How Rigasche Rundschau portrayed the Baltic-German resettlement in October 1939

Essay , 2021 , 5 Pages , Grade: 9/10

History of Europe - Ages of World Wars

After the collapse of the Polish state in late 1939 a new political order was established that would change the face of eastern Europe forever. The resettlement of the Baltic-Germans from Estonia and Latvia was one element in this irreversible change and took place just six weeks after the signing of the German-Soviet Treaty of Friendship. Plans were revealed by Adolf Hitler in his Reichstag’s speech on the 6th of October 1939. Already on the following day his announcement was published by Rigasche Rundschau, the biggest interwar period German newspaper of Latvia. The call for repatriation marks the beginning of German resettlement actions in the Baltics. Rigasche Rundschau was first published in 1894 in the Russian Empire and was closed after most of its readers left Latvia. Until its end, the newspaper was considered as reliable, read by German minorities all across Europe. Rigasche Rundschau printed its last issue on the 13th of December 1939.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• The Collapse of the Polish State and the German-Soviet Treaty of Friendship
• Rigasche Rundschau: A Historical Perspective
• The Repatriation Call: A New Mission for Ethnic Germans
• Personal Accounts: Alexander Friedrich Neuland and Claus von Aderkas
• The Resettlement Process: A Detailed Examination
• The Latvian Telegraph Agency's Statement
• Racial Profiling and the "Generalplan-Ost"
• The Role of Paul Schiemann and the Legacy of Baltic-Germans
• Rigasche Rundschau and Nazi Propaganda

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This text examines the role of the newspaper Rigasche Rundschau in the Baltic-German resettlement during October 1939. It analyzes the newspaper's coverage of the event and its contribution to Nazi propaganda. The text also explores the personal experiences of Baltic-Germans during the resettlement, the political context surrounding the event, and the long-term consequences of the resettlement for both Baltic-Germans and the region.

• The role of the Rigasche Rundschau in disseminating Nazi propaganda
• The experiences of Baltic-Germans during the resettlement
• The political motivations behind the resettlement
• The consequences of the resettlement for Baltic-Germans and the region
• The historical significance of the Baltic-German community and its unique identity

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• This chapter sets the historical context for the Baltic-German resettlement, outlining the collapse of the Polish state and the signing of the German-Soviet Treaty of Friendship. It introduces the key players and events that led to the resettlement.
• This chapter provides a background on the Rigasche Rundschau, its history, and its role as a major German newspaper in Latvia during the interwar period. It discusses the newspaper's reputation and its readership.
• This chapter analyzes Rigasche Rundschau's coverage of the resettlement call and its framing of the event as a repatriation. It explores the justifications provided for the resettlement and its implications for the Baltic-German community.
• This chapter presents personal accounts from Alexander Friedrich Neuland and Claus von Aderkas, providing firsthand perspectives on the resettlement experience. It sheds light on the individual choices and motivations of Baltic-Germans during this turbulent time.
• This chapter delves into the details of the resettlement process, including transportation arrangements, the treatment of personal possessions, and the compensation provided to settlers. It examines the logistical challenges and the impact on the lives of Baltic-Germans.
• This chapter analyzes a statement issued by the Latvian Telegraph Agency, which claims that the Baltic-German repatriation is a separate issue from any prior agreements between Latvia and the Soviet Union. It also addresses the claim that the resettlement was voluntary and the legal basis for this "historic event."
• This chapter discusses the racial profiling of resettled Baltic-Germans under the "Generalplan-Ost" and the categorization of ethnic Germans into different groups based on their perceived usefulness to the Nazi regime. It explores the impact of this categorization on the lives of Baltic-Germans.
• This chapter examines the legacy of the Baltic-German community and the views of Paul Schiemann, a prominent Baltic-German journalist and politician. It highlights the significance of the community's unique identity and the impact of the resettlement on their historical trajectory.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The text primarily focuses on the Baltic-German resettlement, Nazi propaganda, Rigasche Rundschau, ethnic German, Volksdeutsche, Lebensraum, repatriation, forced relocation, Generalplan-Ost, and historical identity.

• Grade: 9/10
• Author: Peter Mons (Author)
• Publication Year: 2021
• Pages: 5
• Catalog Number: V986049
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346343727
• Language: English
• Tags: Baltendeutsche, Zweiter Weltkrieg, Baltic Germans, Second World War, Volksdeutsche, Rigasche Rundschau, Lettland, Latvia, Umsiedlung, Resettlement