German Ragozin, Ph.D., associate professor at the department of World history at Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V.Lomonosov (Arkhangelsk).
This presentation deals with the historical memory transformation in GDR on the example of polic... more This presentation deals with the historical memory transformation in GDR on the example of policy towards Prussian heritage held from the denazification time until the reunificaton of Germany.
This paper examines how soft power, nation branding and academic cooperation came together in the... more This paper examines how soft power, nation branding and academic cooperation came together in the scholarship policy pursued by the Swedish Institute (SI) from 1995 to 2023. An investigation of the organisation’s materials, scholarship statistics and feedback interviews with SI programme alumni suggests that the implementation of the scholarship policy was erratic during the study period. A comprehensive analysis of the Institute’s efforts was carried out to describe the relationship between nation branding, soft power and education. The focus was on the principles and practices behind promoting Sweden’s image in an international educational setting, the evolution of the Institute’s scholarship policy and the effect of soft power and nation branding on a grantee’s academic track. Interactions between the SI and grantees during and after their stay in the country and scholarship distribution were examined to understand the dynamics behind the scholarship policy. The study draws on th...
Woman in the heart of Europe: non-obvious aspects of gender in the history and culture of Central Europe and adjacent regions. Conference abstracts. 1-2 November 2022.
The paper deals with historical images of non-Germanic peoples living in the Austrian empire and ... more The paper deals with historical images of non-Germanic peoples living in the Austrian empire and presented in romanticist fiction. The author analyzed several narratives from the heritage of Franz Grillparzer, the Austrian writer and dramatist. He referred to images of Czech, Hungarian and Polish medieval and early modern history. The chosen dramas are “Fortune and Fall of the king Ottokar” and “A Faithful servant to his Lord”, and the novella “A monastery in Sandomir”. They had a significant role in forming the image of non-Germanic Habsburg realms medieval history for subjects of the Empire. Romanticism and medievalism dominating in the European and Austrian public opinion and politics have put an impact on perception of Czechs, Hungarians and Poles by the German community of Austria. Despite the fact, that medieval narratives got the attention from national movements, Grillparzer referred to them basing on the Austrian conservatism. In this way his works enforced the Habsburg myt...
This paper deals with the early attempts of historical discourse construction in the Habsburg Mon... more This paper deals with the early attempts of historical discourse construction in the Habsburg Monarchy. They have found an embodiment in creation of narratives aimed to consolidate the peoples of various legal status and identity development level. The author of this article attempts to reveal the images of late medieval Hungarian monarchs in the Habsburg historical discourse of the early nineteenth century. The material chosen for this analysis was the twenty-volume Austrian Plutarch by Joseph von Hormayr. The work was intended to be a history of all Habsburg possessions. To achieve this, Hormayr chronicled those he considered to be the most significant historical characters of the empire: monarchs, ministers, warlords, scientists, and artists. Besides Habsburg sovereigns and Austrian German celebrities, representatives of the non-Germanic peoples of the Empire received significant attention as well. Hormayr had a special view of Hungary; the political situation in Europe and the E...
The authors analyze the policy of NATO towards Sweden and Finland, the neutral states of Northern... more The authors analyze the policy of NATO towards Sweden and Finland, the neutral states of Northern Europe, in 1991—2016. The authors emphasize that Finland and Sweden have always been of high strategic importance for NATO and the EU defence policy. The authors investigate the main areas of cooperation between NATO and the non-aligned countries of Northern Europe. The authors describe the prerequisites, prospects and possible consequences of Sweden and Finland’s membership in NATO. Special attention is paid to the evolution of the policy of neutrality of these countries before and after their accession to the European Union. The aim of this research is to assess the evolution of political views of Sweden and Finland on the development and implementation of the policy of neutrality in 1991—2016. To achieve this goal, the authors use a comparative analysis to explore the stance of the governments of Sweden and Finland on the cooperation with NATO or membership in it. The authors reflect...
