Abstract The paper looks at who the people were that resisted the Nazis, what their activities were and whether their activities made a significant impact. The paper shows how the underground movements complimented military action, sabotaged the Germans, saved lives, raised morale and gave the Allies vital information that helped them win the war. The paper concludes that the war could not have been won without them.
Outline:
Who Were They?
Resistance Activities
Conclusion
From the Paper "This account of two young men blowing up a bridge in occupied Norway, a bridge that was important to German troop and munitions transport, is one of thousands of acts of resistance that occurred during World War II in Europe. Most were carried out by "ordinary" people, citizens in countries like Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France, Poland, Greece, Yugoslavia, and Albania, all the places occupied by Nazis. In these countries, so-called ordinary people felt called upon to resist in extraordinary ways. In some places, resistance was well organized with a hierarchal structure and a chain of command; in others, individuals simply saw a chance to undermine the enemy and took it."
Abstract This paper discusses how classicism has been a powerful force in the modern era and how both Nazis and modernizing architects, like Le Corbusier, employed the style and its principles in connection with their own aims. Specifically, the paper looks at how, in both cases, the classical canon was seen as a way of expressing fundamental ideas about society and the world and how classicism, with its strict rules of composition and proportion, appeared ideally suited to a movement that craved strict order and rigid discipline at all costs, as did the Nazis. It also examines how its naturally-inspired rhythms appealed to Le Corbusier because they appeared to represent the way in which nature, and even Divinity were constructed and directed and how these transcendent qualities captured the imagination of architects.
From the Paper "Hitler's views on the ideal society were based on a supposedly rational construction of human history and biology. The Third Reich was intended to be an expression of "scientific" principals of eugenics and "natural law." In the Fuhrer's Germany, and society would be one. They would function together as a single, well-ordered, well-disciplined, organic machine. Those elements deemed undesirable by Adolf Hitler would be forcibly and violently purged from the body politic in order to create a new, purified, and stronger Germany. On the face of it, Classicism too presented many of these same "ideals." Classical architecture was particularly associated with the idea of the public monument, a concept that dated back to antiquity, but only became prevalent in the Western World during the Nineteenth Century. "
Abstract This paper discusses how Gleichschaltung, the term used to describe the enforcement of political and military forces synchronized towards the integration of the German society, was attempted by Hitler's Nazis between the years 1933 and 1939. In particular, the paper looks at how the Gestapo and the SS proceeded to implement the Gleichschaltung philosophy and how it targeted nationality, convictions and ages.
Outline:
Abstract
The Gleichschaltung Philosophy
Patriotism
Free Will and a Better Life
The Gleichschaltung Philosophy as Applied by the Gestapo and the SS
From the Paper "The Germans were an extremely patriotic population and the Nazis exploited people's dedication to their country. They had them believe that the Gleichschaltung was in fact synonym to patriotism and nationalism. Depressed by the stains left upon Germany by the defeat suffered during the First World War and by the Treaty of Versailles, the population believed the encouragements given by the Nazis in regard to the country's economic recovery. Wanting to believe that the Nazis would regain Germany's international pride and status, the population found it difficult to distinguish true nationalism from the "radical and revolutionary implications of the Nazi racialist ideology." "
Abstract The paper discusses what the philosophical, racial, political, and economic goals of German doctors and lawyers who were ardent supporters of the Nazi regime had in common with the Nazis, and how the Nazis used these two groups to coordinate their policies in the respective areas. The paper provides evidence to support the answers asserted in this work, which concerns eugenics and the philosophy of racial superiority.
Outline:
Nazi Doctor Supporters
The Legal Profession in Hitler's Germany
Conclusion
From the Paper "Many of these children taken from their homes and to various institutions and prisons were murdered. The Nazi's were "expert at the creation of power groups that robbed their opposition of public voice or power. A small tightly knit group of university medical scientists and psychiatrists, who planned and administered the euthanasia killings, dominated university departments, wrote and reviewed articles for one another's journal and never bothered to consult their colleagues." (Sogow, nd) However, there were less than 200 doctors acting as willing participants in medical crimes although hundreds were away of what was occurring in Germany."
