The descriptions of civilian life during the war are a direct of total war. Germany had devoted all of its food, machinery, oil. and overall labor towards the war, leaving civilians with very little. Regardless of how German civilians feel about this, it shows that immense nationalism can sometimes lead to devastation when too involved in the war.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Home Front
Evelyn Blucher, the English wife a German officer, elaborates on the hardships in everyday life back on the "home front." Especially coming from a foreign aristocrat, these descriptions of vast struggle within the German population must be legitimate, considering that an aristocrat took time to notice it. In addition, Germans could have become too caught up in the the glory of the war. Therefore, Blucher is a reliable source because she has a somewhat outside perspective, a fresh take on the subject.
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I liked your last point about nationalism leading to devastation. We don't usually think of nationalism hurting a country, but really, when citizens are practically killing themselves to help their country win a war, they are killing their country too. We know things are bad when the harsh conditions of total war reach a foreign aristocrat like Evelyn Blücher, and I like how you elaborated on what this means for the rest of the country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Natalie. Usually, we think of nationalism boosting up a country. When really, it can be hurting it. People gave up everything for the war. However, I'm not sure if they wanted to or not, so that might question their nationalism.
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