Date on Master's Thesis/Doctoral Dissertation

8-2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

History

Degree Program

History, MA

Committee Chair

Beattie, Blake

Committee Co-Chair (if applicable)

Franklin, Elise

Committee Member

Mcinnis, Ed

Committee Member

Morales, Roberto

Author's Keywords

Nazi; Heinrich Himmler; medievalism; revisionism; Germany

Abstract

This thesis explores the complex interplay between historical narratives, ideological manipulation, and cultural artifacts in Heinrich Himmler’s efforts to reshape Germany’s history during the Nazi regime. The study shows how Himmler used historical revisionism to mythologize Germanic history to support Nazi ideology. Himmler used the Ahnenerbe, an SS organization, to research and propagate distorted narratives, fabricating artifacts to legitimize the Aryan myth and assert Germanic superiority. Influenced by movements like the Völkisch Movement, Himmler's ideology relied on pseudo-historical narratives to shape public perception and Nazi policies. The study analyzes Himmler's writings and the spatial transformation of sites like Wewelsburg Castle to establish legitimacy. It highlights the long-term effects of this manipulation on scholarship and the resurgence of far-right movements, stressing the dangers of historical revisionism and the manipulation of cultural heritage for extremist purposes. This research emphasizes the need for historical accuracy to combat extremism.

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