Relationship Between Nazism And German Eugenics

The relationship between the Germany and American Eugenics movement was unique and dynamic at the time. How closely linked were they? This relationship was particularly dynamic and close but after World War II was severed due to the outcome of the Holocaust and death toll. Stefan Kühl explores this relationship between German and American eugenicists in his book, The Nazi Connection: Eugenics, American Racism, and German National Socialism. He states, “Attempts to separate eugenics from the Nazi program of race improvement were only partially successful. The personal and ideological links between eugenics and mass sterilization and extermination were too obvious to be overlooked.” Indeed, the two movements were linked and this relationship …show more content…
This relationship is often omitted and is a forgotten chapter in American-German relations. “Although California eugenics did not cause or necessarily lead to the Nazis’ extension of eugenics to euthanasia and ultimately to the death camps, there was an active relationship between California eugenicists and the Nazis and their sharing of eugenic beliefs.” California was considered the epicenter of the American Eugenicists movement. The interaction between the Nazis and American Eugenicists from California is important to note. Friedlander argues that although both movements were linked, they were very much different. German Eugenics was “more centralized” and “focused on positive eugenics.” There is a consensus that the two movements were linked but what was the interaction between the movements like? Specifically, the interaction between California eugenicists and German eugenicists is worth …show more content…
However, the relationship and interaction between American and German eugenics before and during World War II is worth exploring. Yet, not much work has been done to investigate this interaction between German and California Eugenicists. However, did America influence Germany’s eugenics movement? American eugenicists like Leon F. Whitney who was the secretary of the American Eugenics Society admired German’s sterilization laws. Stefan Kuhl emphasizes the differences between the American and German eugenics movement. Are these differences prevalent in the interactions between the two movements? Are these two movements distinct? California was the epicenter of the Eugenics movement in America. By examining the California Eugenicists and their interaction with German Eugenicists, this can provide a fuller picture of the relationship between both Eugenics movement. Ultimately, what were the implications of both movements and how did the outcome of World War II dissolved this