Germany: What are the key areas of continuity in terms of culture between Nazi Germany and the FRG?

Question 1

Were there any elements of traditional German culture that persisted through the Nazi era and into the FRG?

Answer 1

Yes, some aspects of traditional German culture such as beer festivals and choral singing persisted throughout the Nazi era and into the FRG

Question 2

Did the diversity of cultural tastes within German society continue from the Nazi period into the FRG?

Answer 2

The sources on the FRG note that cultural tastes always differed (e.g., young/old, rural/urban)1 . While the specific content of these tastes would have changed dramatically from the Nazi era, the existence of diverse cultural preferences across different societal groups likely remained a continuity.

Question 3

Did culture continue to play a complex role in German society after the Nazi period, similar to some aspects noted in relation to the Weimar Republic?

Answer 3

The FRG sources state that culture had always been divisive BUT also, at times, a force for unity1 . While the nature of what divided or united the population culturally would have shifted significantly away from Nazi ideology in the FRG, this dual role of culture as both a point of contention and cohesion could be seen as a continuity.
It is important to note that these continuities are at a more fundamental or structural level rather than involving the direct continuation of Nazi cultural ideals or artistic forms, which were largely rejected in the FRG3 . The FRG actively pursued denazification, including the removal of ‘nationalistic’ culture