Reading about the looting that went on after the German surrender reminds me on some current events in America…with different motivation. Tonight we discussed the rioting and looting in Baltimore and Ferguson. These lootings have been motivated “retaliation” for young African American men being killed by white police. These acts of burglary and disrespect were meant to gain attention for the deceased, but also for personal opportunity and gain.
Berlin was also looted almost completely after the declaration of the end of the war. While they still knew there was much more to come, Berliners were happy to not be in war. Soviet soldiers also participated in the looting. Whether to celebrate, rebel, or for soldiers stealing clothes so they wouldn’t be recognized as military, the people in Berlin were overwhelmed by chaos. Looting was bringing attention then, and is still bringing attention now.