Авторы статьи обращаются к вопросам изменения роли и структуры высшей школы в Пруссии периода 180... more Авторы статьи обращаются к вопросам изменения роли и структуры высшей школы в Пруссии периода 1807– 1810 гг. в контексте «прусских реформ». Дискуссия о новом университете началась до 1806–1807 гг. и преследовала цель выработать новую модель высшей школы и науки, а также связи с применением знания, в том числе на государственной службе. Реформа исходила из принципов бессословности, разделения компетенций и профессионализма, с апелляцией к «национальному духу» и «национальным идеям». Считается, что в оформлении университета преобладали идеи В. фон Гумбольдта, хотя применительно к юриспруденции и государствоведению лидерами были Т. Шмальц и И.Г. Хофман. По итогам дискуссии участники выработали принципы организации высшей школы, ее взаимодействия с государством, а также образ идеального чиновника. Возможно утверждать, что оформление университета и новой модели подготовки государственных служащих содействовало трансформации подхода к государственной службе и ее месту в прусском государст...
Izvestia of the Ural federal university. Series 2. Humanities and Arts, 2021
This paper considers an attempt at forming imperial identity in Austria in the early nineteenth c... more This paper considers an attempt at forming imperial identity in Austria in the early nineteenth century by means of constructing historical memory. The re-interpretation of the past for the sake of promoting dynastic patriotism can be most clearly seen in Joseph Hormayr’s Österreichischer Plutarch, a work which was aimed at creating an “All-Austrian Pantheon” and contributed a lot to mobilising the peoples of the empire to fight against Napoleon. Цsterreichischer Plutarch and its role in forming the historical memory and supranational identity of the Habsburg Empire between 1804 and 1815 have not been studied closely in Russian historiography. The author of the paper attempts to analyse the concept of Austrian history as a multinational state provided in the work. Besides, he assesses the influence of the work on the political discourse of the Habsburg monarchy paying close attention to the formation of identity by means of historical memory, and the methods for multinational state ...
Автор статьи исследует роль австрийского историка, мыслителя и политика Йозефа фон Хормайра в фор... more Автор статьи исследует роль австрийского историка, мыслителя и политика Йозефа фон Хормайра в формировании на региональном историческом материале Тироля идеологии сопротивления системе ценностей Французской революции. Сочинения Хормайра и его участие в пропаганде Тирольского восстания позволили сконструировать образ герцогства как «святой земли» Австрии и тирольцев как «наиболее верных подданных императора». Вместе с этим, Хормайр критиковал франко-баварское правление как «насильственное» и «несправедливое». Особый упор при этом делался на добровольность исторического вхождения Тироля в состав монархии Габсбургов, на особую роль в жизни региона римско-католической церкви и ее влияние как политической силы, а также на традиционную готовность местных жителей участвовать в защите Австрии. Эти представления легли в основу идеологии восстания 1809 г., а также «войны немецкой чести», которую инициировали реформаторы в Австрии под лидерством Филиппа фон Штадиона. Тезисы Хормайра использовались для пропаганды династического патриотизма и австрийского консерватизма, а также оказали влияние на становление романтизма как направления литературы и исторической науки в немецкоязычном пространстве.
Вестник Томского государственного университета. История. №61, 2019
The paper deals with the GDR historical policy, with an emphasis on dynamics of “Prussian myth“ a... more The paper deals with the GDR historical policy, with an emphasis on dynamics of “Prussian myth“ as a complex of narratives forming an image of the Kingdom of Prussia as one of the most influent German states of modern era. The purpose of the paper is to give an assessment to the evolution dynamics of the “Prussian myth” status in ideology, propaganda and mass culture of the republic, and its influence on “new German national identity” within the period between 1949 and 1990. The following sources became subject to study: printed media (predominantly SED newspaper “Neues Deutschland”, and also regional newspapers as “Märkische Volksstimme” and “Das Volk”); National Defense Council meeting minutes, Constitutions of the GDR from 1949 and 1968 (and its renewed version from 1974); movies and TV series shot in the GDR and referring to history of Prussia and its role in Germany; major works of GDR historians devoted to Prussian history; publications on these issues in West German media (e.g. “Der Spiegel”), also referring to an image of the GDR as “Socialist Prussia” through the eyes of the non-German tourist. Negativism towards “Prussian myth” and “Prussian heritage” was selective during the first two decades of existence of GDR, and mostly demonstrative, aimed to suppress the status of Prussia in the GDR history. Exclusion of Prussia from German history in GDR failed during Walther Ulbricht’s regime, evolving into resurrection of “Prussian” elements in National People’s Army first, and then into integration of the historical narratives dealing with Prussian history into ideology, propaganda and myth-making, often placing Prussia higher, than other East German provinces having a statehood experience. A “resurrected Prussian myth” referred to an image of a German state struggling against the dominance of continental powers, an image of a state turning the ideas of progress, equality and reforms into practice and obtaining a really people’s army (since the early 19th century). SED and its propaganda started using the historical and intellectual heritage of the kingdom as a positive element of East German historical memory. Nevertheless, this ambitious project did not succeed due to strengthening the ambivalence of SED ideology and growing competition with West Germany for the right to proclaim itself a successor of Prussian positive heritage. Despite that fact, it contributed to attempts of Erich Honecker to establish an independent foreign policy of GDR within Socialist Bloc, also contradicting to the USSR postulates (e.g. Brezhnev doctrine) in such issues as the German problem in post-war Europe, and also put a strong impact on the position of Prussia in historical memory of Germans after 1990.
