Hitler's bible: an analysis of the relationship between American and German eugenics in pre-war Nazi Germany.
Throughout the last century the wellbeing of those with disability has been threatened by the idea of eugenics. The most notable and extreme example of this could be considered to have been carried out during World WarTwo, within Nazi eugenic programmes. These resulted in the sterilisation and killing of hundreds of thousands of disabled people. Through research of a wide range of sources it has been established that much of the inspiration and encouragement for this rapidly progressing movement in Germany initially came from America, most notably from California. American eugenicists expressed interest, and at times jealousy, at the speed of the progression in German eugenics. German Sterilisation laws were drafted following careful study of American experiments and research, while financial support from a number of American individuals encouraged further German research. Correspondence between influential leaders, including Hitler, Grant and Whitney, Verschuer and Popenoe, on both sides also added to the developing relationship. In conclusion, although there are a number of vital differences between the progress of the eugenics programme in America and in pre-war Nazi Germany, and eugenics in America never produced the massive genocide that occurred in Germany, it is clear that the research, encouragement and enthusiasm from America had a profound influence on the rapidly growing Nazi eugenics movement.
Brown
Susan
S
University of Aberdeen, UK. s.brown.06@aberdeen.ac.uk
D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000266:history*; D005053:Eugenics / Q000266:history*; D005197:Famous Persons; D005858:Germany; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006708:Homicide / Q000266:history; D006801:Humans; D028683:National Socialism / Q000266:history*; D011287:Prejudice; D013244:Sterilization, Involuntary / Q000266:history*; D014481:United States; D047789:World War II