Erinnerungspolitische Wendepunkte. Argumentation und Persuasion in Gedenkreden zum 8. Mai 1945
Turning Points in the Politics of Remembrance. Argumentation and Persuasion in Commemorative Speeches on May 8, 1945

Summary/Abstract: As is well known, the way we view our own history is subject to numerous, often highly diverse, prerequisites and conditions. This is especially true for commemorative speeches delivered by state representatives who, from a certain temporal distance, refer to a certain more or less significant historical event. What perspectives are developed, which assessments dominate, who are the most important political actors, and what conclusions can be drawn for the future? Using examples of speeches from the end of the Second World War, this study attempts to highlight certain focal points of the political-historical contextualization and to trace significant changes from Willy Brandt (1970) through Richard von Weizsäcker (1985) to Frank-Walter Steinmeier (2025). Specifically, the study also examines the perspectives of the respective speakers on May 8, 1945, the interpretive frameworks employed, the extent to which peace policy efforts play a role, any shifts in emphasis that may occur, and the degree to which the concepts of collective memory and the culture of remembrance are updated or modified. For comparison, a speech by Władysław Bartoszewski in the German Bundestag is also used. It is interesting to see how the developments of the last fifty years appear from the perspective of a Polish politician, which stages, events and decisions are considered important, and what specifically Polish criteria for judgment are. Particular attention is paid to the means and methods used to construct the respective self-images and perceptions of others, and to advocate for the goals and perspectives deemed relevant here.

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