The article analyzes the activity of the Austrian intellectual of the first
half of the XIX centu... more The article analyzes the activity of the Austrian intellectual of the first half of the XIX century Josef von Hormayr in 1805 — 1809. During the French revolution and Napoleonic wars there began the change of a social and political discourse in Europe and Austria connected with the new state ideologies and practicians who have appeared at this time. One of the reactions was the emergence of the Austrian conservatism which actively appealed to a historical narrative of both the all-Austrian, and regional history in the existing social and political discourse. Collecting a historical narrative, and not only actually Austria, but also the lands which were in the personal union with it under the power of the Habsburg dynasty during this period Josef von Hormayr was engaged, thereby promoting transformation of the idea of Gesamtstaat in official ideology of the Austrian empire formed in 1804. Other intellectuals — supporters of the conservative direction of social thought of Austria also appealed to this narrative, up to disintegration of the Habsburg Empire in 1918.
This paper deals with the problem of mobilization of the society in favor of governmental foreign... more This paper deals with the problem of mobilization of the society in favor of governmental foreign policy actions in Austria within 1808–1809. The Austrian government during the period of 1805–1809 had the aim to restore its influence in Germany and Austria. Under the leadership of foreign affairs minister Philipp von Stadion the discussion on state and social reforms, and on the new war against France becomes active. To get a positive reply from the public opinion, the mass media become an instrument of Stadion's administration and his supporters within the court in turning the public in favor of actions against France. One of the examples of such media was the newspaper Vaterländische Blätter für Österreichischen Staat. Historiography of the topic is limited and mostly presented in German language and published in Austria.
This presentation deals with the historical memory transformation in GDR on the example of polic... more This presentation deals with the historical memory transformation in GDR on the example of policy towards Prussian heritage held from the denazification time until the reunificaton of Germany.
This paper examines how soft power, nation branding and academic cooperation came together in the... more This paper examines how soft power, nation branding and academic cooperation came together in the scholarship policy pursued by the Swedish Institute (SI) from 1995 to 2023. An investigation of the organisation’s materials, scholarship statistics and feedback interviews with SI programme alumni suggests that the implementation of the scholarship policy was erratic during the study period. A comprehensive analysis of the Institute’s efforts was carried out to describe the relationship between nation branding, soft power and education. The focus was on the principles and practices behind promoting Sweden’s image in an international educational setting, the evolution of the Institute’s scholarship policy and the effect of soft power and nation branding on a grantee’s academic track. Interactions between the SI and grantees during and after their stay in the country and scholarship distribution were examined to understand the dynamics behind the scholarship policy. The study draws on th...
Woman in the heart of Europe: non-obvious aspects of gender in the history and culture of Central Europe and adjacent regions. Conference abstracts. 1-2 November 2022.
