Regional identity as a basis for formulation of a common identity for Sudetenlanders in the Heimatkunde propagated in the Jizera Mountains Regional identity as a basis for formulation of a common identity for Sudetenlanders in the Heimatkunde propagated in the Jizera Mountains Regional identity as a basis for formulation of a common identity for Sudetenlanders in the Heimatkunde propagated in the Jizera Mountains
Abstract
The aim of this dissertation is to explore the transformation in the relationship to the Frýdlant, Liberec and Jablonec region in the 19th and early 20th century, based on research into Heimatkunde (local culture and heritage studies). The dissertation picks out the way in which Heimatkunde was gradually appropriated by the nationalists, until it eventually became part of the "völkisch" trend.
It was used to construct a shared identity amongst Sudetenlanders, as a political tool in the push for the minority's autonomy. Regional identity developed into a platform, from which the stereotyped elements that formed acceptable, effective points of identity for the entire German-speaking minority were drawn and gradually moulded, becoming the foundations for a common identity.
Other modernisation processes also played a major role alongside nationalism, in particular industrialisation, urbanisation and development of a civil society and self-government. Out of the many areas that make up Heimatkunde, which can be used to illustrate this process, I have chosen to focus in my dissertation on relationship to the landscape.
When one examines the physical aspect of the landscape, a clear progression can be observed in publications on Heimatkunde, with emphasis shifting from topographical descriptions to use of local potential (industrial and also tourist potential). Against this backdrop a stereotype emerged for the German minority of a hardy people, who were able to prosper in harsh upland conditions through hard work and enterprise.
The administrative aspect of Heimatkunde focused on the relationship between the periphery and the centre and on self-government, and was often linked with the issue of settlement. This led to increasing emphasis on the stereotype of the Sudetenlanders as bearers of culture and on the issue of the right of national ownership.