Teutonic Tales: An Examination of Cultural Appropriation and Collective Identity during the Nazi Era
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
History
Minor
English Literature
Institution
Murray State University
KY House District #
5
KY Senate District #
1
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. David Pizzo
Department
History
Abstract
Drawing on the scholarly contributions of historians like Johann Chapoutot, Gabriel Vejas Liulevicius, Claudia Koonz, and Ben Kiernan, this research attempts to investigate the appropriation of cultural identity and collective memory to legitimize and advance the ethnic narrative of the National Socialist Party of Germany in the 1930s and 40s. By forcing new interpretations and reinventions of socially accepted myths, legends, and folklore, the Nazis were able to tap into a potent sense of nostalgia to invoke the blessing of Germanic heroes and historical figures in order to create a sense of credibility and national heritage.
Teutonic Tales: An Examination of Cultural Appropriation and Collective Identity during the Nazi Era
Drawing on the scholarly contributions of historians like Johann Chapoutot, Gabriel Vejas Liulevicius, Claudia Koonz, and Ben Kiernan, this research attempts to investigate the appropriation of cultural identity and collective memory to legitimize and advance the ethnic narrative of the National Socialist Party of Germany in the 1930s and 40s. By forcing new interpretations and reinventions of socially accepted myths, legends, and folklore, the Nazis were able to tap into a potent sense of nostalgia to invoke the blessing of Germanic heroes and historical figures in order to create a sense of credibility and national heritage.