From Racism to Genocide: Anthropology in the Third Reich

by Gretchen E. Schafft

University of Illinois Press, 2007
Paper: 978-0-252-07453-0 | Cloth: 978-0-252-02930-1
Library of Congress Classification GN17.3.G3S33 2004
Dewey Decimal Classification 301.09430904

ABOUT THIS BOOK | AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY | REVIEWS | TOC

ABOUT THIS BOOK

In paperback for the first time, From Racism to Genocide is an explosive, richly detailed account of how Nazi anthropologists justified racism, developed practical applications of racist theory, and eventually participated in every phase of the Holocaust.

Using original sources and previously unpublished documentation, Gretchen E. Schafft shows the total range of anti-human activity from within the confines of a particular discipline. Based on seven years of archival research in the United States and abroad, the work includes many original photos and documents, most of which have never before been published. It uses primary data and original texts whenever possible, including correspondence written by perpetrators. The book also reveals that the United States was not merely a bystander in this research, but instead contributed professional and financial support to early racial research that continued through the first five years of Hitler’s regime.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Gretchen E. Schafft is applied anthropologist-in-residence at the American University in Washington, D.C.

REVIEWS

“From Racism to Genocide is an original and important piece of scholarship based on never-before-published archival material. The analysis of the supporting role played by the anthropological sciences in the creation of Nazi racial and genocidal policies is painfully relevant for us today.”-- Bettina Arnold, associate professor of anthropology, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

"An informative textbook with a clear message about scientific responsibility and morality. . . . The author should be praised."--Patterns of Prejudice

"A truly significant work, including important material overlooked by most scholars. Whereas scientists cherish a self-image of objectivity, the controversial--yet convincing--conclusions about German anthropologists in From Racism to Genocide should be met with great interest by scholars who have concerns about corruption of science for political purposes." -- Adrian M. Wenner, professor emeritus, University of California, Santa Barbara

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents
 
 Preface
 Abbreviations
 Introduction
 1. The Jews of the Tarnów Ghetto
 2. Anthropology in Germany before the Second World War: The
 Kaiser Wilhelm Institute
 3. The Rise of Hitler and His Embrace of Anthropology
 4. The Discovery in the Smithsonian
 5. Population Selection and Relocation in the Midst of War
 6. Anthropology and Medicine in the Third Reich
 7. The End of the War and the Aftermath
 8. Race and Racism
 9. Professional Denial, Civic Denial, and a Responsible
 Anthropology
 Epilogue
 Appendixes
 1. Anthropologists' Activities in the Third Reich
 2. Chronology of the Third Reich
 Bibliography
 Index




Library of Congress Subject Headings for this publication: Anthropology Germany History 20th century, Racism in anthropology Germany History 20th century, Anthropometry Germany History 20th century, Eugenics Germany History 20th century, Anthropological ethics Germany History 20th century, National socialism Germany History, National Anthropological Archives History Sources, Institut f�ur Deutsche Ostarbeit (Krak�ow, Poland) History Sources, Germany History 1933-1945, Germany Politics and government 1933-1945, World War, 1939-1945 Collaborationists Germany

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