The reunification of Germany has stirred old fears that were buried after the Nazi period. When historian Robert Darnton went to Berlin in 1989, he rediscovered layers of such anti-German fears within himself. He also discovered, as the Wall came down, a changed Germany. East Ger-mans, far from denying their Nazi and communist past, were eager to confront it. The more the Germans challenge their past, Darnton SUE-gests, the less anxious one can be about the German future.

by Robert Damton
always wishe...