Panel discusion with Prof. Dr. Volker Depkat, University of Regensburg, Prof. Dr. Jörn Leonhard & J.-Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Piller, University of Freiburg | Im Rahmen der Ringvorlesung "250 Jahre USA"

July 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. What significance did this event hold for the history of the United States and the world? What influence does the Declaration of Independence continue to exert today? And how controversial is the 250th anniversary amid the current tensions surrounding memory politics?

Prof. Dr. Volker Depkat (University of Regensburg), along with Prof. Dr. Jörn Leonhard and Assistant Professor Dr. Elisabeth Piller from the Department of History at the University of Freiburg, will discuss these questions.

Prof Dr. Volker Depkat

Prof. Dr. Volker Depkat is a professor of American Studies at the University of Regensburg and, since January 2026, has been a regular expert contributor to Deutschlandfunk’s new podcast, “Understanding America.” In this weekly series, Depkat provides historical context for key developments in U.S. politics and sheds light on the background of current events.

Prof. Dr. Jörn Leonhard

Prof. Dr. Jörn Leonhard is a professor of modern and contemporary history of Western Europe at the University of Freiburg. He has received numerous prestigious research awards for his work. His books "Die Büchse der Pandora" (2014) and "Der überforderte Frieden" (2018) established him as a leading figure in global history.

Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Piller

Jun.-Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Piller is an assistant professor of Transatlantic and North American History at the University of Freiburg. Her research focuses on American foreign policy and the relationship between the United States and Europe since the late 19th century. She has received numerous awards.

Free

German

Alte Universität | Max-Kade-Auditorium 2, Bertoldstr. 17, 79098 Freiburg

Wednesday, 15.7.2026 | 16:15 – 17:45 Uhr

Organizer: