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Holocaust Denial: The Roles of History and Historians
Are There Historians Who Deny the Holocaust?
When discussing the Holocaust, the role of historians is often scrutinized. The question arises: can a historian deny the Holocaust and still be considered as such? This topic delves into who qualifies as a historian and how one's academic credentials and research methods determine their qualification.
Defining 'Historian'
The term 'historian' is not merely a title one can claim; it demands a commitment to the principles of honest scholarship and accurate representation of historical events. As noted by historian and expert Richard J. Evans, a historian must be 'precise' in their work. If one fails to adhere to these standards, they cannot be considered a historian, especially in matters of such weight and historical significance as the Holocaust.
A Case in Point: David Irving
David Irving is a notorious example of someone who claimed to be a historian but was later disputed for his controversial stance on the Holocaust. Irving wrote extensively on the Second World War, yet he lacked a formal history degree, having studied physics for a time and political economy afterward. His methods and conclusions were lambasted in a libel trial following his libel suit, losing to the historian Richard J. Evans. The report attributed to Evans included scathing descriptions, such as:
If we mean by historian someone who is concerned to discover the truth about the past and to give as accurate a representation of it as possible, then Irving is not a historian.
This verdict, along with Evans' statement that Irving does not 'deserve to be called a historian at all,' underscores the necessity of scholarly rigor for anyone claiming to be a historian.
Other Figures in Holocaust Denial
Though not all figures in Holocaust denial claim to be historians, some do hold advanced degrees in history. However, these credentials do not necessarily grant them the right to distort or deny the historical facts of the Holocaust.
Harry Elmer Barnes
Harry Elmer Barnes, an American sociological historian, shifted his stance to Holocaust denial following World War I and concluded that German policies in the 1930s were justified. His history of accepting anti-German narratives influenced his later views.
Franois Duprat
Franois Duprat, a French historian, seems to have adopted a far-right nationalist perspective, co-founding the Front National with Jean-Marie Le Pen. Despite his background, his views on the Holocaust must be treated with skepticism.
Pedro Varela Geiss
Pedro Varela Geiss, a Spanish historian, has contributed to debates around the Holocaust, though detailed information about his background is scarce. While he may hold a formal history degree, his credibility on the subject is dubious.
Nicholas Kollerstrom
Nicholas Kollerstrom, a British historian of science, adopted unconventional views, including the gas chambers in Auschwitz being used for decontamination. His array of beliefs, including conspiracy theories and alternative narratives, raises questions about his academic rigor and objectivity.
Paul Rassinier
Paul Rassinier was a French history teacher, known for taking a relativistic view that the extermination of others was not unique to the Germans. This approach is both intellectually and ethically problematic, as confirmed by his writings.
Conclusion
The story of those who deny the Holocaust and claim to be historians highlights the importance of adhering to academic and ethical standards in the field of history. Whether one is a historian or not depends on their commitment to truth, precision, and impartiality in the pursuit of historical knowledge. Those who fail to meet these criteria are not only misleading themselves but also the public.