LFU:online

Knowledge of the literature related to the topic as well as the ability to conduct independent, research-led analysis and contextualization according to scholarly rules; consolidated competencies in writing historical essays (formulation, substantiation and defense of arguments).

Whenever the world is in turmoil, there is a call for a 'new' Marshall Plan; this was the case in spring 2020, when EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a 'green' Marshall Plan to cushion the economic side effects of the Corona pandemic. The EU Commission President thus joined a long tradition of heads of government and representatives of international organizations who used the Marshall Plan as a metaphor for successful reconstruction.

Based on the understanding of the Marshall Plan as a highly successful intervention by the United States in Western European national economies, this course explores various aspects of the reconstruction program and their long-term consequences. After an introductory discussion of the motives, actors and conflicts of the Marshall Plan, we will focus on the role of international organizations. We will also focus on the technical assistance programs in energy supply, transportation and mobility infrastructure, and agriculture and food. The goal of these programs was to increase productivity - their consequence probably the largest transatlantic transfer of technology and knowledge in the 20th century, which was accompanied by a massive propaganda campaign. We will then discuss the political, economic and technological development paths taken by the Marshall Plan and question the use of the metaphor "Marshall Plan", which has positive connotations throughout.

Guided, critical examination of relevant literature; training in self-organization and time management skills in writing qualifying papers; regular writing exercises;

Course immanent to examination: regular attendance, participation in discussions and regular elaboration of small texts, writing and discussion of a written concept and a prosemi-nary paper.

Will be discussed in the first lecture.

Positive assessment of compulsory module 1

Online registration necessary!