Hiram Kümper in Mannheim: Mythos 1776 between Freedom, History, and Political Present
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Mythos 1776: America's Founding Ideals under Scrutiny
Freedom, self-determination, and the American Dream are among the most powerful political narratives of our time. At the Thalia bookstore in Mannheim, the series Thalia x FAZ – Shaping the Future invites an analytical encounter with historian Hiram Kümper and journalist Alexander Armbruster.
An Evening between History and the Present
The focus is on Kümper's book Mythos 1776. The historian, a professor at the University of Mannheim, reconstructs the heroic epic of the American Founding Fathers and questions the blind spots of the narrative. The event combines historical context, political analysis, and literary non-fiction into a concise conversation about the USA.
Whose Freedom Was Meant in 1776?
The American Declaration of Independence still stands for universal rights and political self-determination. Kümper also looks at those individuals whose freedom remained systematically restricted in the founding history: millions of enslaved Blacks, Indigenous peoples, and other groups whose labor and contributions shaped the rise of the United States.
Historical Narratives in Political Discourse
The evening is particularly timely given the question of how historical myths are used in contemporary politics. Since Donald Trump's reelection, politicians and media have increasingly invoked the founding ideals of the USA. The reading and discussion event examines what images of nation, freedom, and progress stand behind these references.
An Author Encounter with Scholarly Precision
Hiram Kümper combines academic expertise with an accessible narrative style. As a professor of Late Medieval and Early Modern History at the University of Mannheim, he focuses on economic, legal, and regional history. For his scholarly work and academic teaching, he has been awarded, among other honors, the teaching award from the University of Mannheim.
The evening will be moderated by Alexander Armbruster, the responsible editor for Economics Online at the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. His journalistic perspective opens the historical material to current cultural and political discourse.
Conclusion: A Literary Experience for Historically Curious Readers
The conversation about Mythos 1776 promises a concentrated reading atmosphere, precise arguments, and new perspectives on American history. Those who wish to experience political narratives, historical responsibility, and the artistry of narrative non-fiction live will find an inspiring evening in Mannheim, bridging bookstore, university, and cultural commentary.
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