Collective Memory And Why Must Historians Beware
What is meant by the term "collective memory" and why must historians beware ?
"Collective memory" is a term used to describe a pool of shared or recollected information held by a group, as a community or culture, and passed from one generation to the next.
First used in 1925 by the sociologist Maurice Halbwachs in "La mémoire collective", this term was employed to describe the memories held by French people during and after the First World War. However, this is not to be confused with personal reflections or recollections of individuals, but rather to more general process of constructing of a coherent narrative of the past. Even though it is accepted it may not have ever been experienced by people acknowledging it. A collective memory mainly …show more content…
Refer to one event.
In Britain, World War II has been remembered through various ways, which are always made very public in order to commemorate the soldiers' and people's involved in the war sacrifices. It allows the reinforcement of individuals' knowledge or memory on the war. For example, in addition to collective memory and myths, events, ceremonies, national holiday and monuments are many ways in which this can be done.
For example, according to collective memory, a large number of cities were bombed during WW2, whereas in reality only London was, especially taking in consideration the fact that German bombers' lack of fuel only allowed them to bomb the city during 30 minutes. It is therefore impossible that the city had been bombed continuously during a long period of time. Also, another example of exaggerated truth upon WW2 is the myth wherein Britain went to war unprepared. However, this is untrue as Britain had 6 months after the attempt of Neville Chamberlain for peace with Hitler (in which the German chancellor should not invade Poland or Britain would declare war). Moreover, the Miracle of Dunkirk is also an exaggeration because the RAF pilots, although outnumbered, had an advantage the German : they invented radars able to locate German invaders. Lastly, it is untrue that Winston Churchill's oratory inspired people to keep on fighting. It is true that a big part of the population was inspired by his vibrant and passionate speech, but in the other hand part of the people disagreed with his political intentions and believed it was neither inspirational nor
"Collective memory" is a term used to describe a pool of shared or recollected information held by a group, as a community or culture, and passed from one generation to the next.
First used in 1925 by the sociologist Maurice Halbwachs in "La mémoire collective", this term was employed to describe the memories held by French people during and after the First World War. However, this is not to be confused with personal reflections or recollections of individuals, but rather to more general process of constructing of a coherent narrative of the past. Even though it is accepted it may not have ever been experienced by people acknowledging it. A collective memory mainly …show more content…
Refer to one event.
In Britain, World War II has been remembered through various ways, which are always made very public in order to commemorate the soldiers' and people's involved in the war sacrifices. It allows the reinforcement of individuals' knowledge or memory on the war. For example, in addition to collective memory and myths, events, ceremonies, national holiday and monuments are many ways in which this can be done.
For example, according to collective memory, a large number of cities were bombed during WW2, whereas in reality only London was, especially taking in consideration the fact that German bombers' lack of fuel only allowed them to bomb the city during 30 minutes. It is therefore impossible that the city had been bombed continuously during a long period of time. Also, another example of exaggerated truth upon WW2 is the myth wherein Britain went to war unprepared. However, this is untrue as Britain had 6 months after the attempt of Neville Chamberlain for peace with Hitler (in which the German chancellor should not invade Poland or Britain would declare war). Moreover, the Miracle of Dunkirk is also an exaggeration because the RAF pilots, although outnumbered, had an advantage the German : they invented radars able to locate German invaders. Lastly, it is untrue that Winston Churchill's oratory inspired people to keep on fighting. It is true that a big part of the population was inspired by his vibrant and passionate speech, but in the other hand part of the people disagreed with his political intentions and believed it was neither inspirational nor