German Soldier Newspapers of the First World War

First systematic study of German soldier newspapers as a representation of daily life on the front during the Great War.

Robert L. Nelson (Author)

9781107695733, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 January 2014

282 pages, 30 b/w illus. 8 tables
22.8 x 15 x 1.7 cm, 0.42 kg

'An important contribution to knowledge of the German military perspectives on war.' The Times Literary Supplement

The literature on trench journalism is well established for Britain and France during the First World War, but this book is the first systematic study in English of German soldier newspapers as a representation of daily life and beliefs on the front. Printed by and for soldiers at or near the front line these newspapers were read by millions of 'ordinary soldiers'. They reveal an elaborately defined understanding of comradeship and duty. The war of aggression, the prolonged occupation on both fronts and the hostility of the local populations were justified through a powerful image of manly comradeship. The belief among many Germans was that they were good gentlemen, fighting a just war and bringing civilization to backward populations. This comparative study includes French, British, Australian and Canadian newspapers and sheds new light on the views of combatants on both sides of the line.

Introduction
1. Authorship, censorship, readership
2. National culture, national cohesion
3. Comradeship
4. German comrades, Slavic women
5. Occupation and justification
6. Conclusion
Appendix. German soldier newspapers
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: First World War [HBWN], Military history [HBW], European history [HBJD]