The Inner Life of Politics

For activists in West Germany, politicization often began in childhood. This was frequently followed by decades of intense political engagement, in myriad forms and venues, insisting on the free and democratic values their post-fascist country was supposed to embody. Through oral histories of fifty-five West German activists, this study explores how individuals became and remained politicized. Belinda Davis examines the diverse lived experiences of these activists, highlighting how social change took place both through protest and in the building of alternatives. In doing so, this study challenges conventional portrayals of 'the student movement' and of the ''68ers' and reveals the critical role of activists' experiences across decades, locations and venues. At a moment when we once again face challenges to democracy and peaceful political expression, this historic engagement offers valuable lessons on the achievements of grassroots politics, emphasizing just how personal is the political.