Harald Jähner’s ”Hisnande tider” offers a captivating exploration of life in Germany during the Weimar Republic (1918-1933), moving beyond traditional political analyses to delve into the sensory experiences and emotions of the era. Jähner paints a vibrant panorama of a society grappling with rapid change, from the ashes of World War I to the looming shadow of Nazism. He captures the pulse of everyday life, revealing the anxieties, aspirations, and contradictions that characterized this tumultuous period.
The book opens with the dramatic abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the proclamation of the republic, a moment of both hope and uncertainty. Jähner highlights the fragility of the nascent democracy, constantly threatened by political extremism from both the left and the right. While acknowledging the significant political and economic factors that contributed to the republic’s downfall – such as crippling reparations, hyperinflation, and the Great Depression – Jähner shifts the focus to the cultural and social upheavals that shaped the lives of ordinary Germans. He masterfully weaves together historical accounts with anecdotes and personal stories, creating a rich tapestry of the period.
Jähner examines the profound societal shifts that occurred during this era, particularly the dramatic changes in gender roles and cultural expression. He portrays the emergence of the ”New Woman” – independent, fashionable, and embracing the freedoms of urban life. Berlin, the epicenter of this cultural revolution, pulsated with a vibrant nightlife, offering escape and excitement in its cabarets, dance halls, and jazz clubs. Jähner highlights the role of mass culture, from cinema and photography to popular music and fashion, in shaping the aspirations and anxieties of this generation. He contrasts the glamorous image of the ”it-girl,” epitomized by figures like Ruth ”Girldriver” Landshoff, with the realities faced by working women, many of whom found employment as office clerks, experiencing newfound economic independence while navigating societal expectations.
However, this era of cultural liberation and innovation was also marked by deep societal divisions. Jähner explores the tension between the modern, urban culture of Berlin and the traditional, rural values of the German countryside. He underscores how these divisions were exploited by extremist groups, who scapegoated the city and its inhabitants for the nation’s woes. The rise of Nazism found fertile ground in the anxieties and resentments of a population grappling with economic hardship and social change. The book poignantly captures the growing sense of foreboding as the republic’s democratic foundations crumbled.
Jähner’s narrative is enriched by his masterful use of literary and cultural references. He draws on the works of contemporary writers, journalists, and artists to provide a nuanced and multi-faceted perspective on the era. Figures like Alexander Döblin, Kurt Tucholsky, and Irmgard Keun serve as insightful observers of the changing social landscape. Jähner’s analysis extends beyond high culture, encompassing the impact of popular entertainment, including film, music, and fashion, on the collective consciousness. He emphasizes how these forms of media reflected and shaped the hopes, fears, and anxieties of the time.
The final chapters of ”Hisnande tider” provide a sobering account of the political machinations that led to the republic’s collapse. Jähner details the intrigues and power struggles that ultimately paved the way for Hitler’s rise to power. He highlights the role of President Hindenburg and his advisors, who increasingly relied on emergency decrees to circumvent the Reichstag, ultimately undermining the democratic process. Jähner argues that the catastrophe could have been averted, pointing to missed opportunities and strategic errors that sealed the republic’s fate. The book concludes with a sense of tragedy, knowing the horrors that awaited Germany and the world. While acknowledging the depth of the historical scholarship on the Weimar Republic, Jähner’s unique approach provides a fresh and compelling perspective, offering a valuable contribution to our understanding of this pivotal period. He leaves the reader with a profound sense of the fragility of democracy and the enduring relevance of the Weimar experience in the face of contemporary challenges.
