Eight photographs documenting the victory parade of German Wehrmacht soldiers at the approaches to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris upon its conquest by the Nazis – postcard format. Occupied France, June 1940.
The display of German military power held in June 1940 along the Champs-Élysées near the Arc de Triomphe. The photographs show Wehrmacht soldiers marching in two parallel columns, holding rifles, as well as the Wehrmacht band with drums and trumpets marching in formation and halting near the Arc de Triomphe for an official ceremony. The parade was intended to humiliate France, project strength to all of Europe, and reinforce the German consciousness of inevitable victory. The procession included infantry units, motorcycles, armored vehicles, and German flags—and was accompanied by photographs and film footage for propaganda purposes.
For Hitler, the conquest of Paris represented a tremendous psychological triumph—a revenge for Germany’s defeat in World War I and the humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles. Shortly afterward, Hitler paid a brief visit to Paris—the only time he ever visited the city—during which he visited Napoleon’s tomb, the Opera, and other landmarks. The images and films from the event became a powerful propaganda tool within Germany—bolstering the belief in the superiority of the German army and the righteousness of Hitler’s path.
Identical size: 9×14 cm. The photographs are divided on the reverse for use as postcards. Very good condition.
