Background: These cartoons all come from 1934 issues of Kladderadatsch, a leading German satirical weekly that quickly adopted to National Socialism. These cartoons reflect the Nazi propaganda line at the time: Germany wanted peace, whereas the rest of the world was preparing for war. For those who read German, the whole run (1896-1944) of the most prominent German satirical magazine, Simplicissimus, is available on-line. The site also includes a variety of indexes to the material. It is an extraordinarily valuable resource. Cartoons from Kladderadatsch (1934)   The title: In the new Garden of Eden." France, personified as Eve, is being seduced by the serpent of the armaments industry. Source: Issue #15/1933.   The caption: "French secret report. Germany's rearmament is in full swing, and its fighting spirit incomparable." The wheelbarrow says: "On to the battle of labor." The point is that Germany is building its economy, not weapons. It comes from the same issue as the cartoon immediately above. Source: Issue #15/1933.   The caption: "International chess tournament." The Western powers, with all their weapons, are being driven into the corner by the pawns, the common people. Note the French colonial soldier. Source: Issue #17/1933.   Caption: "America for the 'Americans'! The extraordinary increase in the population of Negroes and Jews is causing headaches for the more established Americans." Source: Issue #23/1933.   Hitler visits Italy to make peace, while an unhappy France, accompanied by the God of War, watches. Source: Issue #27/1933   The center shows a memorial to the ten million dead of World War I. Two Jews stand beneath. One says: "Why shouldn't we risk a war? We won't have to fight in it." Source: Issue #31/1933   This cartoon appeared immediately after the Night of the Long Knives. The title: "Loyalty. The Führer's major speech on the events of 30 June." At bottom, a quotation from Hermann Göring: "The German people knows: The greater the need, the greater always is the Führer!" Source: Issue #31/1933.   France and the Soviet Union had agreed on a treaty. The USSR is personified as a bear, France as a tiger. "Europe, you can rest easy!" Source: Issue #39/1933.   This cartoon suggests the danger of Communism, as red insects infest Europe. The caption: "Europe, defend your holiest treasures!" Source: Issue #43/1933. [Page copyright © 2008 by Randall Bytwerk. No unauthorized reproduction. My email address is available on the FAQ page.] Go to the 1933-1945 Page. Go to the German Propaganda Home Page.