History Commons^™

A Summer Of Mass Murder: 1941 Rehearsal For The Hungarian Holocaust, George Eisen

Purdue University Press Books

Most accounts of the Holocaust focus on trainloads of prisoners speeding toward Auschwitz, with its chimneys belching smoke and flames, in the summer of 1944. This book provides a hitherto untold chapter of the Holocaust by exploring a prequel to the gas chambers: the face-to-face mass murder of Jews in Galicia by bullets.

The summer of 1941 ushered in a chain of events that had no precedent in the rapidly unfolding history of World War II and the Holocaust. In six weeks, more than twenty thousand Hungarian Jews were forcefully deported to Galicia and summarily executed. In exploring the fate …

Ms-220: Homer W. Schweppe Papers, Abigail E. Metheny

All Finding Aids

This collection is made up of a vast variety of materials pertaining to Homer William Schweppe’s experiences during World War II. Schweppe compiled various items during his initial military service in the United States, such as his Seattle Port Officer I.D. badge and his uniform patches. There are also items from his time at Camp Ritchie, including his glossary of “Nazi Deutsch” terms and a book on the Order of Battle of the German Army, to which he contributed. Schweppe also included items he collected while overseas, such as a German Map of the D-Day Invasion area, a welcome pamphlet …

Ms – 196: “Meine Fahrten” Scrapbook, Jesse E. Siegel

All Finding Aids

This scrapbook includes two sketches, 37 pages with originally 177 photographs (13 missing), three free photographs, and 3 magazine clippings. Below is a list of the places visited by Leiber in the course of the album and the images he included in the album, including their page numbers. Some of the images, particularly from pages 24-30, appear to be chronologically out of order.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to describe and provide access to our holdings. Finding aids include historical and biographical information about each collection in addition to inventories of their content. More …

Ms – 197: Meine Militärdienstzeit, Jesse E. Siegel

All Finding Aids

The collection includes one photo album with 48 pages and 263 pictures, three missing, and two sheets of newspaper, one dated June 1, 1937, and the other dated November 21, 1937. Below is a list of the places visited by the officer in the course of the album that could be identified, and the images he included in the album, including their page numbers. Some of the images, particularly the tank picture on page 10 and the locations depicted on pages 42-43, may be chronologically out of order.

Special Collections and College Archives Finding Aids are discovery tools used to …

A Knight At The Opera: Heine, Wagner, Herzl, Peretz, And The Legacy Of Der Tannhäuser, Leah Garrett

Shofar Supplements in Jewish Studies

A Knight at the Opera examines the remarkable and unknown role that the medieval legend (and Wagner opera) Tannhäuser played in Jewish cultural life in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The book analyzes how three of the greatest Jewish thinkers of that era, Heinrich Heine, Theodor Herzl, and I. L. Peretz, used this central myth of Germany to strengthen Jewish culture and to attack anti-Semitism. In the original medieval myth, a Christian knight lives in sin with the seductive pagan goddess Venus in the Venusberg. He escapes her clutches and makes his way to Rome to seek absolution from …

Germany, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Ethnic History

Bibliography and photographs of a display of government documents from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Totalitarian Science And Technology, Paul R. Josephson

Faculty Books

In Totalitarian Science and Technology Paul Josephson considers how physicists, biologists, and engineers have fared in totalitarian regimes. Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin relied on scientists and engineers to build the infrastructure of their states. The military power of their regimes was largely based on the discovery of physicists and biologists. They sought to use biology to transform nature, including their citizens, with murderous effect in Nazi Germany. They expected scientists to devote themselves entirely to the goals of the state, and were intolerant of deviation from state-sponsored programs and ideology. As a result, physicists, biologists, and engineers suffered from …

American Diplomats And The Franco-Prussian War: Perceptions From Paris And Berlin, M. Patricia Dougherty

Faculty Authored Books and Book Contributions

In July 1870, war between Prussia and France erupted over the candida ture of a German prince to the Spanish throne, with far-reaching con sequences for the balance of power in Europe. Six weeks later, the German army decisively defeated the French at Sedan and captured the French emperor. Napoleon III. Although this victory precipitated the collapse of the Second French Empire, it did not end the war. Only after a four-month siege of Paris did the French surrender to the Germans on January 28, 1871. Between this date and the signing of the peace treaty at Frankfurt on May …

Germany's Rise To Power: Role Of The House Of Krupp In German Militarism, Marian Mathison Desrosiers

Class of 1968 Legacy Project

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Seminar 400, May 24, 1968.

Report From Dr. Schweizer On A Trip To Norway And Denmark, May 15, 1944, Bruno Schweizer

Norwegian Projects

Schweizer describes the results of a trip to Scandinavia designed to investigate opportunities for collaboration with Scandinavian scholars and set goals for language and dialect research, with particular focus on the development of Scandinavian and Germanic language atlasses. The report describes several opportunities for collaboration and names of potential resources, but describes a fraught political situation where collaboration must be conducted privately for fear of backlash for the Scandinavian scholars involved.

