Do Germans Talk About World War II? What Do They Teach About the Holocaust? | Feli from Germany

The video begins with the host, Philly, introducing himself as a German living in the United States. He addresses common perceptions about Germans discussing the Holocaust and World War II. Philly explains that while these topics are indeed significant and somber parts of history, they are not taboo in Germany. He outlines the video's purpose: to delve into how Germany has publicly dealt with its past, what is taught in schools, and the appropriateness of discussing these topics with Germans. The historical context provided includes the post-war denazification process, the division of Germany into occupation zones, and the initial silence on the topic in the decades following the war.

The host shares his personal experiences with how World War II and the Holocaust were taught in German schools. He mentions that the subject was approached from multiple angles and across various subjects, not just history. The curriculum included literature, ethics, and art, and students visited concentration camps and museums. The 1960s and 1970s saw a shift in Germany towards acknowledging its past, with Nazi Germany and the Holocaust becoming mandatory parts of the school curriculum. The host also discusses the legal ramifications in Germany for denying or downplaying the Holocaust and the country's efforts to remember and learn from its history.

The video continues with Philly's personal connection to World War II through his grandparents' experiences and the stories he heard growing up. He then presents findings from a survey he conducted with his German viewers, highlighting the different educational experiences across various regions and generations in Germany. The survey results indicate that the Holocaust and World War II were covered extensively in schools, with most respondents feeling the topic was taught very well. The host also notes that the teaching quality was heavily dependent on individual teachers and that there were gaps in the curriculum, such as the limited coverage of Hitler's personal history and the experiences of other victim groups.

The host discusses the importance of international perspectives and the role of public dialogue in understanding and teaching about World War II and the Holocaust. He shares insights from the survey respondents about the manner in which the topics were taught, the age-appropriateness, and the use of various materials like books, movies, and visits to historical sites. The video emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the examination of propaganda techniques through the analysis of Hitler's rhetoric. It also touches on the emotional impact of these topics on students and the varying levels of sensitivity towards them.

The video addresses the depth of the curriculum regarding World War II and the Holocaust, noting that while the Holocaust was a primary focus, other aspects such as the persecution of other minorities and the geopolitical context were less covered. The host reflects on the personal experiences of survey respondents, including their family backgrounds and how it influenced their understanding of the war. He also discusses the emotional response to the topic, with some students expressing fatigue due to the intensity of the subject matter.

The host identifies gaps in the educational coverage of World War II, such as the lack of focus on Hitler's personal history, the details of warfare, and the post-war denazification process. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the societal conditions that led to the rise of the Nazi regime and the need to recognize warning signs of similar developments today. The video also explores the contemporary relevance of these historical events, including the political implications and the emotional weight carried by the German people.

The video concludes with the host's perspective on discussing World War II and the Holocaust with Germans. He encourages open dialogue and acknowledges that while some Germans might be sensitive to jokes about the subject, most are open to discussing Germany's dark past. The host counters a satirical video's message that Germans are unwilling to discuss WWII, asserting that his experience has been the opposite. He invites viewers to share their thoughts and experiences, and he provides information on how to support his channel or get in touch with him on social media.