The paper deals with historical images of non-Germanic peoples living in the Austrian empire and ... more The paper deals with historical images of non-Germanic peoples living in the Austrian empire and presented in romanticist fiction. The author analyzed several narratives from the heritage of Franz Grillparzer, the Austrian writer and dramatist. He referred to images of Czech, Hungarian and Polish medieval and early modern history. The chosen dramas are “Fortune and Fall of the king Ottokar” and “A Faithful servant to his Lord”, and the novella “A monastery in Sandomir”. They had a significant role in forming the image of non-Germanic Habsburg realms medieval history for subjects of the Empire. Romanticism and medievalism dominating in the European and Austrian public opinion and politics have put an impact on perception of Czechs, Hungarians and Poles by the German community of Austria. Despite the fact, that medieval narratives got the attention from national movements, Grillparzer referred to them basing on the Austrian conservatism. In this way his works enforced the Habsburg myt...
This paper deals with the early attempts of historical discourse construction in the Habsburg Mon... more This paper deals with the early attempts of historical discourse construction in the Habsburg Monarchy. They have found an embodiment in creation of narratives aimed to consolidate the peoples of various legal status and identity development level. The author of this article attempts to reveal the images of late medieval Hungarian monarchs in the Habsburg historical discourse of the early nineteenth century. The material chosen for this analysis was the twenty-volume Austrian Plutarch by Joseph von Hormayr. The work was intended to be a history of all Habsburg possessions. To achieve this, Hormayr chronicled those he considered to be the most significant historical characters of the empire: monarchs, ministers, warlords, scientists, and artists. Besides Habsburg sovereigns and Austrian German celebrities, representatives of the non-Germanic peoples of the Empire received significant attention as well. Hormayr had a special view of Hungary; the political situation in Europe and the E...
The authors analyze the policy of NATO towards Sweden and Finland, the neutral states of Northern... more The authors analyze the policy of NATO towards Sweden and Finland, the neutral states of Northern Europe, in 1991—2016. The authors emphasize that Finland and Sweden have always been of high strategic importance for NATO and the EU defence policy. The authors investigate the main areas of cooperation between NATO and the non-aligned countries of Northern Europe. The authors describe the prerequisites, prospects and possible consequences of Sweden and Finland’s membership in NATO. Special attention is paid to the evolution of the policy of neutrality of these countries before and after their accession to the European Union. The aim of this research is to assess the evolution of political views of Sweden and Finland on the development and implementation of the policy of neutrality in 1991—2016. To achieve this goal, the authors use a comparative analysis to explore the stance of the governments of Sweden and Finland on the cooperation with NATO or membership in it. The authors reflect...
Авторы статьи обращаются к вопросам изменения роли и структуры высшей школы в Пруссии периода 180... more Авторы статьи обращаются к вопросам изменения роли и структуры высшей школы в Пруссии периода 1807– 1810 гг. в контексте «прусских реформ». Дискуссия о новом университете началась до 1806–1807 гг. и преследовала цель выработать новую модель высшей школы и науки, а также связи с применением знания, в том числе на государственной службе. Реформа исходила из принципов бессословности, разделения компетенций и профессионализма, с апелляцией к «национальному духу» и «национальным идеям». Считается, что в оформлении университета преобладали идеи В. фон Гумбольдта, хотя применительно к юриспруденции и государствоведению лидерами были Т. Шмальц и И.Г. Хофман. По итогам дискуссии участники выработали принципы организации высшей школы, ее взаимодействия с государством, а также образ идеального чиновника. Возможно утверждать, что оформление университета и новой модели подготовки государственных служащих содействовало трансформации подхода к государственной службе и ее месту в прусском государст...
Izvestia of the Ural federal university. Series 2. Humanities and Arts, 2021
This paper considers an attempt at forming imperial identity in Austria in the early nineteenth c... more This paper considers an attempt at forming imperial identity in Austria in the early nineteenth century by means of constructing historical memory. The re-interpretation of the past for the sake of promoting dynastic patriotism can be most clearly seen in Joseph Hormayr’s Österreichischer Plutarch, a work which was aimed at creating an “All-Austrian Pantheon” and contributed a lot to mobilising the peoples of the empire to fight against Napoleon. Цsterreichischer Plutarch and its role in forming the historical memory and supranational identity of the Habsburg Empire between 1804 and 1815 have not been studied closely in Russian historiography. The author of the paper attempts to analyse the concept of Austrian history as a multinational state provided in the work. Besides, he assesses the influence of the work on the political discourse of the Habsburg monarchy paying close attention to the formation of identity by means of historical memory, and the methods for multinational state ...
