The Weimar Republic and Modern America through the lens of Babylon Berlin
What is the Erosion of Democracy?
How can someone understand the inherent value of true democracy if they’ve never felt the weight of a dictatorship? If they have never lived under the shadow of communism, military rule, or fascism. If they haven’t lost the power over major decisions that affect their body. They have no access to education, the books they want to read, or the opportunity to manifest their dreams for the future.
Imagine always looking over your shoulder, always afraid that at any moment, they might come for you. It’s not a movie, it’s happening all over the world. I’ve witnessed some of those dark times and places, and that’s why I find what’s happening in America now so deeply troubling. It’s like watching shadows of the past creeping in.
Democracy doesn’t crumble in a day. We might not notice it at first, but over time, it can leave us stranded in a world we no longer recognize. This gradual decline happens quietly, chipping away at the very foundations that hold up a democratic society. Erosion happens when power is in the hands of a few, silencing those who disagree while amplifying their own voice. Or when false information flows through conversations and the media, subtly shifting what we believe to be true. All these are signs of democracy wearing thin, thread by precious thread.
Democracy fading away can be a slow burn or a sudden blaze, referred to as democratic backsliding. Predominantly, it sneaks up on us, eroding over years, even generations, and we only spot it when looking back. An unstable economy, deep-seated divisions within society, and political polarization gnaw away at democracy’s edges. The institutions that used to thrive with the vibrant spirit of democracy no longer function effectively. They lose their strength and their impact, bit by bit—until all that’s left is a shell of what once was.
Waking up to democracy eroding matters because democracy is more than just a way to run a country. It’s about the principles and beliefs shaping how we treat each other and how we expect to be treated by those in charge. It’s rooted in the simple yet powerful notion that every single person has value and deserves respect. Everyone’s voice should weigh the same, and together, we make the choices that affect us all. It’s these principles that knit the fabric of a community where everyone gets a fair shake.
Myth: Democracy erosion is always rapid and noticeable.
Fact: Often, the erosion of democracy is gradual and may not be immediately apparent. It can manifest as an accumulation of small changes that, over time, significantly alter the democratic landscape.
Babylon Berlin
The first season of Babylon Berlin aired in 2017. An innovative television drama set in the late 1920s and early 1930s in Berlin, during the Weimar Republic—it’s a world of jazz, flappers, and political intrigue. The show’s got everything — a young cop dealing with his own demons, a woman with aspirations beyond the times, all sorts of shady characters, and a city buzzing with creative expression — yet teetering on the edge of a major upheaval.
It’s about the clash between old and new, the rise of some chilling political movements, and people just trying to find their way in a world that’s changing too fast. Babylon Berlin does more than just tell a fictional story set in the Weimar Republic—it’s a looking glass showing us the twists and turns of democracy, a journey that seems to be repeating itself in today’s world.
Understanding the Weimar Republic
After World War I, Germany turned over a new leaf with the Weimar Republic, a unique democratic experiment that ran from 1919 to 1933. It was an era swinging between hope and chaos, as the country dealt with the war’s hangover, a shaky economy, and political unrest. Even though it didn’t survive for long, those Weimar years left a deep mark on Germany’s story and gave the world a lot to think about when it comes to how democracy works — or doesn’t.
In the Weimar Republic’s early days, there was a sense of optimism in the air, and folks were desperate for change. The folks in charge were progressive. They rolled up their sleeves and got down to business, doing things like giving women a say at the ballot box and kicking off programs to help people in need. But not everyone was on board with this new direction, and pushback came from all corners of German society.
They faced tough times, particularly with the rising threat of fascism and a new surge in anti-Semitism. The 1919 Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, piled on the pressure, hurting Germany both economically and in spirit. This led to thinner wallets, political disagreements, and widespread social unrest.
In these challenging times, groups like the Nazis (National Socialist German Workers’ Party) began gaining popularity. They were skilled at spreading lies, instilling fear, and blaming others for the nation’s troubles, appealing to those who were frustrated and seeking a scapegoat. The combination of economic struggles, political chaos, and social tensions set the stage for Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to rise to power.
Myth: Only poor or developing countries face the risk of democratic erosion.
Fact: Democratic erosion can occur in any country, regardless of economic status. It often begins subtly, with changes in the quality of governance, respect for norms, and the independence of institutions.
