Two propaganda publications in support of Paul von Hindenburg during the elections held in Germany on April 10, 1932.
Erwachen (“Awaken”): A propaganda booklet published in preparation for the April 1932 elections, urging the German public to vote for Hindenburg. The booklet features photographs and captions in varying shades of blue-green, black, and white. It employs the German national character figure Michel (a symbol of the German people, often depicted with a nightcap and nightshirt, representing the simple, innocent person who must suffer and fight against tyranny and injustice). The front cover depicts an illustration of a new dawn over a pastoral German village, accompanied by a call to wake up. Pages 2-3 show the old Michel as the world around him prepares for war. Pages 4-5 illustrate Michel dreaming of an idyllic world where banks give credit, weapons are destroyed, and Germany redeems itself from its enormous war reparations. Pages 6-7 depict Michel awakening to a new world of hope, in preparation for the upcoming elections. The back cover emphasizes that Michel is doing the right thing for Germany by voting for Hindenburg: “Leave behind radicalism! Do not hand the wheel to the inexperienced! Vote HINDENBURG!” The booklet has filing holes. 8 pages, 31 cm. Good condition.
Illustrated Poster on Radicalism: This poster demonstrates the potential consequences if radicalism (the Nazi party) rises to power—persecution of minorities under a brutal regime, civil war, and unemployment. One of the illustrations shows Nazi soldiers in brown shirts with swastika flags capturing a helpless person. The caption urges the “Old German” to “Not allow radicalism to take control! Wake up! On April 10, vote Hindenburg.” Size: 40×28 cm. Condition: Good with a fold mark.
The 1932 presidential elections were a critical test for the democratic system of the Weimar Republic. Despite Hindenburg’s victory with the majority of votes against three competitors (including Adolf Hitler), the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag. Faced with ongoing pressure and after his political efforts to prevent it failed, the elderly Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor on January 10, 1933, under pressure from his advisors and influential figures around him. This decision effectively ended the Weimar Republic and led to the Nazis’ rise to power.