Автор статьи исследует роль австрийского историка, мыслителя и политика Йозефа фон Хормайра в фор... more Автор статьи исследует роль австрийского историка, мыслителя и политика Йозефа фон Хормайра в формировании на региональном историческом материале Тироля идеологии сопротивления системе ценностей Французской революции. Сочинения Хормайра и его участие в пропаганде Тирольского восстания позволили сконструировать образ герцогства как «святой земли» Австрии и тирольцев как «наиболее верных подданных императора». Вместе с этим, Хормайр критиковал франко-баварское правление как «насильственное» и «несправедливое». Особый упор при этом делался на добровольность исторического вхождения Тироля в состав монархии Габсбургов, на особую роль в жизни региона римско-католической церкви и ее влияние как политической силы, а также на традиционную готовность местных жителей участвовать в защите Австрии. Эти представления легли в основу идеологии восстания 1809 г., а также «войны немецкой чести», которую инициировали реформаторы в Австрии под лидерством Филиппа фон Штадиона. Тезисы Хормайра использовались для пропаганды династического патриотизма и австрийского консерватизма, а также оказали влияние на становление романтизма как направления литературы и исторической науки в немецкоязычном пространстве.
Вестник Томского государственного университета. История. №61, 2019
The paper deals with the GDR historical policy, with an emphasis on dynamics of “Prussian myth“ a... more The paper deals with the GDR historical policy, with an emphasis on dynamics of “Prussian myth“ as a complex of narratives forming an image of the Kingdom of Prussia as one of the most influent German states of modern era. The purpose of the paper is to give an assessment to the evolution dynamics of the “Prussian myth” status in ideology, propaganda and mass culture of the republic, and its influence on “new German national identity” within the period between 1949 and 1990. The following sources became subject to study: printed media (predominantly SED newspaper “Neues Deutschland”, and also regional newspapers as “Märkische Volksstimme” and “Das Volk”); National Defense Council meeting minutes, Constitutions of the GDR from 1949 and 1968 (and its renewed version from 1974); movies and TV series shot in the GDR and referring to history of Prussia and its role in Germany; major works of GDR historians devoted to Prussian history; publications on these issues in West German media (e.g. “Der Spiegel”), also referring to an image of the GDR as “Socialist Prussia” through the eyes of the non-German tourist. Negativism towards “Prussian myth” and “Prussian heritage” was selective during the first two decades of existence of GDR, and mostly demonstrative, aimed to suppress the status of Prussia in the GDR history. Exclusion of Prussia from German history in GDR failed during Walther Ulbricht’s regime, evolving into resurrection of “Prussian” elements in National People’s Army first, and then into integration of the historical narratives dealing with Prussian history into ideology, propaganda and myth-making, often placing Prussia higher, than other East German provinces having a statehood experience. A “resurrected Prussian myth” referred to an image of a German state struggling against the dominance of continental powers, an image of a state turning the ideas of progress, equality and reforms into practice and obtaining a really people’s army (since the early 19th century). SED and its propaganda started using the historical and intellectual heritage of the kingdom as a positive element of East German historical memory. Nevertheless, this ambitious project did not succeed due to strengthening the ambivalence of SED ideology and growing competition with West Germany for the right to proclaim itself a successor of Prussian positive heritage. Despite that fact, it contributed to attempts of Erich Honecker to establish an independent foreign policy of GDR within Socialist Bloc, also contradicting to the USSR postulates (e.g. Brezhnev doctrine) in such issues as the German problem in post-war Europe, and also put a strong impact on the position of Prussia in historical memory of Germans after 1990.