Abstract The paper describes how Primo Levi, author of "Survival in Auschwitz" clearly documented life and death in the concentration camp despite the fact that he was physically, emotionally and spiritually part of these horrible days. The paper does show, however, that at times it was impossible for Levi to retain his external journalistic objectivity in face of the cruelty he experienced.
From the Paper "A good journalist reports the news in an objective fashion, observing and describing everything that is taking place regardless of his or her own personal bias. Some writers feel so strongly about their own beliefs that despite attempting to paint a factual picture, their stance on an issue is apparent. The more one is closely involved with a topic, the more difficult it is to separate oneself from the written piece. Imagine then, how difficult it was for Primo Levi, author of Survival in Auschwitz, to take a journalistic approach to his experiences in a German death camp."
Abstract The paper discusses the Genocide Convention and examines whether the Convention is still relevant as the foremost legal instrument dealing with the most heinous crime known to mankind. The paper analyzes the Convention as it stands, and whether it is indeed in urgent need of revision.
Outline:
The Genocide Convention
Background To Genocide Convention
Analysis of the Convention
Advantages of the Convention
Disadvantages of the Convention
Revision Of Convention
Definition of Genocide
From the Paper "Since the end of the Cold War, genocide has been coming under increasing scrutiny, as sociologists focus on the many shortcomings of the Convention . The Convention is concerned with both punishment and prevention. The former aspect has attracted most attention , whilst it has generally been perceived that the latter aim has failed to be realised. When the Convention was drafted, the crime was primarily committed against groups of people because of their ethnic, religious or racial backgrounds, usually by the territorial state .
"The concept of formally prosecuting them was at that time revolutionary, and Lemkin had considerable opposition against his proposed definitions and legislation. Lemkin, as an academic, wanted a drafting reflecting his stance of 'no-tolerance', whilst the states wanted clauses that would not compel them to intervene, or prevent them from any course of action they may wish to pursue. These conflicting objectives gave rise to the present Convention, and need to be kept in mind whilst examining it."
Abstract The paper explores the movements of Pan-Germanism, the Linzer Programm, the Deutsche Verband and the beliefs of nationalists and the fringe philosophers of post-Empire Vienna. The paper then discusses their influence on Adolf Hitler and the subsequent founding of the Nazi Party. The paper therefore shows how the philosophical, cultural and historical underpinnings of the Austrian Pan-Germanist movement are important precedents to the subsequent rise of Nazism, the Anschluss and the Holocaust.
Outline:
Introduction
Historical Underpinnings in Austria
Rise of Nationalistic and Linguistic Minorities
Liberalism's Flower and the Conservative Backlash
Conservative Ascendancy in Austria
The Linzer Programm
Sources of Anti-Semitism
Influence on Adolf Hitler and the Founding of the Nazi Party
Conclusion
From the Paper "Austria's empire had been under substantial pressure for several decades prior the decision to split Austria and Hungary into a dual monarchy in 1867 (Burant 1989). The Austrians lost significant land and sovereignty to the French in 1806, which represents the time when the decline of the Habsburg Empire would begin. The period from 1806 to 1859 was marked by a gradual reduction in power and influence by the Habsburgs over the remnants of the Holy Roman Empire. During this same period, the German principalities and kingdoms were combining in ways that would assure their future industrial success, most notably with the German Customs Union of the 1840's, and the eventual combination of German regions to form the modern nation in 1861."
Abstract This paper explains that modern Germany's past is extremely complex and hotly contested so that a national identity does not exist at the present time. To gain a more accurate portrayal of the historical phenomenon that is modern Germany and to understand if there is a unified national identity, the author examines several sources, such as historian Mark Roseman's book "A Past in Hiding, Memory and Survival in Nazi Germany", disputed sequences of German history especially regarding the Holocaust and German history as depicted in popular culture and mass media.. This paper concludes that, despite the long divisions by factions and competing interests, Germany is now in a position where potential for assuaging the divided characteristics of the past could occur; however, there is no singular answer.