Report From Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Sturmbannführer Noot Of The Sd, October 30, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm summarizes a meeting with SS-Sturmbannführer Noot in which Noot promised that relevant SD documents would be made available to Schwalm in the areas of Germanic culture and scientific research. The situation in Norway was discussed, including political tension following the death of Minister Lunde. Skepticism was noted concerning the success of German research endeavors in Norway, partly attributed to political uncertainty and partly to "weary" Norwegian blood. It was noted however that the work was important and should be attempted nonetheless as even a negative result was significant for making decisions about the reconstruction of Europe.

Report From Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Obersturmführer Dr. Vollberg, October 25, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Hans Schwalm reports on a meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Vollberg of the SD on October 23, 1942. The meeting focuses on the anti-German sentiment of the Norwegian science community. It is noted that the University of Oslo had been rejecting members of Nasjonal Samling and German patience was wearing thin. They additionally discussed individual scientists with anti-German sentiments, including Anton Wilhelm Brøgger, Sigurd Grieg, Carl Marstrander, and Johannes Bøe. Of particular concern was the appointment of Johannes Bøe to a prestigious position without consulting the German occupiers. Schwalm asked to be informed on such topics. They additionally discussed Eberhard Günther …

Report By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Alfred Huhnhäuser, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

This report by Hans Schwalm on a meeting with Alfred Huhnhäuser discusses possibilities for creating a centralized research institute in Norway. Huhnhäuser was disappointed that his plan would receive no support as long as it included the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Society as the main tie to Germany. He and Schwalm discuss other options. Schwalm reports on the situation of the Ahnenerbe in pursuing such a project, indicating that they are 2 1/2 years behind Huhnhäuser, who has achieved great respect and built solid connections. He indicates that it would be better to work with Huhnhäuser than pursue such a project separately. The document …

Letter From Hans Schwalm Regarding His Work In Norway To Schneider And Wolfram Sievers, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm writes to Schneider and Sievers regarding the difficulties of his work in Norway, focusing on lack of proper offices and his planned stay in Posen, which he is hoping will be cancelled to prevent an interruption of the work in Norway. Schwalm indicates the work is not progressing well and any interruption would mean having to start all over again.

Report From Schwalm On A Meeting With Ivar Sæter, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm describes a meeting with Ivar Saeter of the National Teacher's Federation of Norway. He provides a summary of Saeter's military background and his lack of interest in and connection to the Teacher's association. In the meeting, Saeter described the types of people found in the NS (conquerors, sychophants, those aiming to restore an independent Norway and those who wish to collaborate with Germans) and the overall Norwegian situation. It is stated that the concept of Lebensraum means that Norway must be part of a greater Germain Reich and Norwegians should think of themselves as Germanic but not German. Saeter …

Report From Dr. Schwalm On A Meeting With School Director Kern In Oslo, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm describes a meeting with Kern, who ran a language school in Oslo and had prior affiliations with the Foreign Organization. Kern's precarious position is detailed, including his ouster from the Foreign Organization and the efforts against him and his school by Huhnhäuser and Pudelko of the German Academy. Schwalm describes Kern as one willing to tap into his connections from years of teaching, but who is looking to benefit from this association. Kern refers to the atmosphere among the Norwegian intelligentsia including their reluctance to join the NS and willingness to engage in dialogue with Germans as long as …

Confidential Statement From Hans Schwalm To Hans-Ernst Schneider And Wolfram Sievers On Objections To The Book "Norwegian History" By Martin Gerlach, October 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

In this confidential note, Schwalm discusses a book by German professor Martin Gerlach titled "Norwegian History". Ministerial Councilor Huhnhäuser had several objections to the book's content, with which Schwalm agrees upon a cursory review of the manuscript. The objections relate to the author's Christian perspective and lack of focus on pre-Christian pan-Germanic cultural heritage. It is noted that the book fills a missing gap, that of the German perspective on Norwegian history, and would therefore sell well and be considered the official position of German authorities, due to the regime's reputation for censorship. The letter concludes with a three point …

Statement By Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Ss-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz Of The Sd, October 15, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Hans Schwalm describes a meeting with SS-Obersturmführer Dr. Ritz regarding plans of Alfred Huhnhäuser for a broad-reaching research facility in Norway. The note describes the challenges involved in such a plan, including the involvement of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society and negative sentiment among Norwegian intellectuals due to the imposition of martial law in Trondheim. It is stated that contact may take long to establish and that a trip to Posen for Schwalm would break off work entirely.

Letter From Rudolf Brandt Of Heinrich Himmler's Personal Staff To Ss-Gruppenführer Berger Of The Ss Main Office, September 28,1942, Rudolf Brandt

Norwegian Projects

A letter from Rudolf Brandt of the Reichsführer-SS Personal Staff, in which he states that the recipient, SS-Gruppenführer Berger of the SS Main Office, has been unjust to SS-Obersturmbannführer Dr. Richert. He states the Reichsführer SS is supportive of proposals to form a research institute in Norway in cooperation with the Ahnenerbe.

