Victories vs. Defeats: The Unreliability of Memory
Victories vs. Defeats: The Unreliability of Memory

Summary/Abstract: History is not written by victors. History is written by the present. If it were written by victors their interpretation would remain “nailed down” and unchangeable for all future generations. Their “victory” would never be allowed or able to turn into a “defeat”. Numerous historical examples demonstrate the inaccuracy of this hypothesis. It is today’s value systems that determine historical events, and victories and defeats can switch places many times: heroes can become victims, and victims can become victors. These constructions are where historiography, history teaching and other memory agents intertwine. This lecture will show some 20th century examples which reveal the dynamics in the altering meanings of certain “victories” and “defeats” and their transnational consequences.

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