How Democracies Die: Hitler’s Seizure of Power in Germany
In January 1933, Adolf Hitler, a rabblerousing demagogue whose Nazi Party had achieved a plurality via free elections but never a majority in Germany's Reichstag, was appointed his nation’s Chancellor, the beneficiary of crisis and compromise. His government was expected to fall as soon as the next election. A mere six years later, as Hitler prepared to launch the most destructive war in human history, his government wielded a power over the German people that was ruthless and absolute. How did a fledgling democracy descend into totalitarianism in such a short period of time? We will examine the ways in which Hitler and the Nazi regime seized and consolidated power between 1933 and 1939, conducting an attack on democratic institutions at home as they girded for an anti-democratic crusade that was global in scope and ambition. How did democracy die in Germany? What lessons can the German experience offer fragile democracies as they struggle to survive in the 21st century? The seminar will offer perspectives on both the past and the future of what Winston Churchill famously called “the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.”
Instructors: Jerald Podair and Jon Greenwald
Elizabeth II: Her Life and Times and Legacy
Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history. She was born in London on April 21, 1926, to the Duke and Duchess of York, and her father became king in 1936, following the abdication of his brother Edward VIII. Princess Elizabeth was very close to her father George VI, her mother, and younger sister Margaret. The Royal Family was very popular throughout the United Kingdom and played a prominent role in rallying the nation during World War II. In 1947, Elizabeth II married Prince Philip and the couple had four children. Following the death of George VI in 1952, Elizabeth became Queen of England. Her monarchy began during a difficult time in British history with the inevitable dismantling of the Empire, as well as countless economic challenges. She nevertheless remained steadfast, not only in her early reign, but in the decades that followed with a confidence and determination that all would be well. She became the most popular British monarch ever, and even the dysfunction in her family did not impact her public standing. King Charles stated regarding his mother: “Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept. . .and a promise of lifelong service.” The seminar will focus on the life and times of Elizabeth II, and her impact on Britain as well as the world.
This seminar is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend Dr. Jack Rhodes, Bjorklunden seminar instructor, who passed away on October 10, 2022. Jack was a kind and gentle soul, an exceptional human being, and a fan of Elizabeth II.
Recommended Reading: Robert Hardman’s, Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II.
Instructor: Tim Crain
Equality or Diversity? The Rise and Return of American Federalism
The Constitution was created to knit together 13 colonies – each with more than 100 years of their own history – into a country governed from a national capital. Genius at the time, but it has led to 250 years of conflict between the states and the federal government over self-rule, equality, economic development, and environmental protection. We'll look at major Constitutional cases and political controversies highlighting the place of the federal government and the states, and emphasize the critical periods of the 1850s, 1930s, 1960s, – and the present.
Instructor: Arnold F. Shober