Table of Contents:
A Past in Hiding, Memory and Survival in Nazi Germany
A Disputed History
German History and Popular Culture/Mass Media
An Exploration of National Identity
Conclusions
From the Paper "While the Holocaust denial scenario is one in which the debatable nature of German's history can be illustrated, it is far from the only one. In another hotly debated perceptual outlook, the Cold War communist/democratic push pull between East and West Germany is another construct in which much debate and ambiguity exists. Like the Holocaust denial movement, this topic too is heavily debated and portrayed in media absolutes that lose sight of many critical concepts that endure beyond "good" and "evil" and into more critically sound historical interpretation."
Tags: survivor pseudo-history, crisis of identity, hitler collective
Abstract This paper discusses Jewish resistance during the Holocaust of World War II. It explains why resistance is an important part of the history of the Holocaust and what can be learned from the occurrences of resistance. The paper then explains specific examples of Jewish resistance against the Nazis and how they came about and their effect.
From the Paper "In conclusion, the Jewish resistance to the Holocaust is important for any number of reasons. It indicates that the Jews became aware of the dire situation the Germans were creating, and it indicates that at least some of the Jews attempted to fight back against the Germans and save themselves and their fellow Jews. It also indicates how terrible the situation was, and how Jews were willing to die in resistance rather than passively go off to an unknown fate. They knew the Germans were evil, and they knew that they probably would not survive anyway, so they attempted to do as much damage as they could before they met their own fate. It indicates that not all the Jews simply gave up and followed the Germans passively, but that at least some Jews understood what they were facing, and wanted to take matters into their own hands for as long as they possibly could."
Abstract This paper discusses "Eichman and the Holocaust," written by Hannah Arendt, in which she grapples with the role that Nazis, especially Eichman, played in carrying out this human nightmare. The paper examines Arendt's arguments as to why individual Nazi perpetrators should not be blamed for the Holocaust and focuses on her claims of the innocence of Adolf Eichman.
From the Paper "Arendt was actually present at Eichmann's trial held in Jerusalem. According to her account of the trial and Eichmann's testimony, it is her conclusion that Eichmann in fact is not a murderer but, more appropriately, an innocent bystander and thus not guilty of the Nazi crimes against humanity. Arendt's thinking is that Eichmann, at heart, was not a Nazi and thus did not really know of Hitler's program when he joined the Nazi party. Further, she argues that he had nothing to do with the death camps, which in fact grew out of Hitler's euthanasia program and that, all in all, Eichmann was a modest and innocent bystander."
Abstract The paper discusses the criteria for selecting the most significant historical event in history and selects World War II as its nomination. The paper then describes the events of WWII and compares it to other events in history. The paper also explains its reasons for selecting WWII as the most significant historical event in history.
Outline:
Introduction - Criteria for Defining the Most Significant Historical Event
World War II as the Most Significant Single Event in Recorded History
From the Paper "Given the brutal, unforgiving, and equally racist sentiments of the Nazi's Japanese ally, the ensuing years would have witnessed the complete destruction of many millions of human lives, perhaps doubling the 50 million who actually perished during World War II. In all likelihood, Axis victory would have resulted in a world today devoid of all Jews, Slovaks, Gypsies, black Africans, and homosexuals. Those who remained alive would be living under a dictatorship similar in philosophy to that which characterized Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945. Therefore, both by virtue of its actual historical effects on the world during its time, as well as the ominous implications of only a relatively slightly changed outcome that could have, quite possibly transpired, World War II was, doubtedly, the most significant event in all of recorded human history."
Abstract This paper talks about the Holocaust and the Nazi policies that were in place during WWII. The author notes that, though cultural minorities like Jews and gypsies were specifically targeted, the physically and mentally handicapped were also affected by the so called purification initiatives. The paper relates that the German policy makers during the Nazi period wanted the creation of a genetically perfect race of people, which meant that people who were impaired in any way would be killed. Homosexuals were thus discriminated against as well. The author analyzes that these tactics were nothing more than claims in which the Nazis used to exact power over various populations in hopes for a culture forced into a cruel and unnatural homogenization.
