The Effect of the Nazi Occupation on life in the Channel Islands and if there are any cultural changes still visible today.
In the short period of five years from 1940- 1945, Jersey, Guernsey, Sark and Alderney changed dramatically. The most obvious effect is that of the landscape; the tall Martello towers still cast shadows over the coast of the Channel Islands and bunkers wall the cliff paths, half hidden by heather and gorse. However, I doubt that the biggest change would be that of the physical aspects of the Islands. During the five long years of occupation the Islanders were forced to share their home with the German invaders, whilst being completely cut off from the UK mainland.
This opens up many questions:
- How did the islanders and Soldiers find an equilibrium in which to coexist?
- How were minorities treated on the Islands?
- As the Islands were the only part of the UK to fall in the 1940 German invasion; do they feel disconnected from Britain in any way?
- Why was there no action taken to salvage the Islands; are there still bitter feelings?
- Are there any cultural changes visible today?
I intend to answer these questions individually, and then tie together with a suitable conclusion. I will support my findings with evidence accumulated from desktop research, investigation and interviews. I also wish to present my conclusion in a documentary format.
In the summer of 2011, i will travel to Guernsey where i will undergo research using primary sources from all of the Islands, most notably Guernsey. I am in the process of contacting people who lived during the occupation in order to arrange interviews. I will also use their vast library collections and museums to help me during my time there.
