ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to stimulate research into the relationship between popular uses of difficult heritage concerning World War (WWII) and the Holocaust and history teaching. It argues that the personalized setup of the two Dutch exhibitions offers opportunities for historical thinking and allows, although in a limited way, reflection on difficult heritage. Historical concepts, such as Imperialism or the Cold War, are used to hold events, actions and persons together. According to Marjan Schwegman memories of war demonstrate an implicit hierarchy concerning honor and shame. Soldiers who died in combat have the most honorable position, demonstrated by tombs of the Unknown Soldier which often function as national monuments. The passing of time probably stimulates the public’s desire to visit camps where the unthinkable atrocities happened, to see the traces of a lost battle and imagine the pain of wounded soldiers. German women were victims of sexual violence by American, British and French soldiers, men who were supposed to protect civilians.
