Blood and soil facts for kids

Blood and soil is an old idea that first appeared in the 1800s. It connects a person's family history (their "blood") to the land they live on and work (the "soil"). This idea suggests that people belong to a specific piece of land because of their heritage. In the 19th century, this concept became linked to racism (treating people unfairly because of their race) and nationalism (a strong belief that one's own country is superior).

What is "Blood and Soil"?

The "blood and soil" idea claims that a person's identity and their right to live on certain land are tied to their ancestors and the land itself. It suggests that a group of people can only truly thrive and reach their full potential in the specific region where their ancestors lived. This concept was often used to justify why certain groups of people should control particular lands.

Where Did the Idea Come From?

One of the first people to use the German phrase Blut und Boden (blood and soil) was Oswald Spengler. He wrote about it in his book, Der Untergang des Abendlandes (The Decline of the West). Spengler discussed how people and animals are connected to the land they live on.

Later, Richard Walther Darré connected this phrase to politics. In his book "Neuadel aus Blut und Boden" (New Nobility from Blood and Soil), he tried to link farming policies with ideas about race. He believed that a strong nation needed a pure race of farmers connected to their land.

"Blood and Soil" in Art and Books

There was also a style of writing called "blood and soil" literature. These stories often showed farming communities living out these ideals. Writers like Gerhard Schumann and Herbert Böhme created works in this style.

The ideas of "blood and soil" also appeared in art. Artists such as Adolf Ziegler, Arthur Kampf, Arno Breker, and Josef Thorak created artworks reflecting these themes. However, when the Nazi Party came to power, many of these artworks were later seen as "degenerate art" (art they considered bad or harmful). Artists who created such works often had to leave their homes, and many died far away from their countries.

Why is This Idea Important Today?

Today, the phrase "blood and soil" is strongly connected to the beliefs of the Nazi Party. It is a symbol of their racist and nationalist ideas. For example, during the 2017 Charlottesville riots in the United States, groups who believe white people are superior were heard shouting "blood and soil." They did this to show their support for Nazi ideas. This shows how the phrase is still used by hate groups today.

Images for kids

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  Richard Walther Darré speaking at a farming event in Goslar in 1937. He is standing in front of a symbol that combines the German eagle, a swastika, a sword, and wheat, labeled Blood and Soil.

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  A map showing where German settlers came from when they moved into parts of Poland that Germany took over. This was part of a plan called "Heim ins Reich" (Back into the Reich).

See also

In Spanish: Blut und Boden para niños