Prisoners of War and Local Women in Europe and the United States, 1914-1956: Consorting with the Enemy

This book is a comparative study of fraternization between Prisoners of War and local women during the First and Second World Wars, focusing on prisoners as wartime migrants and their interactions with the local female population. It expands the existing framework on prisoner of war studies and is an important point of reference in the growing research field of POW studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This remarkable book brings together a diverse group of historians from across Great Britain, the United States, Germany, France, Canada, Austria, and Latvia, who have dedicated their research and publications to exploring the fascinating phenomenon of fraternization between Prisoners of War (POWs) and local women during either the First or Second World War. Through their collective efforts, this comprehensive study provides the first comparative analysis of this multifaceted phenomenon across different belligerent countries. By centering their attention on POWs as wartime migrants and delving into the intricacies and consequences of their interactions with the local female population, the authors of this book expand the existing framework of prisoner of war studies in groundbreaking ways. With its vast scope and comparative approach, this book emerges as a vital and indispensable resource in the rapidly growing field of POW studies.

The study explores the complex dynamics that unfolded between POWs and local women during wartime, examining the various factors that influenced these relationships. It sheds light on the experiences of both the POWs and the women they interacted with, highlighting the challenges, hardships, and sometimes unexpected outcomes that resulted from their interactions. The book also examines the broader social and cultural implications of fraternization, exploring how it impacted the local communities, the military establishments, and the broader narratives of the wars.

One of the key strengths of this book is its extensive use of primary sources, including diaries, letters, and official records, which provide a rich and detailed account of the experiences of both POWs and local women. These sources allow the authors to paint a vivid picture of the circumstances under which these relationships flourished and the complexities that emerged from them. The book also employs a comparative approach, drawing on insights from other studies and historical contexts to provide a broader understanding of the phenomenon.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book offers valuable insights into the complex nature of human relationships during times of war. It challenges traditional narratives and sheds light on the often overlooked experiences of POWs and local women, contributing to a more nuanced and empathetic understanding of the past. Whether scholars, researchers, or simply interested individuals, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of the history of World War II and the complexities of human interaction in times of conflict.

Weight: 425g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030838324
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022