Essay on Account for the Expulsion of Ethnic Germans From East-Central Europe at the End of the Second World War

The expulsion of ethnic Germans from East-Central Europe 1944-1950 caused the German people to be the single largest group of displaced individuals, during and immediately following the Second World War.[1] The expulsion can be divided into three stages; beginning in October 1944 within areas reached by Soviet troops. The second stage, commonly referred to as ‘wild’ expulsions began at the time of the unconditional surrender of Germany. The third stage began following the signing of the Potsdam agreement in August 1945.[2]

West German scholars estimate that 12 million Germans were expelled from East-Central Europe during the expulsion; 7 million from Poland and 3 million from Czechoslovakia.[3] Although I acknowledge expulsions occurred within other nations such as Yugoslavia, Hungary and Romania, as the greatest majority were expelled from Czechoslovakia and Poland these countries will be the focus of this study. Of those expellees approximately 2 million perished.[4] This essay will be subdivided into two segments, the first will account for why the expulsions occurred, the second will consider if the expulsions can be labelled genocide. For the purpose of this essay I will be using the United Nations definition of genocide adopted during the United Nations General Assembly on the 9th December 1948.[5]

Need an essay assistance?

Our professional writers are here to help you.

PLACE AN ORDER

There is surprisingly little literature about the expulsion of ethnic Germans. Some publications documenting accounts of refugees of forced migrations completely omit the German experience.[6] Recently the issue has become a subject of interest within historiography.[7] Most scholars are in agreement as to why the expulsion occurred however there is some debate concerning which factor was most significant. For example, Frank regards revenge as an ‘overplayed’ factor, suggesting strategic considerations were particularly important.[8] Conversely, historians such as Marrus maintain that a desire to avenge atrocities suffered during Nazi occupation was the most significant factor,[9] a view which Glassheim supports.[10] Naimark optimistically suggests that the expulsion was implemented primarily in order to create a long lasting peace.[11] Although I argue that retribution was the primary aim, there were various factors effecting the decision to expel ethnic Germans, as I will demonstrate within this essay.

Controversy arises when historians debate whether the expulsion of Germans can be considered genocide. Rummel supports the view, as he believes that the expulsion broke the norms of international law and civilized humanity. Order A Similar Paper