LEBENSRAUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Lebensraum is a German term with historical and geopolitical significance that can be defined as the living space or territory that a particular nation or ethnic group feels entitled to, often due to perceived overpopulation, economic considerations, or racial motivations. The concept of Lebensraum gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the rise of imperialistic and expansionist ideologies.
In the late 19th century, the idea of acquiring additional living space became central to the development of German geopolitical thought, particularly under the influence of Friedrich Ratzel, a German geographer. Ratzel argued that a nation's power and development depended on its ability to secure adequate living space for its population and resources. This concept gained even more prominence during Adolf Hitler's regime in Nazi Germany, as Hitler's ideology focused on reclaiming alleged lost territories and establishing lebensraum for the German population.
The term lebensraum has inherently controversial connotations due to its association with aggressive territorial expansion and ethno-nationalist objectives. It is often associated with imperialistic ideologies that aim to justify territorial conquests and displacements of indigenous populations. Consequently, the term is generally seen in a negative light today due to its historical connection to the expansionist policies of Nazi Germany and the ensuing atrocities committed during World War II.
However, it is essential to recognize that the term itself denotes a general notion of living space, which, in contexts outside the Nazi regime, can refer to legitimate concerns regarding population density and resource allocation. Despite its broader implications, lebensraum continues to have historical significance as a term that symbolizes aggressive territorial ambitions and the consequences of unchecked expansionist ideologies.
Common Misspellings for LEBENSRAUM
- kebensraum
- pebensraum
- oebensraum
- lwbensraum
- lsbensraum
- ldbensraum
- lrbensraum
- l4bensraum
- l3bensraum
- levensraum
- lenensraum
- lehensraum
- legensraum
- lebwnsraum
- lebsnsraum
- lebdnsraum
- lebrnsraum
- leb4nsraum
- leb3nsraum
- lebenstraum
- lebensraaum
- lensraum
- lebensraeum
Etymology of LEBENSRAUM
The word "Lebensraum" is of German origin and literally translates to "living space" in English. The term gained notoriety in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly during the era of Nazi Germany.
The etymology of "Lebensraum" can be broken down into two components.
1. "Leben" (life) originates from the Middle High German word "leben" and can be traced back to the Old High German "leben" and the Gothic "liban". It has Indo-European roots and is related to the Latin "vivere" and the English word "life".
2. "Raum" (space) is derived from the Old High German word "rūm", which means "room" or "space". It shares Indo-European roots with the Latin "roma" and the English "room".
Idioms with the word LEBENSRAUM
-
Lebensraum
"Lebensraum" is a German idiom that literally translates to "living space" in English. It refers to the concept or ideology associated with the territorial expansion of a nation or group, usually for the purpose of acquiring land, resources, power, or increasing population. It has been historically used to justify the expansionist policies pursued by Nazi Germany in the mid-20th century.
Similar spelling words for LEBENSRAUM
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