From the Paper "During World War II, Nazi policy gripped Eastern Europe, afflicting its peoples with unspeakable acts of cruelty and depravity. Known as the Holocaust, this was a setting in which some of the worst aspects of man's psyche emerged. A plan for extermination of ethnic impurity, known as the Final Solution, informed the German perpetration of genocide, executed through the encampment, abuse and slaughter of millions, with Jews, gypsies and other cultural minorities being specifically targeted. The cultural minorities here noted would include many of those considered to be on the fringe of German society and, in the early running of the Nazi regime, would serve as defenseless groups upon which to test strategies relating to the Cultural isolation and the so-called Final Solution."
Abstract The paper shows how, in Khushwant Singh's "Train to Pakistan" and Primo Levi's "Survival in Auschwitz", characters' lives are changed solely by the events that surround them, of which they have no control. The paper highlights the common thread in both works that identity is the only key to status and opportunity, whether it is Jews in Auschwitz or a Sikh individual in Pakistan.
From the Paper "Within the personally charged works Train to Pakistan and Survival in Auschwitz there is a clear sense that circumstances rule the day and that characters' lives are changed by the events that surround them, of which they have no direct or indirect control. The most logical and obvious line in each work is that identity is the key to status and opportunity. Identity as a Jew or another undesirable "race" as well as national identity in the camp determines a great deal about the future and present life and treatment in Survival in Auschwitz while national, birth and religious identity is crucial to division and or protection in Train to Pakistan."
Tags: circumstances, choice, control, power, religion, nation, status
Abstract This paper discusses the book "The Diary of a Young Girl" which contains excerpts of Anne Frank's diary, written between the years 1942 and 1944, two years before she died. The author summarizes the book which has since been translated into thirty languages and adapted into a play, a motion picture as well as a television series. The paper relates Anne's history and background as well as her journal entries about her frustration at not being taken seriously by her family, her personal goals, and later, her views on the Holocaust. The author also examines the historical relevance of the book in particular as a document that serves as a personal witness to the mass annihilation of Jews throughout Europe.
Outline:
Introduction
Synopsis
Historical Relevance
Other Observations and Conclusion
Notes
Bibliography
From the Paper "In January 1933, Adolf Hitler, leader of the German National Socialist Workers' Party (the Nazis), was appointed chancellor of Germany. Hitler brought to his position a vicious anti-Semitism that found its expression through stringent anti-Jewish policies and, eventually, the mass extermination of Jews in concentration camps. Aware of Hitler's rising power and its future implications for Jews, Otto Frank arranged for his family to leave Frankfurt for Holland in the summer of 1933. He established a food products business in Amsterdam, and the next few years of Anne's life continued without remarkable incidence."
Abstract The writer explains why, in his opinion, "Holocaust" by Angela Gluck Wood has contributed a thorough and emotionally balanced perspective on the events of isolation, encampment and genocide that were obsessively pursued by the Nazis. The writer examines a review of the book by the Publisher's Weekly and concludes that the horror of the death camps stays with the reader of Wood's text, a proof that she has effectively delivered in appropriate detail the realities and implications of the Holocaust.
From the Paper "For some who are living today, the memories of the Holocaust, life during the time of the Holocaust or the experiences which would reverberate from it even decades later are still fresh. The indelible scars which the atrocity branded onto the world are continuously perceptible in an artistic, literary and cultural tenacity which has persisted to remind the collective of its responsibility to pay honor to the victims of its worst conceits. But as more times stretches between the systematic murder of 6 million Jews as it transpired throughout Eastern Europe in concurrence with World War II and the first-hand cognizance of such horrors in present-day witnesses, it will become increasingly more difficult for historical observers to properly contextualize the precious testimonials which are currently available and the shocking statistical breadth of events directly there related."
