Controversial Kinship

The DHM is planning an exhibition for October 2026 comparing key aspects of colonial and Nazi violence in the 20th century. The exhibition will be shown in the basement of the Pei Building. 

It is dedicated to the history of a comparison that extends far beyond the field of historical science. This is not a new idea: as early as the 1930s, comparisons were made between colonial and National Socialist forms of power. 

This juxtaposition focuses on the idea of a close “kinship” between two historically violent regimes that differed significantly in terms of time, space and structure: on the one hand, European colonial rule, which lasted for several centuries, and on the other, the brief phase of National Socialist rule over Europe, in which the planning and exercise of extreme violence took place at a radically accelerated pace. 

The exhibition tells the story of this comparison in the period from 1900 to 1960. It highlights central themes that played a role in the debate and contrasts historical sources with contemporary as well as later interpretations. With its international focus, the exhibition presents examples from European colonialism and National Socialist rule over Europe. On the one hand, it explores key issues – such as the role of racism, antisemitism, forced labour, concentration camps, and resistance – that enable factual comparisons and the perception of specific features. On the other hand, it examines the political exploitation of such parallels since the 1930s. 

Historical comparisons can serve to sharpen analysis: they reveal both structural similarities and fundamental differences. In this way, discrepancies and distinctive features can be identified. However, the exhibition will also address the problems and limitations attached to such comparisons. 

By presenting the history of this debate and the underlying historical facts, the exhibition aims to contribute to an objective and nuanced discussion of the topic. 

The exhibition is curated by Dr Stephan Malinowski.

Picture: Clearing of land by setting grass on fire for economic and geopolitical purposes during a German research expedition to Tendaguru in German East Africa (now Tanzania), 1909/1913, Photographer: Edwin Hennig or Werner Janensch © Berlin, Museum für Naturkunde