The Rise of Fascism and Anti-Semitism in the Weimar Republic
When fascism and anti-Semitism started to take root in the Weimar Republic, it marked a grim period in Germany’s story. The economy was a mess, and the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles left many feeling shamed and resentful. These were the perfect conditions for extreme ideas to catch on. Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party rode that wave, spewing anti-Jewish hate and pinning all of Germany’s troubles on the Jewish community.
The Nazis went after the Jewish people with everything they had—unfair laws, relentless propaganda, violence, and ultimately the horrors of the Holocaust. Jewish folks and their businesses were pushed to the edges of society and treated cruelly, destroying the foundation of the Jewish community in Germany.
This brutal persecution of a group just because of their religion and their ethnic background showed just how far democratic principles had eroded. In 1933, Adolf Hitler’s rise to Chancellor marked the end of the Weimar Republic and the beginning of a more intense phase of persecution. Under his regime, concentration camps were established targeting Jews, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other minority groups who fell outside their narrow racial and ideological criteria. Two years later, the Nuremberg Laws of 1935 stripped Jews of their citizenship and rights and culminated in the Holocaust during World War II.
The way fascism and anti-Semitism surged in the Weimar Republic is a warning about how ugly things can get when intolerance runs rampant. It’s a reminder that we’ve got to stand guard over our democratic values as if they are precious treasures. This means pushing for a world where everyone’s included and respected—constantly alert to any extreme ideas that could threaten our collective community.
Myth: Democracies are only about majority rule.
Fact: Democracies are not just about the will of the majority but also about protecting the rights of minorities. The principle of majority rule is balanced with respect for individual and minority rights.
The Role of Art and Culture during the Weimar Republic
During the Weimar Republic, art and culture pulsated at the core of society, intense and dynamic with a kaleidoscope of hues and a chorus of sounds. It was a time when creativity burst onto the scene — writers, filmmakers, theater folks, musicians, and artists all breaking new ground. An animated and diverse mix of people from different walks of life, all daring to think outside the box, shake up the usual ways of doing things, and explore fresh, bold ideas.
The Weimar Republic was where the Bauhaus movement kicked off, revolutionizing design and architecture. This was also the time when influential writers like Bertolt Brecht and Thomas Mann hit the scene, using their words to critique social and political issues. And the infamous Berlin avant-garde art scene — it was all about freedom and experimenting with outrageous new performances.
But the buzzing art and culture scene didn’t sit well with everyone in Germany. The conservative crowd, especially the Nazis, thought it was disrupting things too much, straying too far from the old-school values. They even labeled modern art as degenerate and went all out to repress any form of artistic expression that didn’t fit their narrow view of the world. Squashing artistic freedom was another crack in the democratic wall — it shut down dissent and muzzled voices that dared to be different.
The energetic art and culture scene back in the Weimar Republic shows us how creativity can challenge the status quo and keep democracy strong. It’s a forewarning about how vital it is to stand up for the freedom to create and encourage all kinds of different perspectives. That mix of ideas and expressions is what keeps a democracy healthy and full of life.
Myth: Freedom of speech is unlimited in a democracy.
Fact: While freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democratic societies, it is not absolute. Democracies balance free expression with the need to protect against hate speech, disinformation, and threats to public safety.
The Queer Scene in the Weimar Republic
Back in the days of the Weimar Republic, there was an openness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ folks, especially in Berlin. The city turned into a haven for the queer community, buzzing with LGBTQ+ bars and clubs—full of all sorts of artistic extravaganza. This scene was like a breath of fresh air, pushing against what was considered ‘normal’ and carving out a place where people could just be themselves and find strength in solidarity.
Sadly, this period of newfound freedom didn’t last very long. As conservative and fascist groups gained more power in Germany, the situation took a dark turn for the LGBTQ+ community. The Nazis, who saw homosexuality as an abomination, went after queer culture with a vengeance. LGBTQ+ folks found themselves being chased down, arrested, and thrown into concentration camps, where they faced horrific treatment.
When the queer community in the Weimar Republic came under attack, it was a glaring sign of how democratic principles were being thrown out the window. It showed just how quickly things can go south in a democracy, leading to the sidelining and even outright persecution of folks who don’t fit into the majority mold. The story of what the LGBTQ+ folks went through back then is a caution of how the fight for their rights is far from over. It drives home the point that in a truly democratic society, we’ve got to stand up for the rights of everyone—no exceptions.
Myth: Economic downturns don’t affect the strength of democracies.
Fact: Economic crises can strain democracies, as they often lead to social unrest and can be exploited by those wishing to concentrate power.
