Why Germany Takes Responsibility for Its Past Atrocities and Why Others Don’t

Introduction

Why does Germany stand unique among nations for taking responsibility for its past atrocities, while others seem to evade this duty? This article explores the unique circumstances and reasons behind Germany’s willingness to confront its past, contrasted with the reluctance of other nations, including those with significant historical atrocities of their own.

Germany's Unique Apathy and Responsibility

German Generals vs. Other Nations' Leaders

A common misconception is that only Germany takes responsibility for its past actions. However, this is far from true. While German military generals feel ashamed and take responsibility for the atrocities of the Nazi regime, others do not. For example, Mongols do not feel ashamed for the destruction of the Khawarzem empire at the orders of Genghis Khan. Yet, there are examples of other nations that have acknowledged and apologized for their past mistakes, such as Denmark and the Netherlands.

The Examples of Other Nations

Denmark and the Netherlands

Denmark has apologized to children who were abused in orphanages, and the Danish queen has apologized for slavery. The Netherlands has also apologized for its involvement. While these apologies are informal and made during visits, they are significant steps towards acknowledging past mistakes. However, there are still many more cases of nations that have not taken such actions, such as children from Greenland who were brought to Denmark to be 'civilized' and adults who were kept in isolation due to being labeled as 'anti-social' up to the 1960s.

Government Caution

Governments are careful about giving apologies because they can be followed by demands for compensation. This consideration often leads to hesitation in acknowledging past wrongdoings, as seen with Japan and its reluctance to fully apologize for its atrocities during World War II. The concept of ‘losing face’ is a significant factor in this reluctance, especially in Asian cultures.

Germany's Practical Approach

Historical Context

It was only later generations in Germany who realized the full extent of their country's actions during World War II. Those in the 1950s and 1960s were more pragmatic and defended war criminals and the German victim narrative.

The turning point came in the 1970s with the visit to Auschwitz by Chancellor Brandt, who made a ‘knee fall’ in remembrance. This public acknowledgment and apology paved the way for a more comprehensive and ongoing process of taking responsibility.

Germany was also uniquely placed to document atrocities immediately after they occurred. Unlike other nations where atrocities were downplayed or ignored, Germany had a wealth of eyewitness accounts and records, which made it easier for later generations to acknowledge the truth.

Comparative Analysis of Other Nations

India as a Case Study

Countries like India that suffered similar atrocities may have lacked the same level of documentation and public awareness. It is estimated that 165 million Indians died prematurely between 1880 and 1920. Despite this, many people in Britain do not believe these figures or consider them irrelevant due to the passage of time.

Similarly, most countries have not taken significant steps to acknowledge their past atrocities, with outrage diminishing as time passes. The lack of a proactive approach to taking responsibility and acknowledging past wrongdoings is a common issue that affects many nations.

Conclusion

While Germany is often lauded for its willingness to confront and take responsibility for its past, it is important to recognize that this is not unique and can be seen in other nations as well. The key lies in leadership, public awareness, and the practical steps taken to acknowledge and address past mistakes. As societies continue to grapple with their history, it is crucial that they learn from the examples of both Germany and other nations in addressing their past.

Keywords: German apology, historical responsibility, national shame