*German, WW2, Nazi Propaganda Scarf/Sash for the Annexation of Austria: Graz grüßt seinen Führer Adolf Hitler*
“Graz grüßt seinen Führer Adolf Hitler” – “Graz Greets its leader – Adolf Hitler”
Turquoise blue/white scarf or sash with gold fringing. Turquoise and white rosette to the middle. Each side measures approx 102.5cm to the centre of the rosette. 15.6cm wide.
On March 12, 1938, Austria was annexed by Nazi Germany through a hastily drafted law declaring it a part of the German Reich. Hitler, at the height of his popularity, addressed a massive crowd in Vienna’s Heldenplatz on March 15, proclaiming Austria’s union with Germany.
“I can therefore at this hour give the German people the greatest announcement of my life. As leader and chancellor of the German nation and the Reich, I now announce to German history that my homeland has joined the German Reich.”
The Anschluss transformed Austria. Almost overnight, the country of Austria ceased to exist. In the following weeks and months, Austrian and German Nazis aggressively implemented Nazification, with many Austrians actively supporting the process. A propaganda production, organized down to the smallest detail, was intended to impress the people of Styria with the power of the party and the Nazi state, so that they would vote for the already completed annexation to Germany in the so-called referendum on April 10.
Graz is the capital of Styria, considered one of the oldest Jewish settlements in Austria. A newspaper article dated Feb 26th “Graz maybe Nazi ‘Capital'”. Graz, Austria, Feb 26. Flushed with success and eager for more victories, Nazis have started a movement in this Styrian metropolis to make Graz the “Nazi capital od Austria”. No announcement came from responsible Nazi leaders but, with enthusiasm mounting hourly, members of the rank and file are demanding that leadership in political groups be taken away from Vienna.”
*Condition*
Good used condition. Age spotting, dirt and fading in parts – commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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