The Babylon Berlin Plot—A Reflection of the Weimar Republic
The TV series Babylon Berlin transports us back to the Weimar Republic and those roller coaster times. Set in Berlin around 1929, it drops you right into the hustle and bustle of those days — the energy, the chaos, and the edgy feeling that something big—and maybe not so good—is just around the corner. It’s a window into the past, showing all the political drama, the social shake-ups, and the undercurrent of tension that was brewing under a democratic umbrella.
Babylon Berlin intertwines many storylines, each showing a different slice of life in the Weimar Republic. It delves into all the different facets of Weimar society— the devious political games, the threat of extremist views, the tough times faced by folks on the fringes, and the tug-of-war between old ways and new ideas. This show paints a picture of corruption, violence, and the basic erosion of fairness and freedom, capturing what life was like back then.
Babylon has Communists pushing for a revolution, Nationalists and far-right groups clamoring for extreme change, the covert machinations of the Black Reichswehr, the insidious dealings of the criminal underworld, and the pervasive corruption among police and government officials. It’s about the fragility of democracy and the perils that arise when power and ideology collide unchecked.
One major storyline is the intimidation and attempts to silence the press — a common theme in any fascist government. In America, journalism is often discredited by branding it as fake news through the use of propaganda techniques developed during the Nazi Regime.
Babylon Berlin doesn’t just stop at politics and social issues—it also showcases how art and culture flourished even when times got tough. The drama really shines with the genius and imagination of that era. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from showing the challenges artists and thinkers had to face as the atmosphere around them got more and more perilous. The way it brings the queer scene of Berlin to life gives us a glimpse into what life was like for LGBTQ+ folks back then, and the kind of harassment and harsh treatment they faced towards the end of the Weimar administration.
Babylon Berlin is a wake-up call wrapped in a TV show. Democracy isn’t unbreakable — it’s something we’ve got to nurture and defend. Watching it is like seeing a bit of history that says, “Hey, pay attention before it’s too late.” It calls on us to think about all the events that went down in the Weimar Republic and how those lessons still matter today. Especially when we look at the challenges we’re facing right now, in America.
Myth: Democracies are stable by nature and cannot erode.
Fact: Democracies require constant maintenance and civic engagement. They can degrade if institutions are undermined, if there is a lack of public participation, or if political norms are not respected.
Parallels between the Weimar Republic and Modern America
Despite the years and different cultures, the Weimar Republic and modern America share many similarities in their struggle to keep democracy on track. Both societies, in their respective eras, are dealing with the same challenge of how to keep democratic values from slipping through our fingers. Looking at these parallels gives us a roadmap — clues on what obstacles democracies everywhere might bump up against and figuring out how we can keep the spirit of democracy alive and well.
One thing that really hits home for me is how anti-Semitism and fascism have reared their ugly heads once again. Back in the Weimar Republic, we saw the Nazis come into power and the shocking way they treated Jewish people. Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing a scary uptick in extreme views and hate crimes against different religious and ethnic groups here in America.
The Unite the Right Rally, Charlottesville, Virginia, August 2017
This rally of white supremacist groups, including neo-Nazis, white nationalists, Ku Klux Klan members, and right-wing militias — was the largest of its kind in recent history in the United States. Participants, bearing torches, marched on the University of Virginia campus, chanting slogans such as “You will not replace us” and “Jews will not replace us.” Confrontations ensued when they encountered counter-protesters. The event took a tragic turn when a man with neo-Nazi affiliations drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, resulting in the death of 32-year-old Heather Heyer and injuries to several others.
It was a real eye-opener, showing just how dangerous these extremist beliefs can be and how they can chip away at the very foundations of what we value in a democratic society.
Another striking similarity is how art, culture, and the queer community play out in both the Weimar Republic and today’s America. Back then, the art scene was buzzing with energy, breaking new ground and questioning the way things were. Today, we’re seeing the same kind of vibe — artists, writers, and activists using their voices and their work to critique social and political issues. They’re standing up for people who’ve been pushed to the edges and working to create a more welcoming and open-minded society.
The queer community’s journey in both the Weimar Republic and modern America has a lot in common, especially when it comes to the hurdles they’ve had to clear. We’ve made some big strides in LGBTQ+ rights here in America, but we’re not quite there yet when it comes to total acceptance and equality. The battles being fought now for LGBTQ+ rights echo what the queer community went through back in the Weimar days. It shows we’ve still got a lot of work to do to ensure that in our democracy, everyone, especially those in minority groups, gets a fair chance and true protection.
