HITLERISM, ANTI-SEMITISME DAN INTERPRETASI HOLOCAUST

Abstract

This article examines the origins of the Holocaust by analysing two main interpretations: “intentionalism” and “functionalism”. This study is using qualitative method.  The findings show that the historians have not reached a consensus on the interpretations of the Holocaust as to whether the anti-Semitism ideology are sufficient in explaining the causes of the Holocaust. “Intentionalism” or “Hitlerism” highlights the motive and ideology of Hitler as the main factors of the Holocaust. For functionalists, ideological factors alone may have overlooked the importance of process and structure. Both the traditional interpretations may not necessarily be contradictory as historians have synthesised the elements of both schools of thought to produce new interpretative frameworks; “moderate intentionalism” and “moderate functionalism”. The middle position reflected in “moderate intentionalism” and “moderate functionalism” provides a balance and comprehensive basis for the study of the Holocaust as they considered the elements of motive, process, ideology and context in analysing the historical event.  

Received: ​30​ ​October ​201​8​

Reviewed: ​7​ ​January​ 2019

Accepted: 12 October 2019