Stereotyp(y) Niemca/Niemiec w historiografii polskiej w latach 1945–1956

Abstract

The stereotype(s) of Germans/Germany in Polish historiography in 1945–1956 Ethic stereotypes are frequently studied, although mainly by sociologists and psychologists. They are a form of social awareness usually examined in the context of large groups – societies, nations, less often social strata. In the present paper the research field has been limited to the stereotypes of Germans and Germany in Polish historiography from 1945–1956. It is an important period, because, given the dramatic situation of the war and German terror, we might expect a rise in anti-German prejudice at the time. Surprisingly, most historians from the period referred to anti-German stereotypes quite rarely and in a rather conventional manner. Very few scholars made stereotypes a category controlling their research conclusions. Ethnic generalisations included the unchanging nature of the Germans throughout history, their expansiveness, cruelty, hatred of Slavs and Poles, greed and hypocrisy, obedience to authority. A symbolic place was occupied by the Teutonic Knights and Prussians, and among individuals — by Frederick II and Otto von Bismarck. The situation changed in 1950, when the ethnic stereotypes were replaced with references to historical materialism. A vast majority of Polish historians did not accept this change in the context of German studies.