Zeppelin Field

I came upon the photos below while researching the events that occurred here and wanted to include them as they are just mind-boggling to imagine. They really don't fit in with the tone of the previous posting. But it was so eerie and sobering to actually be there that I wanted to include this post to reflect.

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It is difficult to imagine the massive support that Hitler was able to garner so quickly. Six rallies were held at the Zeppelin Field between 1933 and 1938 and each one drew over 100,000 people. The Nazi rallies were designed to impress the world with Germany's military prowess.  Hitler's speeches were broadcast through radio and film footage was shown in newsreels in movie theaters throughout the world.

View of the grandstand and podium as it looks today

Hitler intended for the buildings at the Party Rally Grounds to stand for thousands of years, similar to the great cathedrals of the past. The Zeppelin Grandstand was modeled on the Greek Pergamon Altar and had a large swastika at the top and also on the podium. Four days after the fall of Nuremberg on 22 April, 1945, the US Army held its victory parade at the main grandstand. After the ceremony, the swastika was blown up, to make the entire world aware of the end of National Socialism.

view from the side toward the grandstand

podium as it looks today where Hitler stood to make his speeches.

View of the grandstand, 1937.

Hitler's Nazi party convention at the Zeppelin Field, Sept. 10, 1935. (AP Photo)

Mass gymnastics demonstrations at Zeppelin Field for Hitler on the "Day of Community" on September 8, 1938. (AP Photo)

after blowing up the swastika, American soldiers standing on the podium site

From the US newsreel, Nuremberg 1945: "A swastika will no longer flaunt its crooked arms above the Nazi shrine. With the situation well in hand, the Yanks stage a review. The cleansing fires of the war have purged Germany of Nazi power. Let’s be sure it never again rises from her ashes."