Estonians' View on the Nazis: A Personal Perspective

As an Estonian with a deep interest in World War II, I am here to share our perspective on the Nazis from a fully local standpoint. This view is often surprisingly similar to that of Margarete Buber-Neumann, a German communist who found herself in the Soviet Union, then Germany, and later the Gulag. Through her memoirs, she provided a first-hand account of the horrors of the concentration camps and the stark comparison with the Soviet conditions.

The Resilient Estonian View

My personal view encapsulates the traditional Estonian sentiment: Nazis evil; Russians, particularly communists, very evil. We often see Germans, including the Nazis, as capable of both evil and good, highly cultured, while Russians are often portrayed as purely evil.

It is common to state that in comparison to the horrors of the communists, the Nazis look relatively appealing. This perspective is especially useful when discussing the atrocities committed by both sides. While many prefer to view the Soviet side as more humane or just, the reality of the concentration camps is stark and undeniable.

A Contrast with Modern Interpretations

Neomarxist circles often label people like me as Nazis, a position I often counter with, “Better a Nazi than a communist!” Such statements, however, are often viewed as offensive and surreal, as they represent a combative stance against an ideological perspective that seeks to normalize these viewpoints.

My grandfather, a witness to both German and Soviet regimes, provided me with a clear view of the past. During the Soviet occupation, my mother asked my grandfather who treated him better. His response was unequivocal: “The Germans fed me better and gave me brandy.” This testimony from a firsthand witness implanted in me the idea that the Russians were far worse than the Germans, a perspective often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

History and Memory

Estonia's history is marked by Soviet occupation, followed by a brief German presence before returning Soviet occupation. Therefore, it is common for Estonians to view the Nazis as comparatively less evil, given the context of Soviet atrocities.

While many Estonians would agree that the Nazis were not good, a significant number also acknowledge that some Estonians, both of Baltic-German and Estonian descent, fought alongside the Wehrmacht. This fact often leads to the interpretation that fighting against the Soviets could be seen as fighting for the Nazis. Yet, it is important to understand that this is often a matter of degree and personal circumstances.

Contemporary Cultural Reflections

In contemporary Estonia, the idea of being “fouled up by the Russians but with German precision” is a common description. This reflects the historical reality of the nation's experiences under these two regimes.

However, this does not mean that every Estonian believes the Nazis were superior. Rather, it is a nuanced view often influenced by historical events and personal experiences. For example, the historical drama series Tuulepealne maa (Flag on the Hill) reflects this complexity. In the series, two young men join a resistance against the Soviet occupation and decide to fight with the Germans, seeing it as a way to fight for their own country rather than the Nazis. This nuanced view of history is often overlooked by mainstream narratives.

Conclusion

While the Estonian view on the Nazis is often seen as relative, it is rooted in a deep understanding of the historical context and personal experiences. The evils of both regimes are acknowledged, but the relative horrors of each are understood to be starkly different.

As we reflect on history, it is crucial to balance our viewpoints with a deep understanding of the personal and collective experiences of those who lived through these times. This understanding helps us to better comprehend the complexities of the past and the lessons it holds for us today.