“From Alaric to Von Tirpitz”: World War I and the Germanic Invasions of the Latin Nations

National identities are formed, in part, through the re-interpretation of history by intellectuals committed to defining the nation.  The First World War was a dramatic case in point.  In the wake of the nineteenth century passion to elevate academic history as the “handmaiden” of nationalism, historical writing became a mainstay of World War I propaganda and efforts to recast national identities in light of the apocalyptic struggle.  The alliance between the “Latin Powers,” France and Italy, against the “Germanic” Central Powers inevitably set the stage for intellectuals to reprise their nation building roles once again.  In this instance, the war was presented as a re-awakening of the ancient alliance of the Romano-Latin peoples against the invading Germanic hordes of the fifth century.

This historicization of the war fulfilled several needs.  For both and, historically-oriented propaganda served as a means to bind together two states often in fierce competition for international influence and achievement of conflicting war aims.  French and Italian intellectuals utilized the analogy with ancient invasions to toughen their populations’ resolve to fight, and to consecrate new heroes who could take their place alongside their Roman progenitors.  The rape of French and Italian women by the invaders showed the dangers of “racial pollution” threatening the Latin peoples, harking back to the barbarian incursions of the late Empire.  Pan-Latinists hoped a new union between the Latin nations could restore the “Pax Romana” and insure the survival of western civilization.

The end of the war brought about the rapid transformation of the “Roman heritage” version of national identity.  French interest in a “Latin alliance” quickly decayed as it became obvious that the alliance was not about to subordinate itself to French interests.  On the other hand, Italian Fascism fully embraced the Roman myth, turning it into a historical justification for imperialistic aggression.