The National Geographic Magazine – February 1937 issue – Extensive article by Douglas Chandler about Nazi Berlin – Rare color photographs of the city of Berlin full of swastikas on every corner by photographer Wihelm Tobien, impressions from the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Swastika flags wave alongside the flags of all countries – an American journalist’s impressions of Berlin when it changed from a free city to a Nazi city worshiping Adolf Hitler. Rare documentation of the “New Berlin” as presented in the leading international nature and society magazine.
The newspaper reporter Chandler spent time in Berlin during and after the 1936 Olympics, and in the huge article published here spanning 47 pages (!) titled “Changing Berlin” – he extensively describes the cultural atmosphere surrounding the new Nazi Berlin, still apparently unaware of the looming danger from the dictatorship’s single rule. Chandler met proud and happy Germans in the “New Era” under the Führer’s leadership, attended mass rallies where Hitler spoke, and participated Hitler’s massive birthday parade, and at other Nazi events. He visited leading leisure and tourism sites in the city, closely witnessing Berlin’s transformation into a dictatorial capital sponsored by the Nazis. Chandler firsthand describes the nationalist atmosphere and blind worship to Adolf Hitler he encountered everywhere – at the University of Berlin, museums, theaters, cafes, historic sites, tourism sites and more. Chandler was also present in Berlin during the famous 1936 Olympics hosted under the Nazi regime – rare photographs appear from the “torch lighting” ceremony opening the games, and views from the crowded stadium. The atmosphere in the city he describes is an atmosphere of a new era under the leadership of the Führer. We read about a happy city with celebrating German masses, German enthusiasm for sports culture, an atmosphere of Germany’s restored national pride in every historic site, without any looming threat from Germany apparent towards European countries, and even the terror and laws against Jews do not receive mention (despite pogroms and worsening decrees against Jews by that time), on the contrary he describes how all nation’s flags waved alongside swastikas during the Olympics, and joint urban events between Nazi Germany and representatives of other countries (including America) as part of the games
The issue includes among other things breakthrough sharp color photographs captured especially of central city sites filled with Nazi flags. Country flags of free Europe seen next to swastika flags around the Brandenburg Gate, a group of Hitler Youth on their way to camp is described: “Instead of boy scouts training, German youth now join an organization called the “Hitler Youth League”. Its symbol is the Swastika, and its broad activities and political training are very popular among all classes”. Another photo shows a large group of gymnasts described: “Enthusiasm for physical culture and sports of all kinds marks the new Germany. Here 1500 men and maidens await news in the Kaisar-Damm exhibition hall in Berlin from their leader…”, and more.
Douglas describes Berlin as a flourishing city interested in cooperation with world countries, while throughout the article it is apparent he himself was unaware of the looming danger in adopting the Nazi ideology by the German masses. He does not at all refer to the negative side of Nazi ideology.
268 [14] p. Complete issue. Good condition.
