Open BTU: The road to structural change in 1990 (discussion and lecture evening)

Open BTU Lecture and Discussion Evening: The Road to Structural Break 1990

1st lecture

Germany, united fatherland...! - On the appeal between dream and reality.

What is the reason for a return to the "good in the former GDR" in the east of our country? Is it being forgotten that the price for the achievements of socialism was the lack of freedom of the people and the deprivation of elementary basic rights? Certainly, mistakes were made after 1989/90. But we must remember that the fall of the Berlin Wall opened up a historically unique opportunity for German reunification. Quick and courageous action was the order of the day. What preceded and followed the great structural break?

Speaker: Peter Keup, Research Associate, Human Rights Center Cottbus e.V. Cottbus Prison Memorial Site

2nd lecture

The peaceful revolution in Cottbus in 1989/90 - an attempt at an approach under the aspect of structural change

What shaped the city of Cottbus at the end of the 1980s and moved the people in the coal-mining region? How did the elections in spring 1989 go and what discussions characterized the months that followed? While thousands of citizens demonstrated peacefully in Cottbus in October 1989, a short time later the newly elected administration had to organize everyday life after the local elections in May 1990. Reunification on October 3, 1990 marked the beginning of a dramatic structural change for the city and the region. What is the connection between this epochal upheaval and today's structural change?

Speakers: Steffen Krestin, Head of Cottbus Municipal Collections, City Archive * City Museum * Wendish Museum

Moderation: Robert Büschel, Cottbus Municipal Collections, Museum Educator and Thomas Hasenauer, BTU, Centre for Continuing Education

About the Open BTU lecture series

From October 18, 2023 to January 31, 2024, the public lecture series "Open BTU" will offer interesting insights into exciting scientific fields. In the winter semester 2023/24, the focus will be on structural change in Lusatia from different perspectives. In addition to the social perspective, the historical processes of the structural break in 1990 will be discussed, the Sorbian/Wendish culture in the current transformation process will be highlighted and different future options for the region will be presented through the scientific BTU expertise.

With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the University's Centre for Continuing Education supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. The BTU cooperates with other universities and institutions. Each lecture will be followed by an opportunity for questions and discussion with the speakers. Anyone interested is cordially invited to take part in the wide range of events on offer.