0651 - Relief on the Hoof: Animals and Postwar Humanitarian Aid
Course Description
In the immediate aftermath of World War II, the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) shipped thousands of horses and cattle from the United States to Europe as humanitarian aid for countries devastated by Nazi occupation; Poland received more animals than any other country. The animals were cared for on their trans-Atlantic voyages by men recruited by the Church of the Brethren. Known as "seagoing cowboys", they ensured the safe delivery of livestock that would help stimulate agricultural recovery and relieve hunger. This lecture will explore the many overlapping aspects of this little-known history, revealing how the animal aid shaped postwar reconstruction and reflected emerging Cold War tensions.
Instructor
Eva Plach is Associate Professor of History at Wilfrid Laurier University and chair of the History Department. A specialist in the history of Poland, she teaches courses in modern European history and the history of the Holocaust and leads field courses to Poland that explore memory, trauma, and the legacies of World War II. Her research weaves social, cultural, and political histories to examine how ordinary people and institutions responded to crisis.
Location
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, Community Pavilion (101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, ON)
- Parking is free.
- Download the facility map (PDF) to find facilities and parking lots.
Notes
- Lecture Time : 130-300 pm
- Lecture Cost: $16.00 + HST
- Participants must register before the day of the lecture.
- Laurier’s online registration system accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Visa Debit, and MasterCard Debit.
- You will only be able to purchase 1 seat at the time of registration. If looking to register more than 1 person, each registrant will require their own account to complete the registration.
- Lectures are non-refundable
Contact
If you have any questions please email lifelonglearning@wlu.ca.