Warschauer Kniefall

Warschauer Kniefall is a German term meaning "Warsaw Genuflection (kneeling)", referring to an event on December 7th, 1970 where the social democratic Chancellor of Germany Willy Brandt, very surprisingly and to all appearences spontaneously, knelt at a monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in what was then the communist Peoples Republic of Poland to commemorate the victims of the Nazi-era.

Related Topics:
Genuflection - December 7th - 1970 - Chancellor of Germany - Willy Brandt - Warsaw Ghetto Uprising - Communist - Peoples Republic of Poland - Nazi

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It was the day the Treaty of Warsaw (1970) between West-Germany and the Peoples Republic of Poland was signed.

Related Topics:
Treaty of Warsaw (1970) - West-Germany - Peoples Republic of Poland

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The event was discussed very controversial and made Brandt widely unpopular in Germany, especially among conservatives and liberals but also many social democrats, and he was heavily criticized by the press for being unpatriotic.

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According to a Der Spiegel survey of the time, 48% of all West-Germans thought the "Kniefall" was exaggerated, 41% said it was appropriate and 11% had no opinion.

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It was also one of many arguments the opposition used to put forth a Constructive Vote of No Confidence in april 1972 against Brandt, which he survived by only two votes. It was revealed later, that at least one (maybe two) member of the conservative opposition had been paid off by the Stasi to vote in favor of Brandt.

Related Topics:
Constructive Vote of No Confidence - Stasi

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In historical terms however, Brandt gained much renown for his act, it is thought to be one of the reasons he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1971.

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While at the time, positive reactions may have been limited, his show of humility was a small but vital step in bridging the gaps World War II had left between Germany and Eastern Europe.

Related Topics:
World War II - Germany - Eastern Europe

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Today it is seen as a very courageous and honorable decision, which has pushed the peace process in Europe a huge step forward.

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