Berlin 111 years ago in the BZ history podcast

May 1912: Two gymnasts in the women's hurdles in Charlottenburg

May 1912: Two gymnasts in the women’s hurdles in Charlottenburg Photo: Ullstein picture

By Oliver Ohmann

Berlin was already a world metropolis 111 years ago – and the BZ right in the middle of it. The new episode of our history podcast BLICK BACK tells how and what our colleagues from the imperial era reported.

A shellac record rolls on the gramophone, thick cigar smoke hangs in the air, editors hack on the keys of their typewriters.

December 1912: Airship target flight starts in Schmargendorf

December 1912: Airship target flight starts in Schmargendorf Photo: Ullstein picture

The “BZ am Mittag” works around the clock at Ullstein in the old newspaper district. In 1912, cable news came across the pond: “Titanic sank!” Even days later, the catastrophe was the talk of the town.

January 1912: Elections to the Reichstag

January 1912: Elections to the Reichstag Photo: Ullstein picture

The shipwreck in the North Atlantic was the world news of 1912. But what else was on the Berliners’ minds in everyday life?

BZ reporter Oliver Ohmann recording the podcast

BZ reporter Oliver Ohmann recording the podcast Photo: Ralf Lutter

In fact – then as now – it wasn’t just the big events. It was the criminal cases and the gossip, local politics and sports.

Wilhelm II ruled the empire since 1888

Wilhelm II ruled the empire since 1888 Photo: Ullstein picture

In the new History Podcast we would like to take you on an audio journey to Berlin during the Imperial Era.

April 17, 1912: Two police officers watch the eclipse

April 17, 1912: Two police officers watch the eclipse Photo: Ullstein picture

A LOOK BACK was created from many original articles from the BZ in 1912. Have a listen!

Subjects:

Current BZ at noon Kaiser Wilhelm Titanic

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