Rudolf Hess and Complainers

By mid-1934 Nazism's initial popularity was showing cracks. People complained about unsolved problems and abuses by Nazi party leaders. in June 1934 Rudolf Hess, then next-in-line to Hitler and head of the party chancellery, gave a speech to the Gau Essen party rally dealing with complainers. He is not happy.

Goebbels on Victory (March 1942)

On the fourth anniversary of Hitler’s takeover of Austria, Goebbels gave a speech in Vienna on “Victory at Any Price.” It was after the first winter of the war with the Soviet Union. Goebbels expresses optimism and congratulates the Viennese on their sacrifices for the Reich.

Report from Fortress Breslau (March 1945)

I’ve added a report of a speech by Gauleiter Karl Hanke, delivered shortly before the Russians reached the city. Hanke provides the usual Nazi themes of resistence whatever the odds.

Robert Ley Tries to Build Hope (January 1945)

Robert Ley was one of the less capable Nazi propagandists. Today I add an article titled “Lippe!,” one of his last articles, dated 18 January 1945. With no good arguments for victory left, he resorts to a standard Nazi argument: since the Nazis had overcome difficulties in the past, they would again in the present.

Last Speech by Gauleiter Hofer (1945)

I have added the last speech by Gauleiter Franz Hofer of Tyrolia and Voralberg, delivered over the radio on 30 April 1945. A few days later he was captured by the Allies. After a lively legal set of proceedings, he lived a long life as an unrepentant Nazi.

63 Issues of "Signal" for Sale

Signal was a glossy illustrated Nazi monthly, printed in over 20 languages. I have a collection of 63 issues for sale:

1940: 13, 14
1941: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23/24
1942: 1-22
1943; 2-5, 7-24

The conditions range. All are complete, but some have loose pages or covers. Some of the war time paper is crumbly. To my non-expert eye, I'd put their conditions this way:

Poor: 12
Fair: 28
Good: 23

Together, the issues give a remarkable view of German wartime propaganda. All issues together: $1100, shipping included.

If you'd like more information, drop me an email.

An East German Textbook’s Explanation of the Berlin Wall

On a recent visit to Germany I picked up some East German history textbooks, which make interesting reading. I've posted one textbook’s account of the necessity of the Berlin Wall.