Masculinity and Ambition in the Baltic Adventure

Authors

  • Christian Lane University of North Carolina Asheville

Abstract

This essay covers research done about the Freikorps, paramilitary organizations formed in Germany after World War I, specifically their invasion of the Baltic that they called the “Baltic Adventureâ€. The main focus will be to examine the motivations for individuals joining a Freikorps, as well as the political and strategic goals of the leading commanders during the Baltic Adventure. Additionally a focus will be made on the connections between earlier and later events, including World War I and II. Primary sources including personal accounts as well as secondary sources will help to shed light on the motivations and goals of both members and leaders of the Freikorps. Overall these sources will show how personal reactions to the German defeat in World War I, particularly the effect on masculinity, were used to further political goals by Freikorps leadership. These political goals were of dire consequence, including overthrowing the democratic governments of both Weimar Germany and Baltic states like Latvia.

Faculty Mentor: Tracey Rizzo

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Published

2017-05-08

Issue

Section

Humanities