4.3.1

Ethnic Minorities in the Weimar Republic

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Ethnic Minorities in the Weimar Republic

Anti-Semitism and racial superiority became potent in the 19th century. This continued into the Weimar Republic.

Illustrative background for Rise of eugenics and Social DarwinismIllustrative background for Rise of eugenics and Social Darwinism ?? "content

Rise of eugenics and Social Darwinism

  • In the 19th century, eugenics and Social Darwinism became popular across the West.
  • Eugenics was first espoused by Galton. It promoted selective breeding to increase desirable heritable characteristics.
  • Social Darwinism, built upon Darwin’s theory of evolution in The Origin of Species. It proposed that humans were subject to natural selection, just like plants and animals.
  • The development of these pseudo-sciences led to racial ideas of European superiority.
Illustrative background for Anti-Semitism in the Weimar RepublicIllustrative background for Anti-Semitism in the Weimar Republic ?? "content

Anti-Semitism in the Weimar Republic

  • 1% of the German population were practising Jews.
  • Jews were associated with stereotypes such as greed and wealth.
Illustrative background for Racial attitudes in the Weimar RepublicIllustrative background for Racial attitudes in the Weimar Republic ?? "content

Racial attitudes in the Weimar Republic

  • Many Germans believed they were ethnically ‘superior’ to black people.
  • E.g. black Jazz musicians.

Jump to other topics

1Political & Governmental Change, 1918-1989

2Opposition, Control & Consent 1918-1989

3Economic Developments & Policies, 1918-1989

4Aspects of Life, 1918-1989

5Historical Interpretations

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