The Hunger Winter: Fighting Famine in the Occupied Netherlands, 1944–1945 (Studies in the Social and Cultural History of Modern Warfare)

In this pioneering study, Ingrid de Zwarte examines the causes and demographic impact of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter' that occurred in the Netherlands during the final months of German occupation in the Second World War. She offers a comprehensive and multifaceted view of the socio-political context in which the famine emerged and considers how the famine was confronted at different societal levels, including the responses by Dutch, German and Allied state institutions, affected households, and local communities. Contrary to highly-politicized assumptions, she argues that the famine resulted from a culmination of multiple transportation and distribution difficulties. Although Allied relief was postponed for many crucial months and official rations fell far below subsistence level, successful community efforts to fight the famine conditions emerged throughout the country. She also explains why German authorities found reasons to cooperate and allow relief for the starving Dutch. With these explorations, 'The Hunger Winter' offers a radically new understanding of the Dutch famine and provides a valuable insight into the strategies and coping mechanisms of a modern society facing catastrophe.00Translated from Dutch. Original title: 'De hongerwinter', ISBN 9789035144927 (Prometheus, 2019) "In this pioneering study, Ingrid de Zwarte examines the causes and demographic impact of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter' that occurred in the Netherlands during the final months of German occupation in the Second World War. She offers a comprehensive and multifaceted view of the sociopolitical context in which the famine emerged and considers how the famine was confronted at different societal levels, including the responses by Dutch, German and Allied state institutions, affected households, and local communities. Contrary to highly-politicized assumptions, she argues that the famine resulted from a culmination of multiple transportation and distribution difficulties. Although Allied relief was postponed for many crucial months and official rations fell far below subsistence level, successful community efforts to fight the famine conditions emerged throughout the country. She also explains why German authorities found reasons to cooperate and allow relief for the starving Dutch. With these explorations, The Hunger Winter offers a radically new understanding of the Dutch famine and provides a valuable insight into the strategies and coping mechanisms of a modern society facing catastrophe"-- Provided by publisher Dedication 5 Contents 7 Illustrations 8 Figures 10 Maps 11 Tables 12 Acknowledgements 13 Abbreviations 16 Maps 18 Introduction 23 1 Historical Contexts 39 2 Causes of the Famine 65 3 Effects on Mortality, Fertility, and Health in Later Life 82 4 Central Government and Food Administration 113 5 The Politics and Practices of Allied Relief 149 6 Coping at Household and Individual Levels 186 7 Community Strategies 225 8 The Evacuation of Children 253 Conclusion 279 Appendix: Timeline of Important Events 287 Bibliography 296 Index 323 In this pioneering study, Ingrid de Zwarte offers a comprehensive and multifaceted view of the socio-political context and consequences of the Dutch Hunger Winter of 1944-45. Based on extensive research, she examines the causes and demographic impact of the famine and how it was confronted at different societal levels. A Pioneering Study On The Causes And Consequences Of The Dutch Famine Of 1944-1945.