Cultural Histories of Displaced Persons between World War II and the Cold War

Session Submission Type: Panel

Brief Description

This panel seeks to illuminate the multifaceted experiences of Displaced Persons (DPs) in the aftermath of WW II, with a focus on the transnational and global dimensions of their histories. The panel adopts a cultural and social history approach, exploring how they navigated the postwar system, particularly in the pivotal European triangle of displacement comprising Germany, Austria, and Italy.
Central to the discussion will be the agency held by Displaced Persons, examining how they used and tried to change the complex postwar landscape. The panel will explore instances of DP activities seeking liberation, not only from physical displacement but also from the lingering traumas of war and the limitations of the refugee regime. Special attention will be given to DPs’ engagement with institutions such as the Vatican and IRO, showcasing their resourcefulness in approaching authorities for assistance. Moreover, the panel will highlight the multifaceted roles of DPs as “memory activists“ and displaced artists who utilized creative outlets and commemoration to express their experiences and reclaim their narratives. This cultural lens provides a deep understanding of the diverse ways in which DPs asserted their agency and contributed to shaping the postwar cultural landscape that is often ignored in the respective dominant national narrative(s).
By weaving together transnational perspectives and comparative analyses, this panel contributes to a rich understanding of the global histories of Displaced Persons in the aftermath of WW II. The discussions unveil the often-overlooked stories of resilience, creativity, and agency that emerged from the complex tapestry of post-war Europe.

Sub Unit

• History: 1945-1990

Chair

• Sheila Fitzpatrick, Australian Catholic U (Australia)

Papers

• Knocking on the Vatican’s Gates: Displaced Persons and the Holy See in the Early Cold War - Katarzyna Nowak, U of Vienna (Austria)

• Controversial and Silenced Memory?: Displaced Persons and Their Memorials for Victims of World War II in Germany and Austria - Sarah Grandke, U of Regensburg (Germany)

• Freedom to Imagine: DP Camp Theatre Performances as an Expression of Liberation after World War II - Kate Kirsten Green, Sydney Jewish Museum (Australia)

• Defining ‘White Russians': IRO and US Resettlement Negotiations for Russian Displaced Persons in the Philippines, 1950-1951 - Lena Clara Christoph, University of Vienna

Discussant

• Sheila Fitzpatrick, Australian Catholic U (Australia)