Perpetrator or victim? The orthodontist Gustav Korkhaus (1895-1978) and his actual role in the Third Reich

Abstract

Gustav Korkhaus is widely regarded as the most important German orthodontist of the post-war period; in contrast, his relationship to National Socialism is much less well defined. Against this background, this article sheds light on the concrete scientific and (professional) political significance of Korkhaus; special attention is paid to his role in the Third Reich. The study is based on primary sources from the Federal Archives Berlin, the State Archives North Rhine-Westphalia (Department Rhineland), and the University Archives Bonn. Contemporary publications were also included, as well as secondary literature on Korkhaus. Korkhaus was an international pioneer of orthodontics in many respects-as ascientist, expert politician, and developer of orthodontic innovations. During the Third Reich, he joined numerous Nazi organizations and enjoyed the backing of the "Reichszahnärzteführer" (Reich dentist leader) Ernst Stuck. After 1945, however, he portrayed himself as apolitical victim. Korkhaus did not commit Nazi crimes, but contrary to his claims, he was not avictim of the Nazi regime either. Rather, he served the Nazi state for career reasons and contributed to the omnipotence of the regime. He thus belongs to the group of political opportunists.