How the German Tuberculosis Sanatoriums in Davos and Agra Became National-Socialist Bases Abroad

Abstract

The general history of the former foreign and, in particular, the theological and political significance of the German tuberculosis sanatoria in Switzerland have remained largely unexplored. Between 1868 and 1914, tuberculosis sanatoria were established in the towns of Davos and Agra, offering German lung patients a convalescent stay in the high alpine air that had become known as healing. A common feature of the facilities is their politically questionable role as German sanatoriums in Switzerland. Between 1933 and 1945, existing sanatoriums became founding sites for National Socialist groups. The boards of directors of the facilities were mainly supporters of Nazi ideology.