There have been so many stories told about World War Two that most people assume there would be no more epics about this period of history. But there is a heroic tale about a group that came to be known as the monuments men. This group was tasked with helping to protect the cultural treasures in Europe and other war-ravished areas. It consisted of a about 400 military and civilians and their adventures are right out of a novel. In fact a feature film directed by George Clooney is being released soon.
Word of looting and destruction of culturally significant sites was heard in the U. S. Almost from the beginning of the Nazis campaign in Europe. In response, the U. S. Army's Civil Affairs and Military Government division created a special unit. The group was called the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archive (MFAA) division and it was populated with art and history experts from the top universities and museums in the country. Their goal was to safeguard and protect artwork and cultural sites in war theaters.
Even before the U. S.'s formal declaration of war on the Axis nations in 1941, many in the art world began raising the issue of looting and theft of art and the possible destruction of cultural treasures. In response to an effort by a group lead by the head of the Met in New York, President Roosevelt established the American Commission for the Protection and Salvage of Historic Monument in War Areas. It was this commission and their findings which lead to the MFAA creation and the monuments men.
In addition to documenting looting and theft, the group also worked with military planners to safeguard sites of cultural important from Allied bombings. Working from reconnaissance photos and local knowledge, pilots were alerted to important locations. This extended to the ground troops once troops entered Europe.
As troops moved into an area and liberated towns, MFAA men would assess the area. In some cases they would even make repairs to damaged structures to keep them safe for future restoration. Also part of their mission was to interview locals to find out if art had been plundered or if the citizens knew of hidden caches of art or treasure. This type of detective work helped uncover much of the stolen artwork.
As the Nazis spread across Europe and other regions, they systematically looted the cultural treasures of many nations. Priceless art was also destroyed if it was deemed unacceptable by the cultural standards of Hitler and the Nazi leadership. The monuments men were also tasked with documenting which pieces had been destroyed as well.
As the Nazis swept through Europe and other countries, they systematically stole vast amounts of art, sculpture and treasure. Crates of these treasures were shipped back to Germany and hidden away. The MFAA was also credited with finding many of these hidden caches and liberating the artwork. It was truly something out of fiction and called the greatest treasure hunt in the history of man. Their detective work took them to the heights of the Bavarian Alps where over 1,000 works looted by Hermann Goering were found and to the depths of an Austrian salt mine where 6,500 works were recovered.
The story of the monuments men is truly fascinating as it combines all the elements of good tale. Mystery, excitement, bravery and justice. The new focus on these efforts has spawned not only a Hollywood film, but a number of newly produced books and documentaries. The interest is a testament to the work of the brave men and women in the MFAA and their dedication to preservation of great art.
Word of looting and destruction of culturally significant sites was heard in the U. S. Almost from the beginning of the Nazis campaign in Europe. In response, the U. S. Army's Civil Affairs and Military Government division created a special unit. The group was called the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archive (MFAA) division and it was populated with art and history experts from the top universities and museums in the country. Their goal was to safeguard and protect artwork and cultural sites in war theaters.
Even before the U. S.'s formal declaration of war on the Axis nations in 1941, many in the art world began raising the issue of looting and theft of art and the possible destruction of cultural treasures. In response to an effort by a group lead by the head of the Met in New York, President Roosevelt established the American Commission for the Protection and Salvage of Historic Monument in War Areas. It was this commission and their findings which lead to the MFAA creation and the monuments men.
In addition to documenting looting and theft, the group also worked with military planners to safeguard sites of cultural important from Allied bombings. Working from reconnaissance photos and local knowledge, pilots were alerted to important locations. This extended to the ground troops once troops entered Europe.
As troops moved into an area and liberated towns, MFAA men would assess the area. In some cases they would even make repairs to damaged structures to keep them safe for future restoration. Also part of their mission was to interview locals to find out if art had been plundered or if the citizens knew of hidden caches of art or treasure. This type of detective work helped uncover much of the stolen artwork.
As the Nazis spread across Europe and other regions, they systematically looted the cultural treasures of many nations. Priceless art was also destroyed if it was deemed unacceptable by the cultural standards of Hitler and the Nazi leadership. The monuments men were also tasked with documenting which pieces had been destroyed as well.
As the Nazis swept through Europe and other countries, they systematically stole vast amounts of art, sculpture and treasure. Crates of these treasures were shipped back to Germany and hidden away. The MFAA was also credited with finding many of these hidden caches and liberating the artwork. It was truly something out of fiction and called the greatest treasure hunt in the history of man. Their detective work took them to the heights of the Bavarian Alps where over 1,000 works looted by Hermann Goering were found and to the depths of an Austrian salt mine where 6,500 works were recovered.
The story of the monuments men is truly fascinating as it combines all the elements of good tale. Mystery, excitement, bravery and justice. The new focus on these efforts has spawned not only a Hollywood film, but a number of newly produced books and documentaries. The interest is a testament to the work of the brave men and women in the MFAA and their dedication to preservation of great art.
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