Fordism, mass tourism and the Third Reich: the 'Strength through Joy' seaside resort as an index fossil.Abstract: Hasso Spode, "Fordism, Mass Tourism and the Third Reich Third Reich Official designation for the Nazi Party's regime in Germany from January 1933 to May 1945. The name reflects Adolf Hitler's conception of his expansionist regime—which he predicted would last 1,000 years—as the presumed successor of the Holy Roman : The 'Strength through Joy' Seaside Resort seaside resort n → playa seaside resort sea n → station f balnéaire seaside resort sea n → Badeort as an Index Fossil" Nazi Germany played a pioneering role in promoting "holidays for all." In- and outside Germany the travel activities of "Strength through Joy," (KdF) were celebrated as the breakthrough working class tourism. The ideal to overcome class distinctions by the industrialization industrialization Process of converting to a socioeconomic order in which industry is dominant. The changes that took place in Britain during the Industrial Revolution of the late 18th and 19th century led the way for the early industrializing nations of western Europe and of traveling--as already Thomas Cook has dreamt of--seemed to come true at least on holiday, the "socialism of deed" formed the "people's community." A core was the erection of the "seaside resort of the 20,000." In a nutshell the project--its remains cover a large strip of the Baltic Sea--reveals basic structures and ambiguities of the Nazi rule. This essay combines the history of tourism with that of the Third Reich, underlining how much both were entrenched en·trench also in·trench v. en·trenched, en·trench·ing, en·trench·es v.tr. 1. To provide with a trench, especially for the purpose of fortifying or defending. 2. in developments engendered by the "grammar of rationalization." Thus, the essay suggests ways to overcome the comforting concept of a "special path" that tames Nazi barbarism bar·ba·rism n. 1. An act, trait, or custom characterized by ignorance or crudity. 2. a. The use of words, forms, or expressions considered incorrect or unacceptable. b. as a "deviant," if not unique, accident of modernity. It starts with a more philosophical look at rationalization. Then the travel activities, their size and forms, and the ideological framework of KdF are presented. Subsequently, the motifs and the technical means of the mass resort are portayed. What once was awarded at the World Fair, nowadays stands for "megalomania megalomania /meg·a·lo·ma·nia/ (-ma´ne-ah) unreasonable conviction of one's own extreme greatness, goodness, or power.megaloma´niac meg·a·lo·ma·ni·a n. 1. ;" this reversal is discussed in the light of the debate about "Nazi architecture," Summing up, KdF was not really successful: either as a propaganda tool and as a means to foster working class tourism. Nonetheless, it pointed the way to the future. |
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