Bahlsen’s Statement on Nazi Era: Reflecting on the Past and Moving Forward
In 1889, the Bahlsen biscuit factory was founded in Hannover, Germany, marking the beginning of a legacy that would span generations. However, recent revelations about the company’s actions during the Nazi era have shed light on a dark chapter in its history.
Historians have delved into Bahlsen’s role in the Nazi era, uncovering disturbing truths about the company’s use of forced labor from Poland and Ukraine during World War II. Previously, it was believed that Bahlsen employed around 200 to 250 forced laborers, but according to historian Manfred Grieger, the actual number is closer to 785 individuals. This new information paints a stark picture of exploitation and complicity in wartime atrocities.
For years, the Bahlsen family downplayed their involvement in the Nazi regime, choosing to ignore the uncomfortable truths about their company’s past. In a statement addressing the findings of the historical investigation, the Bahlsen family acknowledged their ignorance, stating, „Many details of the company’s history were unknown to us, and the truth is, we did not inquire. As a family, we failed to ask the obvious question of how our company survived through the Second World War.“
The narrative that the Bahlsen family had believed for decades – that they had not committed any wrongs through forced labor – was shattered by the revelations brought to light by historians. In 2019, Verena Bahlsen, an heir to the family business, sparked controversy by claiming that the forced laborers were paid equally to German workers and treated well. This statement was met with backlash, prompting the Bahlsen family to commission a thorough investigation into their past actions. Historians Grieger and Hartmut Berghoff were granted access to the company’s archives to uncover the truth about Bahlsen’s involvement with forced labor and Nazi entanglements.
The resulting report, titled „The History of Bahlsen: Biscuits – War – Consumption 1911-1974,“ is set to be released on August 21st. In an interview with Capital magazine, the historians delve into their findings, shedding light on the uncomfortable realities of Bahlsen’s past.
As the shadows of the Nazi era continue to loom over Germany, Bahlsen’s reckoning with its past serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting historical injustices. The family’s statement reflects a newfound awareness of the gravity of their ancestors‘ actions, acknowledging that their predecessors exploited the Nazi system to ensure the company’s survival, with devastating consequences.
Looking towards the future, Bahlsen has pledged to engage in initiatives that promote a culture of remembrance and accountability. Through a traveling exhibition on forced labor, the company aims to educate the public about the dark legacy of exploitation that stains its history.
In the 1990s, former forced laborers of Bahlsen sought justice through legal action, only to have their claims dismissed on the grounds of statute of limitations. In an attempt to make amends, Bahlsen contributed 1.5 million Deutsche Mark to the Foundation Initiative of German Business in 2000 and 2001, which compensated victims of forced labor. However, historian Berghoff notes that no amount of financial compensation can truly heal the wounds inflicted upon those who suffered under Bahlsen’s exploitation.
As Germany grapples with its complex past, the Bahlsen family’s journey towards reconciliation serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of wartime atrocities. Through introspection and a commitment to transparency, Bahlsen seeks to confront its past and pave the way for a more ethical future.