Myth: If elections are held, democracy is functioning well.
Fact: The mere occurrence of elections does not ensure a healthy democracy. Elections need to be free, fair, and competitive, with a level playing field for all candidates, and effective protection against manipulation and interference.
The Erosion of Democracy in Modern America
It’s clear that democracy in contemporary America is experiencing some turbulent times. There are concerning signs that are creating a sense of instability. Politics now is like two teams at opposite ends of a field, not even playing the same game. There’s so much propaganda—and misleading info out there it’s difficult to figure out the truth. And the whole money-in-politics thing — it seems like the more cash you have, the louder your voice becomes. All these things are chipping away at the solid foundation that democracy needs to exist.
The Democracy Index of 2022 provides a snapshot of the state of democracy worldwide. It reveals that:
Roughly 45.3% of the global population lives in some form of democracy.
Only 8% of people live in a “full democracy,” a slight decrease from 8.9% in 2015. This decline includes the United States, which was downgraded from a “full democracy” to a “flawed democracy” in 2016.
Over one-third of the world’s population (36.9%) lives under authoritarian regimes, with the majority of these individuals residing in China and Russia.
In America, we’re facing a serious challenge with the rise of anti-Semitism and fascism. Though they might not be as in-your-face as they were back in the Weimar Republic days, they’re definitely lurking around and messing with what democracy stands for. Hate crimes against religious and ethnic groups are increasing, and extremist groups are pushing their toxic ideas. Those old, ugly beliefs just keep persisting, and they’re a real threat to the kind of fair and free society we all want to live in.
Art, culture, and the queer community are big players in shaping what democracy looks like in modern America. We’ve got artists, writers, and activists who are always pushing the envelope, trying to get us to think differently about things and stand up for people who’ve been left out. Pushback is coming from the hard right. The LGBTQ+ community is facing increasing threats to their hard-won rights, amidst a climate of growing pressure and intimidation. No matter who you love or how you identify, everyone gets a fair and equal shot in life in a democracy. We are losing that. The escalation of targeted hate crimes is a troubling trend that reflects on the health of democracy in America.
Club Q, LGBTQ+ Nightclub, Colorado Springs, November 19th, 2022
The heinous attack resulted in the death of five people and injuries to twenty-five others and stands as a grim indicator of minority rights coming under siege. These acts of violence not only spread fear among marginalized communities but also challenged the democratic principles of equality and protection under the law.
Myth: The media has no effect on the health of a democracy.
Fact: A free and independent media is essential for democracy as it provides information, ensures accountability, and serves as a platform for diverse voices.
The Rise of Anti-Semitism and Fascism in Modern America
There’s been an unsettling rise in anti-Semitic incidents and fascist rhetoric. It might not be as widespread as it was in the Weimar Republic, but just the fact that these ideas are around is a dangerous sign for our democracy.
Tree of Life Synagogue, Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill, October 27th, 2018
A gunman armed with an AR-15 style rifle and handguns killed 11 worshippers and injured several others, including four police officers. This attack, the deadliest against the Jewish community in U.S. history, was motivated by anti-Semitic hatred and white supremacist ideology.
Jewish folks and their places of gathering are facing some very frightening harassment and violence. And the internet, especially social media, has turned into a megaphone for all sorts of anti-Semitic conspiracies and odious talk. Tackling this growing problem means we’ve all got to pitch in. We need to ramp up on educating people, spreading the word about tolerance, and taking a stand against all this hate speech. It’s a collective effort to push back against this tide of hatred.
U.S. Capitol, January 6th, 2021
Spurred by a rally held by former President Trump, the rioters breached the Capitol, resulting in widespread violence and chaos, the deaths of five people, and injuries to over 140 police officers. The event, which led to the evacuation and lockdown of the Capitol, halted the certification process for several hours. The attack, which prompted arrests and a series of investigations, including a House Select Committee, marked a grave challenge to American democracy and highlighted deep political divisions in the country.
Seeing fascist ideas slithering around in modern America is worrisome. They might not be as overt as back in the Weimar days, but you can still spot their influence in extremist groups and movements. These events are alarm bells, telling us loud and clear that extremism isn’t just a word in history books — it’s a real threat we’ve got to face up to today.
Grocery Store, Buffalo, New York, May 14th, 2022
A man, who shall remain unnamed, driven by a dangerous and extremist belief known as the Great Replacement theory, killed ten innocent people and left three others wounded. This horrific act was a racially motivated hate crime, targeting a predominantly African American community. These events show us just how quickly things turn violent and how our democratic way of doing things starts to crumble if we let these harmful ideologies run unfettered without any resistance.
