Should Germany publish Mein Kampf?

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ein Kampf was written during Hitler’s years in prison following the Munich Putsch of November 1923. In the book, ostensibly an autobiography, he lays out his political ideology and his plans for the future of Germany.

His main thesis was that of the ‘Jewish peril’ – the book explains how he became increasingly anti-Semitic and militaristic, and was later interpreted as an outline for what happened during his time in power.

Not unsurprisingly, then, the book is very controversial, and thus its reprinting in Germany this year has also attracted considerable controversy.

What is important to note, though, are the motivations behind it – the book is to be annotated for educational purposes, and to help contextualise German history (as well as saving it from appropriation by neo-Nazi groups).

What is important to note, though, are the motivations behind it…

Critics have argued that it is massively insensitive, possibly glorifying Hitler and belittling the Holocaust. It has also coincided with the events of Cologne, suggesting the desire for a return of the book’s view – I think this is very unfortunate.

On the whole, though, the release is a good thing – history is there to be learned from and studied, and this is a fantastic example of where banning would do far more harm than good.

Image Credits: Phalinn OOi / Flickr (Header)