Echoes of Displacement
An academic exploration of the Federation of Expellees (Bund der Vertriebenen), its history, role, and the complex issues surrounding German expulsions after World War II.
Learn More 👇 Key Issues ⚠️Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Overview
Representing Expellees
The Federation of Expellees (German: Bund der Vertriebenen, BdV) is a non-profit organization established in West Germany on October 27, 1957. It serves as the primary representative body for German nationals and ethnic Germans who fled or were forcibly expelled from their homes in Central and Eastern Europe following World War II.
Historical Context
Its formation addresses the immense displacement of approximately 13 to 16 million ethnic Germans after World War II from territories including former eastern German regions, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, and other Eastern European countries.
Current Leadership
Since 2014, the Federation has been led by Bernd Fabritius, himself a former Transylvanian Saxon refugee from Romania. He has also served as a Member of the Bundestag.
Historical Context
Post-War Displacement
The period following World War II witnessed one of the largest forced migrations in history. An estimated 13 to 16 million ethnic Germans were displaced from their ancestral homelands in Central and Eastern Europe. This displacement occurred due to various factors, including the redrawing of borders, Soviet and Allied policies, and retaliatory actions.
These regions encompassed areas like the former eastern territories of Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Romania, and others, leading to profound demographic shifts and immense human suffering.
Broader Narrative
The broader historical narrative of these events is detailed in the article on the Flight and expulsion of Germans (1944–1950), providing essential background for understanding the Federation's origins and purpose.
Charter of Expellees
The 1950 Declaration
The "Charter of the German Expellees" (Charta der deutschen Heimatvertriebenen), proclaimed on August 5, 1950, articulated the expellees' belief in the fundamental right to their homeland. Crucially, it also declared a commitment to renouncing revenge and retaliation, acknowledging the immense suffering of the preceding decade, and supporting the collective effort to rebuild Germany and Europe.
German Laws
Federal Expellee Law
Enacted in 1953, the Bundesvertriebenengesetz (Federal Expellee Law) provided a legal framework for the integration and rights of expellees in West Germany. This law established refugee status, which was declared inheritable.
Crucially, amendments to this law and related legislation, such as the "Law of Return," granted German citizenship to ethnic Germans, regardless of their prior nationality. The Federation has consistently advocated for the preservation of the inheritable clause for refugee status.
The "Law of Return"
This significant piece of legislation declared that the spouse and descendants of an expellee were to be treated as expellees themselves, irrespective of their personal displacement. This principle has been central to the Federation's advocacy, ensuring that the status and rights associated with expellee status could be passed down through generations.
Formation
Founding Date
The Federation of Expellees (BdV) was officially established on October 27, 1957, in West Germany. This marked a consolidation of various regional and ethnic German groups seeking unified representation.
Predecessor Organization
Prior to the BdV's formation, the Bund der Heimatvertriebenen (League of Expellees and Deprived of Rights), founded in 1950, served as an earlier representative body. This league had achieved some success in both West and East Germany in its initial years.
German Reunification
Political Landscape
The process of German reunification in 1989-1990 presented complex challenges, particularly concerning territorial claims and international relations. Previous West German governments, especially those led by the CDU, had often offered rhetorical support for the territorial claims of expellees.
However, the Social Democrats, under Willy Brandt's policy of Ostpolitik, had already recognized the Oder-Neisse line as the de facto border with Poland, a move that facilitated visits to former homelands but potentially conflicted with expellee interests.
Treaty and Constitutional Changes
The West German government prioritized swift reunification and accepted the 1990 Treaty on the Final Settlement With Respect to Germany (Two Plus Four Agreement). A key condition was Germany's acceptance of its post-World War II frontiers. Following reunification, the Basic Law was amended to reflect that Germany's territory had reached its full extent, effectively closing the chapter on historical territorial claims.
