The Politics of Memory in Postwar Europe

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For sixty years, various European groups have interpreted World War II and their nations' roles in ways that align with their political and psychological needs. This ongoing conflict over historical narratives has manifested in film, memoirs, court cases, and textbooks, significantly impacting democratization and relations among neighboring countries. This collection offers a comparative case study of how memories of World War II have been shaped and altered in seven countries: France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Italy, and the USSR (Russia). Scholars from diverse fields such as history, literature, political science, psychology, and sociology contribute essays that highlight each nation’s unique postwar memories. The use of similar analytical frameworks allows for meaningful comparisons. An extensive introduction reflects on the importance of these memories, while a conclusion analyzes their implications for memory studies. Notably, the period between the late 1960s and mid-1980s emerged as one of significant change in the politics of memory across all seven nations. The contributors reveal that Europeans primarily view World War II through distinct national lenses, which vary widely. These memories have crucial implications for the democratization of Central and Eastern Europe and the consolidation of the European Union, clarifying how they are formed and institutionalized.