The Fate of a City: The Air War in Heilbronn
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/AQX8-2Y23
Defense Date
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Joseph Bendersky
Second Advisor
Dr. John Herman
Third Advisor
Dr. Paul Dvorak
Abstract
Abstract The Fate of a City: The Air War in Heilbronn By Joshua W. Stein Bachelor of Arts, Bridgewater College, 2019. A thesis submitted in partial requirements for the degree of Master of History at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021. Director: Dr. Joseph Bendersky, Department of History, Virginia Commonwealth University Although, numerous studies exist on the air war over Germany and local ones on the bombing of Heilbronn, this is the first study to integrate the multidimensional aspects of this wartime experience for Allied airmen and German civilians. Correspondingly, the Nazi past in Heilbronn is an essential aspect to understanding the air war. In the post-war period, Heilbronn was the scene of mass reconstruction and a changing memory landscape. At annual ceremonies to remember those who perished on December 4, 1944, grief and loss has given way to remember the Nazi past and to warn of the dangers that war brings. In recent years, the rise of the far- right in Germany has openly challenged the memory of the air war in Germany – even in Heilbronn. Nonetheless, the city of Heilbronn will forever be a testament to the destruction caused by Allied bombing and the repressive Nazi regime.
Rights
© Joshua W. Stein
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-14-2021