Did Adolf Hitler have a Racial View of the Scots?

When examining the racial views of Adolf Hitler, one often overlooked aspect is his perspective on the Scots. Hitler, known for his phallocratic and nationalist views, had very specific ideas about racial categorization. It is crucial to understand how he perceived the Scots within the broader context of his racial theories.

Hitler’s Racial Philosophy and Scottish Identity

Hitler’s racial philosophy was based on the concept of the Aryan race, which he believed had supreme qualities and was inherently superior to other races. According to Hitler, certain groups could be classified as Germanic or Teutonic, which included peoples such as the Germans, Dutch, Saxons, and to some extent, the Celts. The Scots, being part of the Celtic and Germanic heritage, fit into this category to some extent.

Hitler respected the Germanic peoples because he believed they shared certain cultural and biological similarities with Germans. However, he viewed them as being inferior to true Germans and the Aryan race. This perspective reflects the complex racial hierarchy that was central to Nazism.

Hitler’s References to Scotland

While Hitler did not explicitly discuss Scotland in his most well-known works such as Mein Kampf, he did make some references that provide insights into his view. In his Table Talk, a collection of private conversations from the Hitler residences, he mentioned Scotland in the context of a dance:

The Americans have devised a dance with clappers that's really worthy of the stage. Its a dance that owes nothing to Africa but everything to Scotland. We for our part have only been able to make fun of Schuhplattler and for that we have idiots to thank.

This statement, while praising Scottish cultural contributions, also subtly criticizes German folk dances. Hitler here suggests that Scottish culture, represented by certain dances, is more developed in Germany’s eyes. This assessment implies a certain level of cultural appreciation but through a lens of German superiority.

Hitler’s Military Actions and Perceptions of Scotland

It is also worth noting that Hitler never targeted Scotland with his military campaigns. This lack of action could suggest either a strategic decision or a lack of significant interest in Scotland. However, it is crucial to remember that the entire United Kingdom was seared with the Blitz, and significant areas of England and Wales were heavily bombed. Scotland, while not being a primary target, still faced the threat of invasion during World War II. Given Hitler’s intense focus on England, it is difficult to argue that he did not consider Scotland as part of the broader British context.

Hitler's desire to invade England, and the United Kingdom as a whole, reveals a complex attitude towards the Scots and the English. His bombings of England, while avoiding Scotland, illustrate an overwhelming fear and respect for the British, including the Scots, as a formidable military and cultural opponent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hitler’s racial views on the Scots were complex and multifaceted. While he respected the Celtic and Germanic heritage of the Scots, he still saw them as inferior to his ideal Aryan race. The lack of explicit discussion of Scotland in his written works, coupled with his strategic avoidance of bombing Scotland during World War II, suggests that Hitler held a nuanced yet critical view of the Scots. This perspective is critical in understanding the broader context of Hitler’s racial and imperialist ideologies.