November 9 in German history

Hope in 1989, horror in 1938 and peace in 1918

No other date tells the history of twentieth-century Germany as poignantly as November 9. No other date is so laden with the burdens of the history of this country. And no other date symbolizes so strongly irreversible changes about to become reality. On two occasions in 1918 and 1989, they were joyful occasions when political systems ended and there were new beginnings. In 1938 it was the long night into darkness and utter despair of what became the Shoah.