Die Geschichte der Leipziger Meuten - in Leipzig-Ost

The History of the Leipzig Youth Groups – Leipzig “Osten-Spezial” Reading

During the Nazi era, opposition youth groups existed throughout Germany. Leipzig was one of the centers of this movement. Starting in the mid-1930s, up to 1,500 girls and boys gathered in cliques across the city—separate from the Hitler Youth—and rebelled against the Nazi regime.

In eastern Leipzig, there were several such groups: on Eisenbahnstraße, in the Schönefeld neighborhood, and, most notably, the “Lille” group on Lilienstraße. In addition to discussing these groups in general, this event will focus specifically on the groups in eastern Leipzig—an exclusive and unique feature of this reading.

The girls and boys went on hikes of their own accord or met on the streets in their neighborhoods. And they took action against the Hitler Youth: with leaflets and brawls. In small groups, they listened to banned radio stations and discussed a Germany without Nazis.

The Gestapo and the judiciary persecuted the “Meuten”; trials were held before the People’s Court on charges of “preparation for high treason,” and some were even deported to the Buchenwald concentration camp.

“The History of the Leipzig Gangs” is a powerful and comprehensive account of youthful rebellion and the struggle for freedom during a terrible dictatorship. A book about youth cultures, nonconformity, opposition, and resistance.