Our research project explores the connection between the establishment of U.S. military bases abroad and the advancement of civil rights in the U.S. We investigate the role that African American GIs played in carrying the civil rights movement to Germany, which was host to the largest contingent of U.S. troops deployed outside the U.S.
Between 1945 and the end of the Cold War, some 15-20 million American soldiers, families and civilian employees lived in Germany, and between 2-3 million of those Americans were African American. By giving voice to their experience and to that of the people who interacted with them over civil rights’ issues, we will expand the story of the African American civil rights movement beyond the boundaries of the U.S.
If you want to share your personal experience by contributing to our oral history collection or in any other way, please do not hesitate to contact us at: africanamericansoldiers@gmail.com
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The Civil Rights Struggle, African American GIs, and Germany
“[For black soldiers], but especially those out of the South, Germany was a breath of freedom. [They could] go where they wanted, eat where they wanted, and date whom they wanted, just like other people.”
Colin Powell about his tour of duty in West Germany in 1958, from My American Journey (1995)
“I like this goddamn country, you know that? …It is the first place I was ever treated like a goddamn man.”
William Gardner Smith about the experience of black GIs, from The Last of the Conquerors (1948)
Transatlantic Research Project conducted by:
• Maria Höhn, History Department, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
• Martin Klimke, German Historical Institute, Washington, D.C. and Heidelberg Center for American Studies, University of Heidelberg
Höhn and Klimke are currently writing a history of the experience of African American soldiers in Germany, 1945-1991.
Associated Scholars and Collaborating Institutions
• James Danky, Project Director African American Journals and Newspapers, University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Michael Geib, Director of Ramstein Air Base Documentary & Exhibition Center
• Leroy Hopkins, German Studies, Millersville State University
• Sophie Lorenz, History Department, University of Heidelberg
• Mia Mask, Department of Film, Vassar College
• Anke Ortlepp, German Historical Institute, Washington, D.C.
• Judith Weisenfeld, Department of Religion, Princeton University
Publications:
Maria Höhn:
- "The Black Panther Solidarity Committees and the Voice of the Lumpen," in: German Studies Review, XXXI, 1, February 2008, 133-154.
-"'We will Never Go Back to the Old Way Again': Germany in the African American Debate on Civil Rights," Central European History, vol. 41, no. 4 (December 2008).
-"'When Negro-Soldiers Bring Home White Brides': Deutsche und amerikanische Debatten über die 'Mischehe' (1945-1967)" in: Werner Kremp und Martina Tumalis, eds., Amerikaner in Rheinland-Pfalz. Alltagskulturelle Begegnungen (Trier: WVT Wissenschaftlicher Verlag, 2008), 147-164.
-"Ein Atemzug der Freiheit": Afro-amerikanische GIs, deutsche Frauen, und die Grenzen der Demokratie (1945-1968)," in Arnd Bauerkämpfer, et al., eds., Demokratiewunder. Transatlantische Mittler und die kulturelle Öffnung Westdeutschlands, 1945-1970 (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2005), 104-128.
Martin Klimke:
-"The African American Civil Rights Struggle and Germany, 1945-1989," in: Bulletin of the German Historical Institute (Washington, D.C., Fall 2008).
-“Black Panther, die RAF und die Rolle der Black Panther-Solidaritätskomitees,” in: Wolfgang Kraushaar, ed., Die RAF und der linke Terrorismus (Hamburg: Hamburger Edition, 2006), 562-582.
- "The Black Panther Solidarity Committees and the Voice of the Lumpen," in: German Studies Review, XXXI, 1, February 2008, 133-154.
-"'We will Never Go Back to the Old Way Again': Germany in the African American Debate on Civil Rights," Central European History, vol. 41, no. 4 (December 2008).
-"'When Negro-Soldiers Bring Home White Brides': Deutsche und amerikanische Debatten über die 'Mischehe' (1945-1967)" in: Werner Kremp und Martina Tumalis, eds., Amerikaner in Rheinland-Pfalz. Alltagskulturelle Begegnungen (Trier: WVT Wissenschaftlicher Verlag, 2008), 147-164.
-"Ein Atemzug der Freiheit": Afro-amerikanische GIs, deutsche Frauen, und die Grenzen der Demokratie (1945-1968)," in Arnd Bauerkämpfer, et al., eds., Demokratiewunder. Transatlantische Mittler und die kulturelle Öffnung Westdeutschlands, 1945-1970 (Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2005), 104-128.
Martin Klimke:
-"The African American Civil Rights Struggle and Germany, 1945-1989," in: Bulletin of the German Historical Institute (Washington, D.C., Fall 2008).
-“Black Panther, die RAF und die Rolle der Black Panther-Solidaritätskomitees,” in: Wolfgang Kraushaar, ed., Die RAF und der linke Terrorismus (Hamburg: Hamburger Edition, 2006), 562-582.
Student Research Team
American Cultures Senior Colloquium:
"African Americans, Military Service and Civil Rights"
(Vassar College, Spring 2008)
Participants: Katherine Linhardt, Patrick Donachie, Julia Hirsch, Rebecca Flanagan, Jenny Hartman, Caitlin Russi, Marissa Drell
Permanent Project Assistants
- Jessie Regenburg (Vassar College)
- Laura Stapane (GHI Washington)
- Thea Brophy (Calvin College)
- Laura Stapane (GHI Washington)
- Thea Brophy (Calvin College)
