A Tangible Piece of World War II History: 1941 Third Reich War Time Newspaper - Völkischer Beobachter
Offered here is a genuine artifact from a pivotal and tumultuous period in history: a wartime edition of the Völkischer Beobachter, the official newspaper of the Nazi Party during World War II. This specific issue, the Berliner Ausgabe (Berlin Edition), is dated Mittwoch, 2. Juli 1941 (Wednesday, July 2, 1941), a significant time in the Eastern Front campaign.
This newspaper offers a chillingly direct glimpse into the propaganda and messaging disseminated by the Third Reich to its populace during the height of the war. The bold headlines and articles reflect the Nazi regime's narrative, providing invaluable insight into the mindset and justifications used to fuel the war effort.
This particular issue features prominent articles such as:
"So weit wie von Kassel nach Königsberg" ("As Far as from Kassel to Königsberg"): This headline, situated above a map detailing territorial gains, highlights the perceived rapid advance of German forces on the Eastern Front. The map itself visually represents the expansionist ambitions and early successes of the Wehrmacht.
"Fast 1000 km legten unsere Soldaten in siegreichen Kämpfen zurück. Das von unserer Wehrmacht besetzte Gebiet größer als das Reich" ("Our Soldiers Covered Almost 1000 km in Victorious Battles. The Area Occupied by Our Wehrmacht is Larger Than the Reich"): This boastful article underscores the regime's efforts to portray a narrative of swift and decisive victories.
Reports on fighting in Finland and other war-related news.
Owning this newspaper provides a unique opportunity to:
Study Primary Source Material: Directly engage with the propaganda and rhetoric of the Nazi regime during wartime.
Gain Historical Insight: Understand the information and perspectives presented to the German public at this critical juncture of World War II.
Reflect on the Power of Propaganda: Examine how information was used to shape public opinion and support the war effort.
Acquire a Rare and Significant Artifact: This original wartime newspaper is a tangible link to one of the most impactful periods in modern history.
Please note that the historical significance of this item lies in its role as a primary source for understanding the propaganda and mindset of the Third Reich during World War II. It is offered as a historical artifact for educational and research purposes only.