Socio-Political, Historical & Economic Context

Question 1

When did Bertolt Brecht write ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’?

Answer 1

While taking refuge in the United States during the Second World War.

Question 2

When was Brecht stripped of German citizenship?

Answer 2

In 1935 by the Nazi regime

Question 3

What was the context of the times he lived in?

Answer 3

• desperate poverty of Germany post WW1
• hyperinflation
• depression in the 1920s
• rise of Hitler and his fascist ideology and policies

Question 4

What was happening when Brecht wrote ‘The Caucasian Chalk Circle’?

Answer 4

The Red Army had driven Nazis out of the Caucasus and a victory for the allies, including America and the Soviet Union, was in sight

Question 5

What did CCC ask of the audience?

Answer 5

CCC asked the audience to consider what post-war Europe might look like, and what principles might shape that world