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After 1945, Germany has defined its “policy towards the past” with a new discipline: the history of the present. It has succeeded in confronting Germans with their past and its consequences; but only recently has a debate started – through literature and films – over German victims of war, bombings and exodus. This debate must lead to a critical comprehension of Germany’s past, not to victimization.Hans-Ulrich Wehler is History Professor at the University of Bielefeld.