The article analyzes the activity of the Austrian intellectual of the first
half of the XIX centu... more The article analyzes the activity of the Austrian intellectual of the first half of the XIX century Josef von Hormayr in 1805 — 1809. During the French revolution and Napoleonic wars there began the change of a social and political discourse in Europe and Austria connected with the new state ideologies and practicians who have appeared at this time. One of the reactions was the emergence of the Austrian conservatism which actively appealed to a historical narrative of both the all-Austrian, and regional history in the existing social and political discourse. Collecting a historical narrative, and not only actually Austria, but also the lands which were in the personal union with it under the power of the Habsburg dynasty during this period Josef von Hormayr was engaged, thereby promoting transformation of the idea of Gesamtstaat in official ideology of the Austrian empire formed in 1804. Other intellectuals — supporters of the conservative direction of social thought of Austria also appealed to this narrative, up to disintegration of the Habsburg Empire in 1918.
This paper deals with the problem of mobilization of the society in favor of governmental foreign... more This paper deals with the problem of mobilization of the society in favor of governmental foreign policy actions in Austria within 1808–1809. The Austrian government during the period of 1805–1809 had the aim to restore its influence in Germany and Austria. Under the leadership of foreign affairs minister Philipp von Stadion the discussion on state and social reforms, and on the new war against France becomes active. To get a positive reply from the public opinion, the mass media become an instrument of Stadion's administration and his supporters within the court in turning the public in favor of actions against France. One of the examples of such media was the newspaper Vaterländische Blätter für Österreichischen Staat. Historiography of the topic is limited and mostly presented in German language and published in Austria.
The article researches the perspective of representation of the past in
totalitarian regime on th... more The article researches the perspective of representation of the past in totalitarian regime on the example of GDR in 1971—1990. The regime of the Socialist United Party of Germany, influencing the German national identity in the conditions of split of Germany, addressed historical heritage for the purpose of legitimating its existence. Until 1971 GDR authorities rejected Prussian heritage and didn’t consider it a component of the state and national mythology. Changes in the top echelons of GDR and emergence of «the socialist German nation» idea meant a return of a «Prussian heritage» component to the German national identity in GDR. This process was carried out through a number of channels including cinema production, with the main emphasis on people and events of history of the kingdom of Prussia.
This article is devoted to one of the core elements of emerging Austro-Prussian dualism in 18 cen... more This article is devoted to one of the core elements of emerging Austro-Prussian dualism in 18 century – to Prussia’s struggle for diplomatic recognition. Prussia had to doubt the current system of relationships in Germany to improve its position; it was contrasting with Austria, which used to be a recognized member of European diplomacy due to leadership in the Holy Roman Empire. This case had an impact on current alliances, and provoked several conflicts in Germany and Europe as well.
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The following sources became subject to study: printed media (predominantly SED newspaper “Neues Deutschland”, and also regional newspapers as “Märkische Volksstimme” and “Das Volk”); National Defense Council meeting minutes, Constitutions of the GDR from 1949 and 1968 (and its renewed version from 1974); movies and TV series shot in the GDR and referring to history of Prussia and its
role in Germany; major works of GDR historians devoted to Prussian history; publications on these issues in West German media (e.g. “Der Spiegel”), also referring to an image of the GDR as “Socialist Prussia” through the eyes of the non-German tourist.
Negativism towards “Prussian myth” and “Prussian heritage” was selective during the first two decades of existence of GDR, and mostly demonstrative, aimed to suppress the status of Prussia in the GDR history. Exclusion of Prussia from German history in GDR failed during Walther Ulbricht’s regime, evolving into resurrection of “Prussian” elements in National People’s Army first, and then into integration of the historical narratives dealing with Prussian history into ideology, propaganda and myth-making, often placing Prussia higher, than other East German provinces having a statehood experience. A “resurrected Prussian myth” referred to an image of a German
state struggling against the dominance of continental powers, an image of a state turning the ideas of progress, equality and reforms into practice and obtaining a really people’s army (since the early 19th century). SED and its propaganda started using the historical and intellectual heritage of the kingdom as a positive element of East German historical memory.
