An historical (landscape) archaeology of the Alps: their rediscovery, their transformation during the period of Romantic nationalism, and their instrumentalization during Nazism

Summary

Until the 18th century, the Alps of Central Europe had been viewed by the bourgeoisie as a rather hostile border region. In contrast, from the late 18th century ‘purposeless’ Alpinism developed under the influence of the Romantic movement, characterized by an enthusiasm for nature and the ‘mystification’ of the landscape, resulting in a perception of the Alps as the ‘Playground of Europe’. A scientific interest in the Alps simultaneously developed, connected to the Enlightenment. Romantic mystification did not stop with Romantic nationalism, but reached its peak during the Nazi period when Hitler instrumentalized the Alps in a number of different ways. This diverse history of the region laid the foundation for a deep sense of love for the Alps which still prevails locally today. By drawing on both landscape features and material culture the paper argues that the Alps were an important part in the formation of modern nation states in the bordering areas of the Alps, especially in Bavaria. They created not only a sense of togetherness / community for the people living there but also led to ‘invented traditions’ by people living far away who nonetheless felt ‘alpine’.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Enfants de la patrie: Historical Archaeologies of National Identity and Nationalism   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-42,06