Walther, Christian Des Kaisers Nachmieter. Das Berliner Schloss zwischen Revolution und Abriss

The palace in the historic centre of Berlin had been a symbolically charged Hohenzollern residence since its origins in the 15th century. But that came to an end on 9 November 1918. Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, the Social Democrat Philipp Scheidemann proclaimed a republic at the Reichstag building, whereupon the leader of the Spartacus League Karl Liebknecht proclaimed the "Free Socialist Republic of Germany". As is well known, nothing came of this, but the castle was nationalised after the end of the monarchy. But what happened after that, until the monumental building was hit by bombs during World War II and the SED finally had it blown up in 1950.

Christian Walther shows that the palace became a centre of science and culture during the Weimar Republic: Museum of Decorative Arts, Museum of Physical Education, German Academic Exchange Service, Kaiser Wilhelm Society - they all had their headquarters in the palace. The Schlüterhof became the setting for festive open-air concerts, and the student union ran a canteen in the former palace kitchen. After the revolution, the palace became the palace of the Republic - and the palace of women: mostly female academics who, as scientists, museum directors and politicians, stood for the tentative beginnings of professional equality of opportunity. With the rise to power of the National Socialists came Gleichschaltung, but also the museum of the Prussian State Theatres. In the end, Karl Liebknecht's nephew Kurt propagated its demolition in 1950 - and there is much to suggest that he acted against his innermost convictions in doing so.