- Examination of Challenging Traditional Historical Representations
A fresh investigation initiative intends to debunk exaggerated historical narratives in Thuringia, labeling them as baseless tales. As stated by Jens-Christian Wagner, director of the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorial Foundation, "These are topics we encounter regularly, not just online."
Over the past few years, revisionist historical tales have gotten more prevalent in certain segments of German society where they previously didn't exist. This trend is related to the surge of social media and the rise of the AFD.
Website to dispel myths about historical revisionism
The investigation project is a joint effort between the Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorial Foundation and the Chair of History in Media and Publicity at Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Wagner oversees the chair position. A crucial aspect of the project is the creation of a website that will educate people about frequently repeated historical revisionist myths, among other things.
Historical revisionism is categorized in research as a politically driven movement that aims to present German history as an uninterrupted streak of achievements, while minimizing its problematic periods such as the era of National Socialism or colonialism. A historical revisionist myth could assert, for instance, that the Nazi Party was a left-wing group. Another popular myth is the claim that the Allied bombing of Dresden in February 1945 was a "bombing holocaust".
Historical revisionist arguments have been utilized for years not only by the AFD, but also by other far-right parties, stated Wagner. These include national citizens, otherwise known as "Reichsbürger," as well as groups like "Free Thuringia."
Most prevalent in rural areas
Wagner noted that such narratives are now quite widespread, particularly in less urban locations. "We observe this especially in rural areas." This trend is more noticeable among individuals residing outside more academically-oriented urban societies.
The investigation project, according to Wagner, runs until April 2025 and is funded by the Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility and Future. Its goal is to continue the project post-2025 and secure additional funding, including from the Free State.
The scientific approach of the investigation initiative aims to debunk the politically driven historical revisionist myths, such as the misrepresentation of the Nazi Party as a left-wing group or the exaggeration of the Allied bombing of Dresden. The project, spearheaded by Jens-Christian Wagner and his team, is developing a website to dispel these and other myths, making it an invaluable resource for educating the public.
