Collective Identities and Post-War Violence in Europe, 1944-48: Reshaping the Nation

This book explores how post-1945 Europe reshaped liberated societies using violence as a tool, based on primary research on specific cases from Italy, France, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belorussia, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary. It provides a new comparative perspective of post-war Europe that overcomes the East-West dividing line.

Format: Hardback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the intricate process of reshaping liberated societies in post-1945 Europe, a pivotal era marked by significant challenges and transformations. As societies emerged from the shadows of occupation, they grappled with three fundamental questions that shaped their collective identity and future trajectory: who could be deemed a patriot and a valuable member of their national community? How could relationships between men and women be (re-)established, and what role could they play in fostering national cohesion? Recognizing the complexity of this task, violence emerged as a powerful tool in the reshaping of societies, taking on diverse forms to achieve these objectives.

The chapters in this book are based on extensive primary research conducted on specific cases, providing a comprehensive analysis of the political, mental, and cultural developments that unfolded in various nation-states between 1944 and 1948. Through the examination of examples from Italy, France, Norway, Denmark, Greece, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, Czechoslovakia, and Hungary, this book offers a fresh and captivating perspective on post-war Europe. By transcending the traditional East-West divide, it provides a nuanced understanding of the diverse experiences and challenges faced by these nations during this transformative period.

The book explores the complex interplay between political ideologies, social movements, and cultural norms, highlighting the ways in which they shaped the post-war landscape. It examines the role of women in society, the emergence of new political parties and movements, and the struggles for independence and self-determination that characterized many countries. The book also sheds light on the challenges of rebuilding and reconstructing societies after the devastation of war, including issues of economic recovery, social inequality, and cultural heritage preservation.

Through its comprehensive analysis and engaging narrative, this book offers valuable insights into the complex processes of post-war society reshaping. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the history and legacy of post-war Europe.

Weight: 609g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030783853
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022