Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung – Sonderheft (“Special Edition”). “This is Austria” – luxurious Edition Published Six Days After the Nazi Annexation of Austria (Anschluss), March 18, 1938. A complete issue entirely dedicated to the annexation of Fascist Austria into the Third Reich and the transformation of Austria into a district of the German Reich.
The colorful cover features an illustration of an Austrian couple giving the Nazi salute against the backdrop of the Salzburg landscape. The issue served as a Nazi propaganda tool, presenting the annexation as the dawn of a new era, emphasizing the cultural and historical connection between Austria and Germany. It includes numerous articles and photographs showcasing the warm reception of the German forces by the Austrian population, highlighting the renewed unity between the nations. The issue opens with a congratulatory letter titled: “The State of Austria Salutes the Reich!” by the Reich Governor. The photographs include Hitler delivering his annexation speech on March 15, the entry of German forces, massive Nazi military parades, cheering Austrian crowds, and festive scenes celebrating the Nazi takeover.
A special article, “Things You Must Know About Austria, ” features a map of Austrian cities, their local industries, castles, and music, along with pieces about Austrian history and culture and key figures involved in the annexation process.
The entry of the German army into Austria in March 1938 was met with festive receptions by significant parts of the Austrian population. Behind the scenes, however, intense pressures and threats, including Hitler’s personal ultimatum to Austrian Chancellor Schuschnigg, led to his resignation hours before the annexation. This issue’s portrayal of the “cultural and national triumph” encapsulates the destructive force of Nazi propaganda. The Anschluss had enormous significance: Austria’s resources, industries, and military assets fell under German control, significantly strengthening the Reich. Austria became part of Hitler’s vision, providing a base for further conquests. The annexation, considered a prominent example of “aggressive diplomacy, ” occurred with minimal military resistance. Western powers, particularly Britain and France, demonstrated appeasement and failed to respond militarily, leading Hitler to conclude he could proceed with plans to invade Czechoslovakia. Immediately after the Nazi regime took control, Austria’s Jewish population became victims of persecution and forced emigration.
The Berliner Illustrierte Zeitung, founded in 1891 under the ownership of Leopold Ullstein, was Germany’s first mass-circulation newspaper. Initially known for its authentic and objective reporting, the Nazi regime dismissed its previous publishers, transforming the paper into a key Nazi propaganda tool until the end of the war. Published bi-monthly, the paper featured reports on the “New Germany, ” German conquests, antisemitic articles portraying Jews in ghettos as unproductive criminals, and fabricated pro-Nazi reports, accompanied by compelling visuals designed to influence public opinion and promote Nazi ideology.
121 [1] pages. 37 cm. Minor cracks on the cover. Condition: Good.
