völkisch

Völkisch is a German term that translates roughly to "folk" or "popular" and describes a movement in Germany that emphasized a romantic, nationalist, and often racialist view of the German people. Originating in the 19th century, the Völkisch movement celebrated German folklore, traditions, and a perceived ancestral heritage. It was characterized by a strong emphasis on a unified German identity, often defined by shared blood, language, and culture.

The movement grew significantly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, attracting a diverse range of intellectuals, artists, and political activists. While some Völkisch thinkers focused on cultural revival, others developed increasingly anti-Semitic and racial theories, believing that the purity of the German "Volk" was threatened by outside influences, particularly Jews. This racial ideology became a central tenet for many within the movement.

The Völkisch ideology significantly influenced the rise of Nazism. Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party adopted and amplified many Völkisch concepts, particularly the idea of a racially pure German nation and the notion of "Lebensraum" (living space). The Nazis integrated Völkisch romanticism and its exclusionary ethnic nationalism into their political platform, which ultimately led to catastrophic consequences, including the Holocaust. While the term "völkisch" itself has fallen out of favor due to its association with Nazism, understanding its historical context is crucial for comprehending the intellectual and ideological currents that shaped 20th-century German history.