The Swabian-German Cultural Association and the role of its members on Slovenian soil between 1922 and 1945

Abstract

Drawing on scientific literature and primary sources, the article analyses the activity of the Swabian-German Cultural Association on Slovenian soil as one of the key formations of the fifth column. The Kulturbund became radicalized and Nazified, especially after Hitler and Nazism rose to power. Long before the war, members of the Kulturbund spread Nazi propaganda and demagoguery throughout Slovenian territory, pasted Nazi symbols and flags, collected classified and sensitive information on the country and those who acted against the Germans and Germany. Based on that, lists of allegedly suspicious and dangerous persons to be arrested and evicted were already drawn up in the prewar period. After establishing administration, the occupier followed these arrest lists, which testify that many tragic fates of nationally conscious Slovenian families were sealed long before 1941 in Graz and other assembly intelligence centres. When the invasion began, the Kulturbund members became guides, instructors, and translators to the German army. Later on, they assumed essential positions in Nazi societies, organizations, associations, offices, paramilitary forces, and even SS units.