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Transformation and catharsis: parallel experiences of German nationalism during the first world war

Hershey, Matthew (2013) Transformation and catharsis: parallel experiences of German nationalism during the first world war. Undergraduate Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This paper examines the complexities of German Nationalism during the Great War by employing a micro-level comparative analysis of the intellectual biographies of two superficially antithetical writers, Ernst Jünger and Hermann Hesse. It begins with a methodological overview, followed by a general sketch of the historical context, before examining and defining each man’s ideas about Nationalism in isolation, concluding with a direct comparative analysis. This study demonstrates that Jünger and Hesse’s ideas, far from being antithetical, actually ran parallel to each other. It illustrates that both men viewed Nationalism as the driving force for individual internal transformations, which, in aggregate, were a vehicle for external societal transformation. The evolution of this common definition of Nationalism and its societal role mirrored the over-arching emotional dynamics of World War I, particularly the profound need to find catharsis and meaning in the years immediately after the armistice.

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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Hershey, Matthewmth26@pitt.eduMTH26
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairThum, Gregorthum@pitt.eduTHUM
Committee MemberHammond, Leslielhammond@pitt.eduLHAMMOND
Committee MemberNovosel, Anthony S.pugachev@pitt.eduPUGACHEV
Committee MemberHarsch, Donnadh44@andrew.cmu.edu
Date: 23 May 2013
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 9 April 2013
Approval Date: 23 May 2013
Submission Date: 16 April 2013
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Number of Pages: 84
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > History
David C. Frederick Honors College
Degree: BPhil - Bachelor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Undergraduate Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: History, Germany, World War I, First World War, Great War, Nationalism, Jünger, Hesse, Catharsis, Transformation, Culture,
Date Deposited: 23 May 2013 16:30
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 14:11
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18425

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