Decision in Spain: The Great Literary Struggle, 1936–1939

Franco asks him for military support for his coup. A further six days later, a German air force unit in civilian clothing, operating under the code-name ‘Operation Feuerzauber’, prepares for action. It is a time of momentous decisions in Europe – and also one of coincidences, betrayal and tragic irony. Tens of thousands of volunteers from more than fifty countries spontaneously decide to stand by Spain and defend the Republic against the fascist coup: artists, female reporters, intellectuals and the persecuted, aid workers and nurses, idealists and adventurers – among them Ernest Hemingway, Robert Capa, George Orwell, Simone Weil, Willy Brandt and many others.

The journalist and writer Paul Ingendaay, European correspondent for the arts and culture section of the *Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung*, recounts their struggles with weapons, pens and cameras – a gripping tale of courage and delusion, already cast in the shadow of the Second World War.

Against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, Paul Ingendaay brings to life the division that ran through families, villages and nations – and which was to define the front lines of the 20th century.

Paul Ingendaay’s presentation of the book will be followed by a commentary (tba).

The subsequent discussion will be moderated by Dierk Hoffmann (Institute of Contemporary History, Munich–Berlin).

Admission is free. Registrations will be accepted until 30 November via the online form.

The event will subsequently be made available as a podcast for later listening.

In cooperation with the Institute for Contemporary History Munich–Berlin.

IN GERMAN