Ikonisches Wissen

Binational relationships are affected by popular knowledge and stereotypes about the past of the other country. Germany and Italy especially look back on centuries of shared history. But what did Italians learn about Germany’s past at school, and how did their historical knowledge and judgements develop over time? Who had an influence on textbooks and how did the vicissitudes of the 20th century change their subject matter?
This study shows that Italian self-perception is deeply connected with well-known images of German history. It analyses the structure of knowledge presented in textbooks between the humanities and the mass media, and between memory culture, cognitive interest and propaganda. It gives an overview of popular ideas concerning German history in Italy and of the Italian school system and its curricula. This study can thus contribute to clearing up current misunderstandings between Germany and its neighbour.