ePub Nazi Empire-Building and the Holocaust in Ukraine by Wendy Lower in History

Review

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Exceptionally Well Written Study of a Under Researched Topic!By S. HemingerIt seems that as we move further from the brief but tumultuous time period in which the Nazis ruled first Germany and then a seeming avalanche of countries; there are fewer and fewer areas of the historiography in which significant gaps exist. That isn't to imply that there are no longer significant areas of research yet waiting; but rather that there are fewer almost daily it would appear. At the very least; there are basic frameworks of research in place for much of the Nazi era historiography even if these frameworks are made up of disputing theories. Despite this; there are occasionally works published that significantly change the way by which we view the events that occurred or possibly even add significant meaning beyond that which previously existed. Wendy Lower's narrative 'Nazi Empire-Building and the Holocaust in Ukraine' has done precisely that. Her work focuses on how Nazi expansion into the Ukraine was based on a utopian colonialism and connected inseparably from the Holocaust itself. Although the concept of empire has frequently been addressed; this is particular concept has never sufficiently been explored. This is in spite of the FACT of how plain spoken the frequent musings by senior Nazi's regarding desires for an India-like colony to the east were and the acceptance of the vast degree of racial reordering that would be necessary to achieve the goal. Indeed Ms. Lower asserts that "this study sheds light on how the Nazis conceptualized; conquered ; and governed Ukraine in a manner that was historically familiar; as well as distinctive and even unprecedented"(2).'Nazi Empire Building and the Holocaust in Ukraine' is a phenomenal success as a regional study of Nazi social engineering (Zhytomir region of Ukraine). Primarily this work it is laid out in a loose chronological fashion based around chapters covering Nazi colonialist theory; a pair of chapters on Conquest and the military administration; three chapters on the planning and onset of the Holocaust; one chapter regarding the actual efforts to set up a racial colony; the disintegration of Nazi rule in 1943-44 and concluding thoughts. There is some chronological overlap because of the variety of topics between chapters but this is never confusing or unwieldy. She in fact takes a story that actually is somewhat confusing because of the variety of player involved and simplifies it greatly. In particular the authors chapters covering the military administration and its transition to Party/Commissariat administration is of great value to anyone trying to make sense of the crimes and social engineering that were part and parcel of Hitler’s eastern empire.Probably Lower's greatest contribution to the historiography is in her sections regarding the Commissariat organization in the Zhytomyr region and the role it played in enforcing Hitler's brand of 'exterminationist' anti-Semitism. She provides a great deal of evidence showing how the 'polycratic system that caused so much chaos and inefficiency in Berlin and other large population centers was never a significant issue within the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine. This was in large part because of the unified view that most working within the region had regarding the administration of their colonial possession irrespective of the branch they were employed by…at least as it regarded extermination of the Jews in the region and terrorization/diminishment of Ukrainian society and culture. The author provides numerous examples in the documentation of cooperation between agencies that would be competing for power in regions nearer to the hub of Nazi authority. She writes; “The most remarkable administrative pattern was one of ad hoc collaboration. Ironically; factors that might have otherwise caused conflicts or resistance to the Holocaust; such as personnel shortages and the isolation of the rural outposts; actually furthered it” (159).Another impressive addition to the extant scholarship is in her contribution development to the concept of lower levels within the Nazi hierarchy developing action plans that would “work towards the Fuehrer’s wishes” (9). Throughout; Ms. Lower provides numerous examples of instances when lower level; SS ; Police authorities and civil administrators committed atrocities in the name of a ‘Fuehrer’ or ‘Reichsfuehrer SS’ who had not ordered that specific action. Instead; basing their actions on vague; perceived and sometimes even unspoken wishes by senior Nazi leadership these lower level men committed horrific atrocities in response; to curry favor or simply do what ‘needed to be done’ in the massive and violent ethnic cleansing project that was Zhytomyr.The one area in which the analysis WAS a bit underdeveloped for my taste was with the very first chapter. Although a single chapter devoted to the evolution of Imperial/colonial eastern ‘Lebensraum’ theory in Nazi and even pre Nazi times serves to at least introduce the reader to this concept; it is far too brief for a narrative in which the analysis is dependent on it. This particular topic could easily have taken up two or three times the 12 pages spent on it. Indeed; how the eastward colonial ‘Lebensraum’ theory evolved; which is the absolute critical basis of this work; is disappointingly underdeveloped by the author. Providing a 12 page introduction into this topic is a tantalizing and frustrating tease that leaves the reader nearly shaking the book and asking ‘where’s the rest of the story’?!?Finally there are the less tangible contributions of this particular narrative. The bibliography is very impressive for such a short work and is comprised of a better than fair number of both primary sources and early memoir sources. Secondary sources are also well represented; however the author never becomes reliant or dependent on them as many less skillful writers frequently seem to. Likewise; the numerous photos included are great additions to the text. Several will be familiar to those who read much in the way of Holocaust history or even WWII history; however there are many interesting additions that I had not seen prior. Lastly; there are the physical qualities of this work and I must admit a certain sentimental attachment to a quality hardcover book in this age of digital everything. At least for the edition that I had; the pages were from a good and heavy paper; the binding was a nice cloth and the book had a solid; slightly heavy feel to it…not to mention the smell it had and has me looking for other works published by the University of North Carolina Press. Altogether this history was an engaging read and had a sense of quality to it in EVERY way.I can unreservedly give ‘Nazi Empire Building and the Holocaust in Ukraine’ a five star rating. The research and prose are topnotch throughout. My only quibble is just that; and in no way inhibits me from giving Lower a standing ovation for her effort. Research into Nazi purpose and rationalization for social engineering projects in Ukraine; as well as elsewhere should be greatly influenced by this groundbreaking analysis.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I can't add more about this the book as other reviewers have done excellent reviews. But if you are interested of this ...By Roland JohanssonTerric Book. I can't add more about this book as other reviewers have done excellent reviews. But if you are interested of this kind of information which is highly fascinating deeply disturbing; trust me; it is a very good book. Wendy Lower is a scholar of great distinction. I have read two other books by her and both are at the edge coming to scholarship; namely; "The Shoah in Ukraine" (2008) Ed.; Ray Brandon Wendy Lower and "Hitler's Furies" (2013) by Wendy Lower. Highly recommendended. Read them!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Colonizing UkraineBy Kevin M. KearneyGreat book; but not an easy read unless you like real details about a horrible part of Western Civilizations past. Explains easily Nazi's approach to colonizing Ukraine and why the attacked Russian in 1941. Thank God they did or Europe might still be in the hands of the Nazi regime.If you are a student of history you will enjoy this book.