Recent Developments
Center Against Expulsions
In 2000, the Federation initiated the formation of the Center Against Expulsions (Zentrum gegen Vertreibungen). This initiative was co-chaired by Erika Steinbach, then chairwoman of the BdV, and the late SPD politician Prof. Dr. Peter Glotz.
Political Stances
Erika Steinbach has reportedly rejected claims for compensation, while Vice President Rudi Pawelka chairs the supervisory board of the Prussian Trust. Recent acknowledgments by Vice President Siegbert Ortmann confirm that some members have expressed support for far-right parties like the NPD and AfD, though the organization stated it would not cooperate with the AfD.
Organizational Structure
Regional Associations
The Federation is structured around 21 regional associations (Landsmannschaften), each representing members from specific areas of origin. These include prominent groups such as the Landsmannschaft Ostpreußen, Landsmannschaft Schlesien, and Sudetendeutsche Landsmannschaft.
State Organizations
Sixteen state organizations (Landesverbände) are organized based on the current residence of members within Germany. These ensure representation across the federal states.
Associate Members
In addition to regional and state bodies, the Federation includes associate member organizations, further broadening its scope and representation.
The Federation claims approximately 1.3 million members, though some reports suggest a figure closer to 550,000, with a smaller percentage contributing financially.
Criticism and Controversy
Historical Narratives
The Federation has faced persistent criticism regarding its historical narratives and alleged attempts to downplay or relativize the causes and consequences of World War II. Concerns are often raised about the organization's stance on Nazi atrocities and the reasons behind the post-war expulsions.
Diplomatic Tensions
The expellees' claims and the Federation's advocacy have been a source of mistrust between Germany and its eastern neighbors. Poland and the Czech Republic emphasize that the expulsions were part of a broader post-war settlement and that current populations in those regions are often themselves displaced persons.
The Federation's position is often contrasted with the official policies of German governments, which have prioritized reconciliation and acceptance of current borders, particularly since Willy Brandt's Ostpolitik.
Notable Figures
Past and Present Leaders
The Federation has been led by several prominent figures throughout its history:
- Hans Krüger (1959–1963) - Resigned due to his Nazi past.
- Wenzel Jaksch (1964–1966)
- Reinhold Rehs (1967–1970)
- Herbert Czaja (1970–1994)
- Fritz Wittmann (1994–1998)
- Erika Steinbach (1998–2014)
- Bernd Fabritius (2014–Present)
Other notable individuals associated with the organization or its initiatives include Heinz Neumeyer and Peter Glotz.
External Resources
Official and Archival Links
- 🇩🇪 Bund der Vertriebenen - Official homepage (Archived)
- 🇩🇪 Spätaussiedler und Heimatvertriebene - Information on late resettlers and homeland expellees
- Jose Ayala Lasso: Speech to the German expellees, Day of the Homeland, Berlin (August 6, 2005) - Address by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "Federation Of Expellees" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
- (in Polish) Beata Ociepka, "ZwiÄ zek WypÄdzonych w systemie politycznym RFN i jego wpÅyw na stosunki polsko-niemieckie 1982â1992", page 235, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu WrocÅawskiego, 1997
- "Gesetz über die Angelegenheiten der Vertriebenen und Flüchtlinge" Par. 7/2. Retrieved 29 October 2017
- "Dafür fehlen uns die Mittel", Der Spiegel, 14 August 2006
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available sources, primarily Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and educational purposes, providing a structured overview of the Federation of Expellees and related historical contexts.
Content Accuracy and Bias: While efforts have been made to adhere strictly to the provided source material and maintain an objective tone, the original source may contain inherent biases or present specific perspectives. The AI's interpretation and presentation of this information are based on its training data and algorithms. Users are strongly encouraged to consult primary sources and diverse scholarly works for a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of these complex historical events.
Historical Sensitivity: The subject matter involves sensitive historical events, including mass displacement and post-war political developments. This content is presented for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement or validation of any particular viewpoint or historical interpretation.
The creators of this AI model and this page are not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations derived from this content. Always cross-reference information and consult expert historical analysis.