Vortrag: Historisches aus der Region (Prof. Walter Markov)

Lecture: Historical Insights from the Region
Prof. Walter Markov – Victim of Persecution, Scholar
Speaker: Helmuth Markov
The University of Leipzig counts Prof. Walter Markov among the driving forces behind its revival in the years following World War II. Until his arrival in Leipzig, Markov’s path had been marked by the brilliant work of a young intellectual at the University of Bonn and his anti-fascist activities, which earned him a 12-year prison sentence. After the war, he attempted to foster new ideas and political movements at his former alma mater. 
He was unsuccessful in this endeavor, which is what prompted Walter Markov to move to Leipzig. In the meantime, he had earned his habilitation at the University of Halle-Wittenberg in order to head the Chair of Modern General History in Leipzig. Then came further problems with his superiors, which led to his expulsion from the SED. Markov remained a scholar; his work, both at home and abroad, is highly regarded and has been honored with numerous awards. In 1974, Prof. Markov retired, without ever turning his back on politics.