Germans, Czechs and Slovaks in the 20th Century. Teaching Material for History Classes

Since being founded in the year 1990, the German-Czech and German-Slovak Historians' Commission has made an effort to present the history of these three nations which has developed along common as well as separated paths. The project of a commented collection of source material for the German-Czech-Slovak history of the 20th century focuses on a new target audience: The younger generations, growing up in a Europe which is drawing closer and closer together, should become acquainted with and understand two of their eastern partner states through German schools. Similarities and contradictions, common interests and conflicts in the history of Germans, Czechs and Slovaks should sensitize students for the way these nations percept each other and on what basis the relations between these states rest.

In contrast to existing schoolbooks and study materials, the "teaching material" intends to develop a new Central European perspective. On the one hand, a major topic will be the differing impact of important historic events on Germans, Czechs and Slovaks and their often contradictory interpretation. On the other hand, a further point of focus will be the European-wide influence of local developments initially originating in Germany or the Czech Republic.

The board of editors consists of members of the German-Czech and German-Slovak Historians' Commission as well as of other historians and and history teachers. The project is coordinated at the secretariat of the German section. The project is funded by the "Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst" (German Academic Exchange Service).