Old maps

German Travel Maps of the 1930s: A Window into Nazi Germany

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In the mid-1930s, Germany produced a series of visually striking travel maps titled “Germany the Beautiful Travel Country.” These maps, resembling vibrant map posters, offer more than just geographical information – they provide a fascinating window into the changing landscape of Nazi Germany.

1935

German Travel Map of the 1935

The 1935 edition showcases Germany’s borders extending to Königsberg (now Kaliningrad, Russia). This map is a tapestry of miniature towns, each vignette depicting local architecture and residents engaged in activities characteristic of their region. The overall effect is charming and inviting, presenting Germany as a diverse and culturally rich destination.

However, the political reality of the time was far more complex. By 1935, the Nazi Party had been in power for two years, gradually tightening its grip on all aspects of German society. While the map presents an idyllic view of the country, behind the scenes, the regime was implementing policies that would dramatically reshape the nation.

Tourism in Germany during this period was a mix of propaganda and genuine promotion. The Nazi government saw tourism as a way to boost the economy and showcase the supposed superiority of German culture. They invested heavily in infrastructure, improving roads and expanding the famous Autobahn network.

Domestic tourism was strongly encouraged, with programs like “Kraft durch Freude” (Strength through Joy) organizing affordable vacations for German workers. Popular destinations included spa towns, the Bavarian Alps, and the North and Baltic Sea coasts. Many Germans embraced these opportunities, seeing them as a sign of improved quality of life under the new regime.

Foreign tourism was also welcomed, though carefully managed. The 1936 Berlin Olympics would serve as a major international showcase, with the government temporarily toning down some of its more aggressive policies to present a positive image to the world.

1936

German Travel Map Poster of the 1936

The 1936 edition of “Germany the Beautiful Travel Country” reveals subtle but significant changes. A close examination shows alterations that reflect the shifting political landscape:

  • In Heidelberg, the jolly romantic student fraternity member has been erased.
  • Bonn now features a car where students once stood.
  • Göttingen replaces students with a traveling couple.
  • Interestingly, in Tübingen, the erasure is incomplete – about half of a fraternity member remains visible.

These changes weren’t mere artistic choices. They reflect the Nazi regime’s actions against student fraternities, which were seen as potential sources of dissent or competing loyalty. The government disbanded these organizations, forcibly incorporating them into Nazi-controlled “Comradeships” (Kameradschaften). Right-wing fraternities often joined willingly, while more liberal groups faced coercion.

The replacement of students with cars and traveling couples also hints at the regime’s focus on modernization and controlled leisure activities. The incomplete erasure in Tübingen serves as an unintentional metaphor for the imperfect nature of the Nazis’ attempt to reshape German society.

As we view these maps today, it’s crucial to remember the dark undercurrents beneath their cheerful surfaces. While they promoted Germany as a beautiful travel destination, the country was moving steadily towards a catastrophic war that would reshape the world.

The Nazi regime’s grand visions for Germany would ultimately lead to devastation. World War II brought destruction to many of the picturesque towns depicted in these maps. The conflict ended with Germany’s defeat in 1945, leaving the country divided and occupied by Allied powers. The borders shown in these 1930s maps were redrawn, with significant territorial losses in the east.

Today, these travel maps serve as both beautiful artifacts and sobering reminders of a turbulent period in history. They invite us to look beyond the surface and consider the complex realities that cartographic art can both reveal and conceal.

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