German Propaganda Archive Calvin University

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Background: The following includes 16 of the 100 photographs from The Hitler No One Knows: 100 Pictures of the Life of the Führer.By 1940, 420,000 copies had been printed. The book was one of the first of the numerous picture books on Hitler put out by Heinrich Hoffmann, who went by the title “Reichsbildberichterstatter der NSDAP.” Hoffmann made his fortune during the Third Reich as Hitler’s favorite photographer. A full account of his activities is in Rudolf Herz, Hoffmann & Hitler: Fotografie als Medium des Führer-Mythos(Munich: Klinkhardt & Biermann, 1994). Even for those who don't read German, Herz’s book provides a wealth of photographs of Hitler.

The source: Heinrich Hoffmann, Hitler wie ihn keiner kennt (Berlin: “Zeitgeschichte” Verlag, 1932).


The Hitler No One Knows


Introduction by Baldur von Schirach, Youth Leader of the German Reich:

Hitler Photo The “whip.” Enemy papers excitedly write that Hitler always carries a riding whip. In reality, it is a dog whip that the Führer carries today as a reminder of the time when he could carry no weapon at all. Then the whip was his only defense...
Hitler Photo As the battle began... this is a picture of the Führer from 1919, when Hitler began calling the German people to resistance at ever larger meetings.
Hitler Photo The earliest picture of the Führer at the begining of his political activity: Dedicating flags on Mars Field in Munich in 1923.
Hitler Photo After a 3 hour meeting, the Führer strides exhausted through the lines of SA and SS comrades, surrounded by the cheers of thousands who now have new faith and new hope.
Hitler Photo The Speaker. The National Socialist German Workers Party grew through mass propaganda. Even today Hitler is not only the Führer, but also the best propagandist of his movement. His words fall like hammer blows in the hearts of the tens of thousands who hear him: “One does not beg for his rights, one fights for them.”
Hitler Photo The hands of the Führer organize his speech. This picture captures Hitler's hands as he speaks of the unity of the National Socialist and socialist ideas.
Hitler Photo On the train. When winter makes roads impassible for automobiles, the Führer travels by train. Otherwise, Hitler always travels in his own car, a large Mercedes, which brings him safetly to his destination and saves time.
Hitler Photo Here, too, Hoffmann gives him no peace.
Hitler Photo When evil men wanted to hurt him deeply, they poisoned his favorite dog. That is how evil fights a good person..
Hitler Photo In his beloved mountains. From time to time the Führer visits his “villa” in the Bavarian Alps for a few hours or days. He has a small wooden house that his sister purchased. There he finds the inner strength for new tasks.
Hitler Photo A photograph accidentally becomes a symbol. Adolf Hitler, the supposed “heretic,” leaves the Marine Church in Wilhelmshaven.
Hitler Photo Even the youngest want to take Hitler’s picture....
Hitler Photo On the Pier. A short rest during a trip to East Prussia.
Hitler Photo Adolf Hitler’s life style is simple. He never drinks alcohol and does not smoke.
Hitler Photo Hitler Youth. Even the youngest fight for him....
Hitler Photo The Brown House in Munich is the goal of S.A. men from all regions of Germany. How their eyes glow when the Führer is with them!

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