“Youth” emerged as historical agents in the late 19th and early 20th century in response to the social, economic, and cultural upheaval of rapid modernization. As a new social category, young people became the objects of the state capture and surveillance and agents in political and cultural participation in youth specific organizations, institutions, and movements. Communist parties and states, in particular, played a pivotal role in shaping and mobilizing youth. This live interview with Matthias Neumann will discuss the history of “youth” as crucial players in the 20th century.