Nevertheless, this ambitious project did not succeed due to strengthening the ambivalence of SED ideology and growing competition with West Germany for the right to proclaim itself a successor of Prussian positive heritage. Despite that fact, it contributed to attempts of Erich Honecker to establish an independent foreign policy of GDR within Socialist Bloc, also contradicting to the USSR postulates (e.g. Brezhnev doctrine) in such issues as the German problem in post-war Europe, and also put a strong impact on the position of Prussia in historical memory of Germans after 1990.
half of the XIX century Josef von Hormayr in 1805 — 1809. During
the French revolution and Napoleonic wars there began the change of a social and political discourse in Europe and Austria connected with the new state ideologies and practicians who have appeared at this time. One of the reactions was the emergence of the Austrian conservatism which actively appealed to a historical narrative of both the all-Austrian, and regional history in the existing social and political discourse. Collecting a historical narrative, and not only actually Austria, but also the lands which were in the personal union with it under the power of the Habsburg dynasty during this period Josef von Hormayr was engaged, thereby promoting transformation of the idea of Gesamtstaat in official ideology of the Austrian empire formed in 1804. Other intellectuals — supporters of the conservative direction of social thought of Austria also appealed to this narrative, up to disintegration of the Habsburg Empire in 1918.
The following sources became subject to study: printed media (predominantly SED newspaper “Neues Deutschland”, and also regional newspapers as “Märkische Volksstimme” and “Das Volk”); National Defense Council meeting minutes, Constitutions of the GDR from 1949 and 1968 (and its renewed version from 1974); movies and TV series shot in the GDR and referring to history of Prussia and its
role in Germany; major works of GDR historians devoted to Prussian history; publications on these issues in West German media (e.g. “Der Spiegel”), also referring to an image of the GDR as “Socialist Prussia” through the eyes of the non-German tourist.
Negativism towards “Prussian myth” and “Prussian heritage” was selective during the first two decades of existence of GDR, and mostly demonstrative, aimed to suppress the status of Prussia in the GDR history. Exclusion of Prussia from German history in GDR failed during Walther Ulbricht’s regime, evolving into resurrection of “Prussian” elements in National People’s Army first, and then into integration of the historical narratives dealing with Prussian history into ideology, propaganda and myth-making, often placing Prussia higher, than other East German provinces having a statehood experience. A “resurrected Prussian myth” referred to an image of a German
state struggling against the dominance of continental powers, an image of a state turning the ideas of progress, equality and reforms into practice and obtaining a really people’s army (since the early 19th century). SED and its propaganda started using the historical and intellectual heritage of the kingdom as a positive element of East German historical memory.
Nevertheless, this ambitious project did not succeed due to strengthening the ambivalence of SED ideology and growing competition with West Germany for the right to proclaim itself a successor of Prussian positive heritage. Despite that fact, it contributed to attempts of Erich Honecker to establish an independent foreign policy of GDR within Socialist Bloc, also contradicting to the USSR postulates (e.g. Brezhnev doctrine) in such issues as the German problem in post-war Europe, and also put a strong impact on the position of Prussia in historical memory of Germans after 1990.
half of the XIX century Josef von Hormayr in 1805 — 1809. During
the French revolution and Napoleonic wars there began the change of a social and political discourse in Europe and Austria connected with the new state ideologies and practicians who have appeared at this time. One of the reactions was the emergence of the Austrian conservatism which actively appealed to a historical narrative of both the all-Austrian, and regional history in the existing social and political discourse. Collecting a historical narrative, and not only actually Austria, but also the lands which were in the personal union with it under the power of the Habsburg dynasty during this period Josef von Hormayr was engaged, thereby promoting transformation of the idea of Gesamtstaat in official ideology of the Austrian empire formed in 1804. Other intellectuals — supporters of the conservative direction of social thought of Austria also appealed to this narrative, up to disintegration of the Habsburg Empire in 1918.
totalitarian regime on the example of GDR in 1971—1990. The regime of
the Socialist United Party of Germany, influencing the German national identity
in the conditions of split of Germany, addressed historical heritage for
the purpose of legitimating its existence. Until 1971 GDR authorities rejected
Prussian heritage and didn’t consider it a component of the state and national
mythology. Changes in the top echelons of GDR and emergence of «the socialist
German nation» idea meant a return of a «Prussian heritage» component
to the German national identity in GDR. This process was carried out
through a number of channels including cinema production, with the main
emphasis on people and events of history of the kingdom of Prussia.