Objects that tell the story of popular protest in Europe, 1815-1850
Paulskirche Memorials
Title
Paulskirche Memorials
Description
Paulskirche in Frankfurt was the site of the first national assembly following the 1848 Revolution. A step towards a national, representative, and democratic government, the church is adorned with myriad memorials to commemorate what is often referred to as the birthplace of German liberal democracy.
One plaque on the building reads: "The democratic association movement was part of the 1848 revolution that led to the German National Assembly in the Paulskirche.… symbolised the. hope for democratic freedom and national unity."
There is also a plaque commemorating President John F. Kennedy's visit in June 1963. It reads a quote from his speech: "no one should say of this our Atlantic generation that we left ideals and visions to the past, purpose and determination to our opponents." Paulskirche became. symbolic of democratic and liberal ideals.
