City of youth movements                

In the post-war era of the 1960s, youth movements in nearly every industrialised country demanded social changes. Especially students vehemently criticised warfare in third world countries; they revolted against social injustice, stiffened behaviour and empty authority.  They copied their calls for demonstrations, their flyers and pamphlets with hectographing machines. These matrix printers were cheap and worked by hand.

In Gießen, two directions of protest movements distinguished themselves. One movement aimed at changing the educational system and asserting more democracy at the University by using theoretical analysis. The other organized alternative projects and supported disadvantaged people. Their commitment in Eulenkopf, a borough of Gießen, became an example of successful community work – far beyond the boundaries of Upper Hesse.