Commemorating the Children of World War II in Poland: Combative Remembrance

Description

This book explores contemporary debates surrounding Poland’s 'war children', that is the young victims, participants and survivors of the Second World War. It focuses on the period after 2001, which saw the emergence of the two main political parties that were to dictate the tone of the politics of memory for more than a decade. The book shows that 2001 marked a caesura in Poland’s post-Communist history, as this was when the past took center stage in Polish political life. It argues that during this period a distinct culture of commemoration emerged in Poland – one that was not only governed by what the electorate wanted to hear and see, but also fueled by emotions. Front Matter ....Pages i-xxi The Three Concepts: Childhood, Emotions, Memory (Ewa Stańczyk)....Pages 1-20 Children in World War II: Poland and Beyond (Ewa Stańczyk)....Pages 21-50 Pensive Sadness: The Forgotten Children’s Camp in Litzmannstadt/Łódź (Ewa Stańczyk)....Pages 51-75 Moral Panic: The Child Soldiers of the Warsaw Uprising (Ewa Stańczyk)....Pages 77-102 Morbid Pleasure: Children in Death Camps (Ewa Stańczyk)....Pages 103-123 Jingoistic Rage: The Kindertransport Memorial in Gdańsk (Ewa Stańczyk)....Pages 125-146 Afterword: From Commemorative Frenzy to Commemorative Fatigue (Ewa Stańczyk)....Pages 147-152 Back Matter ....Pages 153-175