Virtual Lecture: South Tyrol in the 20th and 21st Century

Join us on March 19, 2026 from noon to 1 pm EST for a virtual lecture with Prof. Dr. Eva Pfanzelter from the University of Innsbruck, Austria to learn about the complex and fascinating history of South Tyrol from the early 20th century to the present. Dr. Pfanzelter is a professor of contemporary history and digital humanities and the deputy head of the Institut für Zeitgeschichte.

As we delve into the history of German-speaking Europe for America250, we are delighted to offer a lecture on South Tyrol. South Tyrol, a predominantly German-speaking region, was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I. In 1919, under the Treaty of Saint-Germain, it was annexed by Italy, despite its largely German-speaking population. This marked the beginning of significant tensions between the local population and the Italian state. The 1946 Gruber–De Gasperi Agreement between Austria and Italy granted limited autonomy and protections for the German-speaking minority. However, dissatisfaction with the implementation of these rights led to protests and, in the 1950s and 1960s, even violent acts by separatist groups.

A major breakthrough came with the Second Autonomy Statute of 1972, which granted extensive self-government to South Tyrol. Powers over education, culture, and many administrative areas were transferred to the provincial level, and a system of proportional representation ensured fair distribution of public jobs and resources among German-, Italian-, and Ladin-speaking groups. This autonomy framework significantly reduced tensions and became a model for minority protection in Europe. In the 21st century, South Tyrol is considered one of the most successful examples of regional autonomy. It enjoys a high level of economic prosperity, political stability, and cultural coexistence. Discover the fascinating history of this region with historian Dr. Eva Pfanzelter, a native of South Tyrol, and author, historian and translator Dr. Bernd Schaefer.

This virtual event is free and open to the public, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Please email [email protected] to register.