Wounded Bodies and the Battle for Recognition (1914–1945)

Abstract

Abstract This chapter addresses the relationship between new welfare state benefits and the increasing diversification of victim attributions since the early 20th century. It argues that the expansion of the figure of the victim in this period was closely linked to a struggle for social rights. Those who were disabled in World War I were involved in this struggle for rights, as can be seen in a variety of sources. It also becomes apparent, however, that even a mutilated body did not automatically define a veteran as a victim of the war. Even those disabled in World War I were anything but committed to describing themselves as such, or eager to do so, since claims upon the state were still widely legitimized by emphasising active sacrifice. The chapter discusses how this changed after World War I. Particular attention is paid to medical doctrine, which often differed considerably from former soldiers’ expectations regarding the compensation they deserved for their suffering. This chapter argues that these conflicts provided an important starting point for some veterans to consider themselves victims of the war or victims of the state. This trend only intensified after World War II, not least because of the enormous number of injured civilians. Most importantly, this change led to an expansion of the attribution of victimhood to include not only the dead, but also the living.