World War II German Advertising

While looking for something else, I came across this interesting collection of German advertising for the home front from World War 2. It’s part of the German Propaganda Archive at Calvin College. This contains a large collection of materials (in translation) from both Nazi Germany and the old East Germany.

The adverts here were in a special issue of Illustrirte Zeitung Leipzig, a leading German weekly of the time. This was the 1944 issue on Der europäische Mensch.There are some household names there, of course;

German children: Europe’s future inventors!

While courageous men are fighting on the battlefields for the victory that will crown a happy and united Europe, the German home front is already working today on plans to benefit the freed peoples. The German youth is preparing for the great tasks of reconstruction and peace. They tinker and build models, engaging in guided and creative learning. Whether it is in shop class at school, evenings at home, or while participating in the youth organizations, UHU is everywhere. A special glue developed by the German firm Kunststoff-Chemie, it is in demand as a dependable product.

and, rather surprisingly, given the date (presumably Ford Europe was nationalised by the Reich)

Ford.

On the roads of Europe, German Ford trucks testify to the work of German industry. The agile, reliable, and easy to maintain Ford truck will be a welcome help in solving the major tasks that await our continent after the war.

And, to confirm all our worst fears, here’s a brandy company’s inspirational hope for the future (and they, at least, saw their hopes realised):

Everything should go well for all!

Yes, things should be even better! Everyone should be able to work without worrying. All should be able to afford to travel, to fill their homes with beautiful things, and to fulfill their heart’s desires, both large and small.

That is what Germany wants! For itself and for all the countries in Europe of good will. Together, we will work to secure and raise the standard of living!

That is what Germany is fighting for. And only a German victory will realize the goal of a European economic community.

Dujardin: For years Germany’s largest brandy distillery

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Technorati tags: Old Adverts, Germany, WW2