When losers write history: A critical analysis of “Good Nazi” myths and their prevalence in academic work and popular culture

Abstract

Following the end of the Second World War, many former German leaders sought to escape justice by distorting the events of the war and their involvement in war crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes against the peace. This thesis will seek to establish categorisations for these distortions based on existing academic literature and the works of Albert Speer and Erich von Manstein as case studies. Looking at both past and present forms of academic writings and pop culture, this thesis will then seek to analyze to what extent these historical distortions can be found in academic writings and popular culture and how they have evolved over time. The thesis will conclude by offering some suggestions on how the reproduction of such historical distortions could be prevented in the future.