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, focusing on patriots, women's relationships, and national cohesion. It provides a comparative perspective across nations, overcoming the East-West divide.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
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: 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 how could societies foster national cohesion? Recognizing the complexity of this task, violence took on various forms as a powerful tool in the reshaping of societies.

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 complexities within individual European countries.

The book explores the role of violence in shaping post-war societies, examining its various manifestations and its impact on individuals, communities, and the broader political landscape. It sheds light on the ways in which violence was used as a tool for social control, political mobilization, and the establishment of new hierarchies. The chapters also examine the long-term consequences of violence, including its impact on mental health, social cohesion, and the reconstruction of national identities.

Furthermore, the book explores the role of women in the process of reshaping liberated societies. It examines the challenges and opportunities they faced as they sought to redefine their roles and participate in the public sphere. The chapters highlight the struggles and achievements of women in achieving gender equality, as well as the ongoing challenges they continue to face in many parts of the world.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the process of reshaping liberated societies in post-1945 Europe. It provides a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives, shedding light on the complex challenges and opportunities that societies faced during this transformative period. Through its detailed analysis and compelling examples, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics of post-war Europe and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 455g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030783884
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022