With millions of displaced persons aimlessly being relocated, ignored, or treated as test subjects, the question of nationalism’s importance post WWII was as important as ever. Jewish Holocaust survivors, children products of Germanization, and emigrants searching for a home free of persecution and fear all qualified as displaced persons according to the definitions of the UN and other major players in the DP dialogue. So, how does nationalism fit into this larger question of what to do with displaced persons?
When considering what to do with displaced persons, considering the roots of DPs was considered especially important. Questions of moving DPs to their homeland, ignoring threats of harm, to promote nationalism or moving them to safespaces while promoting nationalism of their home were brought into consideration. Specifically, children considered to be DPs as a result of Germanization and other wartime horrors were brought into light with the two main modes of placement being back with their homeland to promote nationalism or adopted out to safe keepers, like France, to promote nationalism of the country as a savior country.
Keeping in mind the goals of the Nazi regime regarding the “perfect race” and Germanization, I find it odd that there was such emphasis on recognizing and promoting nationalism. Whether it be through bringing DPs back to their roots and honoring their national origins or moving DPs to other countries for safety and promoting nationalism of their new homeland, nationalism was of extreme importance when considering what to do with DPs. The context of why WWII began and was fought (primarily racial and geographical reasons on Germany’s behalf) leads me to question holding nationalism at the forefront of the DPs crisis.
