The document presents the text of a speech comparing American and German attitudes toward history, followed by a discussion of issues raised in the speech by conference participants. The first part of the speech identifies aspects of American and German history which are of importance to citizens of each country. American history is characterized by rapid growth, integration of immigrants, grass roots democracy, and conflict among historians over the heroic nature of many historical figures. German history is characterized by an ancient mythical past, a crisis of national identity after World War II, and few national heroes. Both countries experienced a decline in interest in national history during the 1960s, as reflected in enrollments in academic courses and dissatisfaction with national issues of racial equality and environmental protection. However, interest appears to be reviving as evidenced by the American Bicentennial celebration and an effort by the German Historical Association to improve history instruction in the schools. Discussion of major points baised by this speech focused on the problem of curricula in both countries and the relationship between academic history and the national character. It was agreed that history must study the character of society and be more than the episodic study of current events. (Author/AV)