4. Die Lindenrolle
A portion of the Lindenrolle showing the intersection of Friedrichstraße with Unter den Linden (Wikimedia Commons)
This grand, central boulevard that runs from the City Palace to the Brandenburg Gate was the place to see and be seen in Berlin during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Lindenrolle is a nearly 8-meter-long scrolled painting that depicts everyday life on the street around 1820. The short video, linked below, pans across a portion of the Lindenrolle. As the video begins, the Staatsoper and Bebelplatz are seen. The video continues up Unter den Linden toward the Brandenburg Gate, though it isn’t shown here. Toward the end of the video, the direction reverses and it shows the buildings directly across from the opera, including the University and Neue Wache, before ending in the Lustgarten.
- Take note of the people depicted. What aspects of daily life are shown?
- What do most of the people seem to be doing?
- Speculate about the reasons why this piece of art was created.
5. Gendarmenmarkt
Considered one of Berlin’s most picturesque plazas, the Gendarmenmarkt is a favorite location for gatherings of all sorts.
- As you explore the website, consider how it characterizes the square?
- What current uses of the square are highlighted?
Look more closely at the information about the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom)
- What historical exhibit is housed there?
- Why might this location have been selected for this exhibit?
Look more closely at the information about the French Cathedral (Französischer Dom)
- What can be found inside this building?
- What is the significance of a French Cathedral in Berlin?
Select either the French Cathedral or the German Cathedral and create a brief history of the building.
6. Neue Wache
In the chapter, you’ve read an excerpt from the speech by Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German President. Since the president’s role is largely ceremonial, the officeholder is seen as removed from day-to-day politics of the country and therefore speaks as a representative of the German state itself. In this way, speeches from the German President often take a longer view of history. In this speech, President Steinmeier links the 75th commemoration of the end of WWII with challenges of the present day.
Speech from 8 May 2020 in German
Speech from 8 May 2020 with synchronous English translation
During the period of division, the East German Army maintained a standing guard at the Neue Wache. In this home video from 1988, the interior of the Neue Wache and the ceremonial changing of the guard are both presented.
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