Wolfgang--

It's such a joy to read your postings--especially on a topic like this, but in general you provide such an evenhanded approach to so many issues.

I remember from my 3 years in Germany--- (I was fascinated by the German perspective on historical issues, particularly their own history)---that 1945 was indeed called das Jahr Null (Year Zero)--implying that history was to start in 1945. In this they were mightily encouraged by the Western Allies, who were looking for help against the Soviet bloc. As I recall, even industrialists with hands that definitely weren't clean (e.g. the Krupps) were quickly enlisted by the West in the Cold War.