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Whilst terms such as Lebensraum are commonly associated with National-Socialist ideology of the 1930s and 40s, ideas of racial living space were in fact generated in the previous decades by an international geographic community of explorers and academics. Focusing on one of the most influential figures within this group, Sven Hedin, this is the first study that systematically connects the geographic community to the intellectual history of the development of National-Socialist ideology and genocidal practices. The book demonstrates how colonial, racial and nationalistic policies were often spearheaded by explorers and geographers such as Hedin. In Germany, Britain, France, and Russia their positions as publicly recognized authors and reputable academics made them highly influential with politicians. Whilst this influence was to become most visible within Hitler's Germany, the debates were not by any means restricted to or even originated in, Germany. Germany was the home of some of the most prominent geographers, but this scientific community had a tradition of international debate and exchange with especially British, French and Russian geographic societies and institutions. Many issues that were later discussed and championed by National-Socialist ideology were aired and debated in this international setting - raising important questions about the international character and impact of National-Socialism. Tracing the intellectual history of the international geographic community and its relationship to National-Socialism, this study provides an assessment of Hedin's close involvement with the Nazi elite as a culmination of decades of political and scientific work. In so doing the book uncovers a long ignored or overlooked important connection between exploration, geographers, and genocide.
E-Book Content
The Explorer’s Roadmap to National-Socialism
Sven Hedin, Geography and the Path to Genocide
Sarah K. Danielsson
The Explorer’s Roadmap to National-Socialism
To Henry, for an amazing friendship.
The Explorer’s Roadmap to National-Socialism Sven Hedin, Geography and the Path to Genocide
Sarah K. Danielsson
The City University of New York, USA
© Sarah K. Danielsson 2012 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Sarah K. Danielsson has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as the author of this work. Published by Ashgate Publishing Limited Ashgate Publishing Company Wey Court East Suite 420 Union Road 101 Cherry Street Farnham Burlington Surrey, GU9 7PT VT 05401-4405 England USA www.ashgate.com British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Danielsson, Sarah Kristina. The explorer’s roadmap to National-Socialism : Sven Hedin, geography and the path to genocide. 1. Hedin, Sven Anders, 1865-1952. 2. Hedin, Sven Anders, 1865-1952--Political and social views. 3. Hedin, Sven Anders, 1865-1952--Political activity--Germany. 4. National socialism-History--20th century. I. Title 320.5'33'092-dc23 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Danielsson, Sarah Kristina. The explorer’s roadmap to national-socialism : Sven Hedin, geography and the path to genocide / Sarah K. Danielsson. p. cm. Based on the author’s thesis (doctoral)--University of Minnesota, 2005. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 978-1-4094-3212-8 (hardcover) -- ISBN 978-1-4094-3213-5 (ebook) 1. Hedin, Sven Anders, 1865-1952--Political activity. 2. Explorers--Sweden--Biography. 3. National socialism and intellectuals. 4. National socialism and science. 5. Geopolitics-Germany--History. I. Title. G306.H4D36 2012 320.53'3092--dc23 [B]