Note From Gottlob Berger To Wolfram Sievers With Forwarded Letter To Heinrich Himmler, September 22, 1942, Gottlob Berger

Norwegian Projects

This document includes a note from Gottlob Berger to Wolfram Sievers accompanying a copy of a letter to Heinrich Himmler. In the note to Sievers, Berger comments on the rival plans of Hans Schwalm and Gustav Richert for a centralized research institution in Norway, stating that it could not be allowed to have two separate organizations. The letter to Himmler includes comments on the struggles of the Ahnenerbe in creating its reputation and the importance of establishing the Ahnenerbe as the authorititive scientific research institution, as well as doubts regarding the authenticity of Richert. It concludes with a push for …

Note By Schwalm On A Meeting With Hans Jacobsen, September 18,1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm describes a meeting with Hans Jacobsen, Fylkesmann of Østfold and founder of the journal Ragnarok. In the meeting, Schwalm inquired about individuals from the Ragnarok circle who might be useful in the cultural and racial research projects he wished to conduct in Norway. Most individuals mentioned were not suitable for various reasons, often anti-NS and anti-German sentiment due to events and behavior related to the occupation of Norway. Jacobsen himself was willing to contribute but did not show interest in leadership of a committee. They agreed to continue to meet as circumstances allowed.

Statement From Hans Schwalm, September 18, 1942., Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

Statement from Dr. Schwalm on a meeting with Dr. Huhnhäuser in which it was determined that Huhnhäuser would be informed of the results of upcoming meetings and his program would be on hold until that point.

Report By Schwalm On The History Of Competing Efforts To Establish A Centralized Research Association In Norway, September 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm

Norwegian Projects

This document offers a description of competing efforts to establish a centralized research association in Norway. The primary interests of many stakeholders were racial biology and ethnology, though Huhnhäuser was shown to want an organization encompassing all fields of research. The note concludes with future plans for coordination between the R.u.S. and the Ahnenerbe as well as a note of warning against a plan to create an R.u.S. office within the NS as it would strip the work of German control.

Report From Hans Schwalm On A Meeting With Alfred Huhnhäuser And Forwarded Copy Of Huhnhäuser's Proposal For A Norwegian Research Association, September 17, 1942, Hans Schwalm, Alfred Huhnhäuser

Norwegian Projects

Schwalm reports on a meeting with Dr. Huhnhäuser concerning the Reichskommissariat Science and Education Department, the establishment of a centralized research association in Norway, literature propaganda and future collaboration. He discusses the incorporation of Huhnhäuser into the SS to facilitate future work as well as Huhnhäuser's work to promote German literature, particularly to counteract the literature distributed by German emigrants. The primary focus is on the possibility of creating a centralized research institute through close German-Norwegian collaboration. Schwalm notes that Huhnhäuser's plans fit with the Ahnenerbe goals. The attached paper by Huhnhäuser describes the current situation and the importance of …

Note By Wolfram Sievers On A Meeting With Gottlob Berger, August 17, 1942, Wolfram Sievers

Norwegian Projects

Wolfram Sievers reports on a meeting with Berger, who requests an Ahnenerbe science advisor for SS-Sturmbannführer Neumann, soon to be dispatched to Oslo. Sievers noted that he could not spare anyone else, but Hans Schwalm, already in Oslo, could assist. Berger also recommended that Sievers get a decree from Himmler stating that the Ahnenerbe was responsible for all legitimate scientific research in the SS and implied that this was important, but was unable to explain why.

Report On The Cultural Situation Of Brittany, Olier Mordrel

Breton Nationalism

Breton nationalist Olier Mordrel, visiting Nazi Germany, describes the history of Brittany, French influence and power, and the Breton nationalism movement. He emphasizes connections between Brittany and Germany and outlines a plan for a successful nationalist movement.

Report On A Manuscript By Eduard Wildhagen Criticizing The Atlas Of German Folklore, June 1, 1938, Unknown

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter regarding a document by Wildhagen which is seen as an attack on the leadership of the Atlas and the German Research Association. The document was sent to several friends of Wildhagen and some scientists abroad. The writer sees the document as damaging to their interests and wants countermeasures to be taken. The author describes Wildhagen as a power-seeker who had caused great damage to the German humanities and folklore communities.

Note From Wolfram Sievers To Matthes Ziegler, Undated, Wolfram Sievers

Atlas of German Folklore

Letter to Matthes Ziegler of the Professional Association for German Folk Studies about negative comments made by Ziegler about Sievers and the Ahnenerbe. Sievers asks Ziegler to explain himself.

Letter From Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson To Johann Heinrich Von Bernstorff, May 15, 1909, Francis Mairs Huntington-Wilson

Other Correspondence

The document is a carbon copy of a typed letter from the Assistant Secretary of State to Count Johann Heinrich von Bernstorff informing the Count that Philander Knox is out of town.