the ideological division of the Cold War, and ultimately to reunification. Beginning in Munich and Nuremberg, students will analyze the origins and mechanisms of the Nazi regime, the realities of wartime persecution, and the subsequent path toward justice at the Nuremberg Trials. Moving eastward to Dresden and Berlin, the focus shifts to the dramatic postwar era. Through immersive site visits, students will examine life behind the Iron Curtain, the chilling surveillance state of the East German Stasi, the physical and psychological impact of the Berlin Wall, and the resilience of those who fought for freedom.

During the program, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how modern Germany confronts its past while emerging as a unified, democratic leader in contemporary Europe.