Chapter 2
The Physicist Who Went to the Sauna
Angela Merkel, Germany
Footage of the Berlin Wall opening on November 9, 1989.
Video from AP Archive, in English. Open it on YouTube
Also worth a look: NBC News special reports from that night, from C-SPAN.
Think about it
Angela was famous for being careful and avoiding big dramatic moves. When is caution a strength in a leader, and when can it become a weakness?
More questions from this chapter
- The Stasi’s offer. Two secret police officers ask you to spy on your friends. Saying no could hurt your career. Angela found a clever way out. What would you have said?
- Breaking with Kohl. Your mentor, the person who gave you every opportunity, has done something wrong. Do you speak up publicly, knowing it could end your career? Angela did.
Your turn: Angela chose physics because no government could change its rules. What subject or activity do you love because it’s honest and fair?
For parents and teachers: these videos come from news organizations and official channels. You may want to watch first with younger readers.