“Yes” the leader of the German people on August 19 Poster for Hitler's election as Führer with Hitler’s face acquired by an American tourist
Extent and Medium
overall: Height: 21.375 inches (54.293 cm) | Width: 33.875 inches (86.043 cm)
Creator(s)
- Graphische Kunstanstalt Schultz G.M.B.H (Publisher)
- William A. Nelson (Subject)
Biographical History
William (Bill) A. Nelson was born on August 16, 1916, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to Dr. Enos A. and Constance Greiner Nelson. He had a younger brother, Theodore A., born in 1918. In 1933, William became involved in the American Youth Hostels (Hostelling International USA), a nonprofit organization created to promote understanding of different cultures among students. In June 1934, William traveled to Europe on the first AYH trip with a group of fifteen to twenty others. When the group reached the German border, an African American student was refused admittance to the country. They decided to split into two groups; one would continue into Germany and one would stay in France. William joined the group going into Germany. His mother’s relatives emigrated to the United States from Germany in the late 1800s. They were joined by young Germans who would act as guides. One was a member of the Hitler youth; he told William that he had no choice but to join. William was there during the August 19, 1934, referendum to approve Hitler as Fuhrer, the consolidation of President and Chancellor. Ninety percent of the population voted in favor of Hitler. After the results were announced, William and 3 other boys, including one German, rode their bicycles along the Rhine River and watched the celebrations. During World War II, William served as a US Army 1st lieutenant in occupied Japan. In March 1945, he married Ruth Kimball. After the war, he discovered that the young German he rode bicycles with had died on the Eastern front. William and Ruth worked and volunteered for AHY for many years, serving in several leadership positions. William passed away, age 93, on May 6, 2010, and Ruth passed away four days later, age 88.
Archival History
The poster was donated to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2010 by Judith Nelson, the daughter of William A. Nelson.
Acquisition
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Collection, Gift of Judith Nelson
Funding Note: The cataloging of this artifact has been supported by a grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.
Scope and Content
Small poster produced for the August 19, 1934, referendum to approve Hitler as Führer, the consolidation of President and Chancellor. It was acquired by 17 year old William A. Nelson, An American tourist traveling in Germany that month. Hitler assumed the role of Fuhrer on August 4, two days after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg. The vote was held to legitimize the position and solidify his dictatorial authority. Ninety percent of the population voted in favor of Hitler. After the results were announced, William rode his bicycle down the Rhine River and watched the celebrations.
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Reproduction
No restrictions on use
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Small newsprint poster with a sepia photographic image of Hitler’s face printed on the right. On the left are 4 lines of German fraktur text; 2 in white ink against a red background and 2 in red and black ink on an offwhite background. Near the lower center is copyright information. The edges are folded over with adhesive and there are missing sections.
People
- Hitler, Adolf, 1889-1945--Posters.
Subjects
- Germany--Politics and government--1933-1945.
- Americans--Travel--Germany.
- Germany. Reichstag--Elections--History--20th century.
- Elections--Germany--History--20th century.
Genre
- Object
- Posters