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World War I became one of my favorite time periods in history to study—especially the origins of the war. What makes reading primary sources, secondary sources, and literature about World War I—including All Quiet on the Western Front—so important for studying the events? As we progress further and further away from events of the past, it is becoming increasingly important to look at sources that were written before, during, and immediately after the events. So many of today's history books are reinterpreting history—not always for the better.
All Quiet on the Western Front was written by Erich Maria Remarque and published in 1928 in a German newspaper and as a novel in 1929. Perhaps if the book had been written and published during World War II or after WWII, then the events of that war might have impacted the author, a German veteran of World War I. But since it was published in between the wars, we can trust the experiences described with a greater certainty that new wars did not influence Remarque. The first movie adaptation was even released before WWII (it is considered a very realistic account of the first World War).
Who was Erich Maria Remarque?
Serving as a German soldier during World War I, Remarque gained first-hand knowledge of the experiences he would write about in All Quiet on the Western Front. He was drafted in November 1916 and was sent to the Western Front (Belgium) where he worked in a support unit, laying barbed wire and building bunkers and dugouts. He was injured while retrieving a wounded soldier in July 1917 and was sent to a hospital. He would remain in hospital until the end of the war. During that time, he would write short stories that were published.Before the publication of All Quiet on the Western Front, Remarque worked as a teacher and in other odd jobs for a time. The success of the book allowed him to turn to writing full time.
All Quiet on the Western Front was viewed by many as a powerful antiwar statement. The view of the Nazi party was that it was unpatriotic and was in fact one of the first books burned in public. The 1930 American movie was also banned in Germany. Remarque, who had moved to Switzerland in 1931, had his German citizenship revoked in 1938.
Remarque moved to the United States in 1938 and maintained homes in New York City and Hollywood. He became friends and acquaintances of famous people like Charlie Chaplin and Ernest Hemingway.
The Novel
"This book is to be neither an accusation nor a confession, and least of all an adventure, for death is not an adventure to those who stand face to face with it. It will try simply to tell of a generation of men, who even though they may have escaped its shells, were destroyed by the war." – Introductory statement in 1967 Fawcett Crest Book publication.
Twelve chapters tell the story of Paul Baumer, the narrator, and the men with whom he served during the war. Scenes move back and forth between the front and settings away from the intense fighting and danger. Through the novel, we are introduced to a number of specific experiences of the narrator including the use of poison gas and the repercussions of bombardments.
"The gas still creeps over the ground and sinks into all hollows. Like a big soft jelly-fish it floats into our shell-hole and lolls there obscenely."
The imagery of a total war—destroyed nations—is experienced over and over as you progress further in the novel. Brand new coffins are stacked up against a shelled schoolhouse. Rats are everywhere, gnawing at the available food and the men. Barriers of barbed wire and holes from bombings are spread throughout the countryside. The book does not remain quiet in regards to how destructive war can be for the land and the people.
Primary Sources – Telegrams, Treaties, and Letters
If one is studying the origins of World War I, one could seek the telegrams, treaties, and letters written prior to the war. I was fortunate enough to take a course in college—Origins of World War I—where we conducted a diplomacy simulation. In it, we formed groups to represent the different countries in the war and to see if we would start World War I or find a peaceful resolution. We read through telegrams and other primary source documents. We also read one secondary source on the causes of the Great War. For this course, our professor had gathered together specific primary sources he wished us to read and examine for class discussion.
Diplomacy Simulation
Our purposes as nations were not just to survive but also to prosper and grow. Our countries could increase and grow our prosperity in three ways:
- Expansion
- Diplomatic success
- Satisfaction of population
Prior to the actual simulation in which we would send 'telegrams' back and forth between nations to meet these goals, we researched our nations. We examined the events that took place from 1908-1913 in relation to our specific country and wrote a research paper in which we presented historical information as well as goals for the diplomacy simulation.
My country was France and the other nations represented were Germany, Serbia, Austria-Hungary, Russia, and the Ottoman Empire. Did we wage war? Did World War I start? No...somehow our class managed to meet some of our nations' specific goals without needing to go to war. I think the United States did not even get very heavily involved (our professor was representing America).
Final Thoughts
Because history is so important to me, I do not ever want to remain quiet in regards to remembering history and the events of the past. Some people would be content with seeing controversial historical figures like Robert E. Lee erased from history. Others are finding their educational videos about Nazi Germany being removed. No matter how painful events are, we must remember them.
Resources and References
Won't you join us for Blogging Through the Alphabet this week?
- Amanda @ Hopkins Homeschool
- Kirsten @ DoodleMom Homeschool
- Jennifer @ A Peace of Mind
- Kimberley @ Vintage Blue Suitcase
- Christine @ Lifes's Special Necessities
- Yvonne @ The Life We Build
- Dawn @ Schoolin' Swag
- Wendy @ Life on Chickadee Lane
- Lori @ At Home: where life happens
- Kristen @ A Mom's Quest to Teach
I am an avid reader but this is one I have never actually read. We ahve a copy so I should read it sometime.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it. Very disturbing at times but then again it is about WWI and trench warfare.
Deletehistory is important, we can learn so much from it. I too have never read this book.
ReplyDelete