German Soldier Newspapers of the First World War
German Soldier Newspapers of the First World War
$45.00
USDThe literature on trench journalism is well established for Britain and France during the First World War, but this book is the first systematic study in English of German soldier newspapers as a representation of daily life and beliefs on the front. Printed by and for soldiers at or near the front line these newspapers were read by millions of 'ordinary soldiers'. They reveal an elaborately defined understanding of comradeship and duty. The war of aggression, the prolonged occupation on both fronts and the hostility of the local populations were justified through a powerful image of manly comradeship. The belief among many Germans was that they were good gentlemen, fighting a just war and bringing civilization to backward populations. This comparative study includes French, British, Australian and Canadian newspapers and sheds new light on the views of combatants on both sides of the line.
- Proposes a new theory for the cohesion and morale of the German army during the First World War
- The comparative approach includes a complete study of the French, British, Australian and Canadian soldier newspapers alongside the German
- Provides a methodology for using soldier newspapers as a primary source for many modern conflicts and colonial occupations
Reviews & endorsements
"If after reading this book we still don’t really fully understand why the soldiers fought so long and in such conditions, at least Nelson’s book gives us much to think about." -Jeffrey Verhey, The Journal of Modern History
Product details
January 2014Paperback
9781107695733
282 pages
228 × 150 × 17 mm
0.42kg
30 b/w illus. 8 tables
Available
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Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Authorship, censorship, readership
- 2. National culture, national cohesion
- 3. Comradeship
- 4. German comrades, Slavic women
- 5. Occupation and justification
- 6. Conclusion
- Appendix. German soldier newspapers
- Bibliography
- Index.
