This unit focuses on the historiography of National Socialism. It explores two major discussions among historians: (1) How did National Socialism come into existence? Was it the result of a specific German deviation from the natural course of history or the very essence of modernity? (2) How did the horror of the industrialised killing of the Jewish population emerge as one of the central results of Nazi rule over Europe? Was it planned all along by Hitler and his henchmen, or was it the outcome of a cumulative process of radicalisation? Why did so many participate in this genocide and why was there so little resistance against it? -- Course Website
Instructor: Professor Mark Edele
Prerequisites: a Level 1 History unit