In the United States, numerous other ethnic and demographic groups face targeted discrimination and challenges. Hispanic and Latino Americans often face xenophobia and issues linked to immigration. The Asian American and Pacific Islander community has seen a rise in hate crimes, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Native Americans deal with the impacts of historical oppression and struggle over land rights and sovereignty. Muslim Americans are confronted with Islamophobia, while immigrants and refugees often encounter bigoted policies and barriers to legal status. Additionally, people with disabilities face unique challenges, including accessibility issues and social stigmatization.
These instances highlight the ongoing struggles against discrimination in the U.S., affecting our diverse communities across the nation.
Myth: The judiciary’s role is not crucial to democracy.
Fact: An independent judiciary is essential for upholding the rule of law and checking the other branches of government. When judicial independence is compromised, it’s a warning sign of democratic backsliding.
The Role of Art, Culture, and the Queer Scene in Democracy
Art, culture, and the LGBTQ+ community are important arenas for sharing ideas and standing up for what’s right in today’s America. Artists, writers, and activists are really making waves, and pushing for some much-needed changes. The Black Lives Matter movement has been very successful at using art and culture to turn up the volume on the stories and struggles of people who’ve been pushed to the sidelines—calling for fairness and justice.
The LGBTQ+ community in America has come a long way, winning some big battles for legal rights and more acceptance in the community. But there’s still discrimination and violence that needs dealing with. The struggle for LGBTQ+ rights is still in process. It’s important to keep advocating for everyone to have the same rights and protections, no matter who they are or who they love.
Art and culture create spirited spaces where we can chat, share ideas, and really understand where others are coming from. They challenge the usual stories we hear and bring us closer to a community where everyone feels like they belong. Supporting art, culture, and the LGBTQ+ scene isn’t just important— it’s key to keeping our democracy healthy and strong here in America. There has been a concerted effort on the part of the hard right to shut these spaces down.
The Babylon Berlin Storyline—Parallels with Modern America
Babylon Berlin resonates with contemporary America, reflecting the political turmoil and threats to democratic integrity that we face today. The series serves as a big red flag about democracy’s fragility and underscores the ongoing struggle for the rights of all people. It is a call for vigilance and action, a desperate plea for a concerted effort to safeguard our democratic principles and advocate for justice and inclusivity.
Myth: A strong leader can prevent democratic erosion.
Fact: Concentration of power in a single leader or group, without checks and balances, is often a sign of democratic erosion. Democracies thrive on a balance of power and accountability.
Final Thoughts—Lessons Learned
Analyzing the Weimar Republic and what’s happening in America today, it’s obvious they are both playing out a similar scenario. Democracy is fraying at the edges. Getting a handle on what went down in the Weimar Republic, with all its ups and downs, is a guide to keeping democratic values strong and healthy—right here and right now. It’s like digging into the past to find clues for a better future.
America has a big task ahead as democracy these days is feeling elusive at best. Tackling the growing rise of anti-Semitism and fascism is a start. And pushing for a world where everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, gets to be part of the mix. It’s key that everyone’s rights are solid and secure. And let’s not overlook the power of art, culture, and the LGBTQ+ community — they’re not just about breaking the mold. They’re about opening up conversations, sparking new ideas, and driving the movement for a better, fairer society.
The Weimar Republic’s downfall, as seen through Babylon Berlin, is a lens through which we can examine and understand the parallels between the Weimar Republic and contemporary America. It puts into perspective how valuable and fragile our democratic values are. It’s a collective effort, a shared duty, to keep democracy thriving not just for us, but for the folks who’ll come after us. We’ve all got to pitch in to safeguard and shore up our democratic way of life for the next generations. Real change will only occur when we actively participate in elections to choose leaders committed to inclusivity and when we consistently advocate for policies that embrace diversity and equity. It’s a responsibility we all share.
Is democracy eroding in America? Consider the evidence—books banned and librarians targeted; gender reassignment surgery restricted and parents under fire; abortion outlawed and doctors demonized; police, election workers, and the press, all fundamental to our society, facing widespread vilification. At the heart of this turmoil, an attempted coup shook the very foundations of our democratically elected government.
We’ve seen the collapse of democracies before — the Weimar Republic’s fall is an omen, as are similar declines in other nations worldwide. The erosion of democracy in America is apparent. The critical, looming question now is —is it too late to save it?
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