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This lecture examines how the German flag reflects the country’s turbulent political history, from liberal revolution and imperial power to dictatorship, division, and democratic renewal. Through the changing meanings of black, red, and gold, this lecture explores how flags can embody competing visions of nationhood, freedom, and memory.
This lecture treats the German flag as a lens through which to explore modern German history and political culture. It shows how colours and symbols have been repeatedly reinterpreted as regimes changed, borders shifted, and ideas of the nation were contested. Rather than seeing the flag as timeless, the lecture emphasizes its instability, highlighting moments when flags became sites of conflict, rupture, and ideological struggle.
What will we cover?
The lecture begins with the origins of black, red, and gold in the nineteenth-century liberal and nationalist movements, before examining their contested status during the German Empire and their adoption as the flag of the Weimar Republic. It then contrasts this democratic symbolism with the Nazi rejection of the tricolour in favour of the swastika flag, exploring how flags functioned as tools of totalitarian mobilisation. The lecture moves on to the post-1945 period, analysing the division between East and West Germany, the addition of socialist symbols to the GDR flag, and the political significance of flag use during reunification. It concludes by considering the contemporary meanings of the German flag, including debates around patriotism, constitutional identity, and the legacies of the past.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Explain the historical origins of the German flag and its colours; describe how different political regimes used flags to promote competing ideologies; analyse the relationship between national symbols, democracy, and dictatorship; understand how division and reunification shaped German flag history; and reflect critically on the political and emotional power of national symbols.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This lecture is suitable for a general audience and requires no prior specialist knowledge. It is appropriate for learners interested in modern history, politics, nationalism, memory studies, or German culture.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The lecture will be delivered as an illustrated session using historical images, flags, and visual sources, with short moments for guided discussion. There is no required work outside the class, though optional suggestions for further reading or viewing may be provided.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. Learners may wish to bring something to take notes.
After under- and post-graduate studies in Politics and History in both France and the UK, Sébastien settled in London. He has been teaching at the City Lit since 2001. Over the years, he has covered many different subjects, including politics, history, economy and culture of Latin America, French modern history, European history, global issues and current affairs. In his classes, Sébastien hopes to give learners the skills, tools and information that can help them not only to make sense of the world we live in but also to understand the origins of the key issues we face.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/flags-decoded-germany3058450Flags decoded: Germanyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/p/hpc361-flags-decoded-germany-1080.jpg1919GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics/Courses/Online courses2285117716771354217311228511771677<p>Discover the politics and history of Germany through its flags on this fascinating introductory lecture.</p>003058438Flags decoded: Germany1919https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/h/p/hpc361-flags-decoded-germany-1080_1.jpgInStockDaytimeMonOnlineAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-09-21T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC3611919Flags decoded: Germany151219Sebastien Ardouinflags-decoded-germany/hpc361-2627<p>Discover the politics and history of Germany through its flags on this fascinating introductory lecture.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-21 00:00:00<p>This lecture examines how the German flag reflects the country’s turbulent political history, from liberal revolution and imperial power to dictatorship, division, and democratic renewal. Through the changing meanings of black, red, and gold, this lecture explores how flags can embody competing visions of nationhood, freedom, and memory. </p><p>This lecture treats the German flag as a lens through which to explore modern German history and political culture. It shows how colours and symbols have been repeatedly reinterpreted as regimes changed, borders shifted, and ideas of the nation were contested. Rather than seeing the flag as timeless, the lecture emphasizes its instability, highlighting moments when flags became sites of conflict, rupture, and ideological struggle. </p><p>Discover the politics and history of Germany through its flags on this fascinating introductory lecture.</p><p>The lecture begins with the origins of black, red, and gold in the nineteenth-century liberal and nationalist movements, before examining their contested status during the German Empire and their adoption as the flag of the Weimar Republic. It then contrasts this democratic symbolism with the Nazi rejection of the tricolour in favour of the swastika flag, exploring how flags functioned as tools of totalitarian mobilisation. The lecture moves on to the post-1945 period, analysing the division between East and West Germany, the addition of socialist symbols to the GDR flag, and the political significance of flag use during reunification. It concludes by considering the contemporary meanings of the German flag, including debates around patriotism, constitutional identity, and the legacies of the past. </p><p>Explain the historical origins of the German flag and its colours; describe how different political regimes used flags to promote competing ideologies; analyse the relationship between national symbols, democracy, and dictatorship; understand how division and reunification shaped German flag history; and reflect critically on the political and emotional power of national symbols. </p><p>This lecture is suitable for a general audience and requires no prior specialist knowledge. It is appropriate for learners interested in modern history, politics, nationalism, memory studies, or German culture. </p><p>The lecture will be delivered as an illustrated session using historical images, flags, and visual sources, with short moments for guided discussion. There is no required work outside the class, though optional suggestions for further reading or viewing may be provided. </p><p>There are no additional costs. Learners may wish to bring something to take notes. </p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/european-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming in-person and online European history courses.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual151912HPC361NONEMon21/09/2613:00 - 14:0013:0014:001 session1One-off onlyWeekdayOnlineOnlineSebastien ArdouinBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-21T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeSep 2026Culture, history & humanities1919Flags decoded: Germanyflags-decoded-germany/hpc361-2627<p>Discover the politics and history of Germany through its flags on this fascinating introductory lecture.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-21 00:00:00<p>This lecture examines how the German flag reflects the country’s turbulent political history, from liberal revolution and imperial power to dictatorship, division, and democratic renewal. Through the changing meanings of black, red, and gold, this lecture explores how flags can embody competing visions of nationhood, freedom, and memory. </p><p>This lecture treats the German flag as a lens through which to explore modern German history and political culture. It shows how colours and symbols have been repeatedly reinterpreted as regimes changed, borders shifted, and ideas of the nation were contested. Rather than seeing the flag as timeless, the lecture emphasizes its instability, highlighting moments when flags became sites of conflict, rupture, and ideological struggle. </p><p>Discover the politics and history of Germany through its flags on this fascinating introductory lecture.</p><p>The lecture begins with the origins of black, red, and gold in the nineteenth-century liberal and nationalist movements, before examining their contested status during the German Empire and their adoption as the flag of the Weimar Republic. It then contrasts this democratic symbolism with the Nazi rejection of the tricolour in favour of the swastika flag, exploring how flags functioned as tools of totalitarian mobilisation. The lecture moves on to the post-1945 period, analysing the division between East and West Germany, the addition of socialist symbols to the GDR flag, and the political significance of flag use during reunification. It concludes by considering the contemporary meanings of the German flag, including debates around patriotism, constitutional identity, and the legacies of the past. </p><p>Explain the historical origins of the German flag and its colours; describe how different political regimes used flags to promote competing ideologies; analyse the relationship between national symbols, democracy, and dictatorship; understand how division and reunification shaped German flag history; and reflect critically on the political and emotional power of national symbols. </p><p>This lecture is suitable for a general audience and requires no prior specialist knowledge. It is appropriate for learners interested in modern history, politics, nationalism, memory studies, or German culture. </p><p>The lecture will be delivered as an illustrated session using historical images, flags, and visual sources, with short moments for guided discussion. There is no required work outside the class, though optional suggestions for further reading or viewing may be provided. </p><p>There are no additional costs. Learners may wish to bring something to take notes. </p><p><a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/european-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">View all our upcoming in-person and online European history courses.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.citylit.ac.uk/refer-a-friend" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Give a friend £20 off their first course</a><br>And you will also get £20 off your next course over £99.</p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
