Following World War I, the Treaty of Versailles (1918) declared Danzig to be a free city administered by Poland and the League of Nations. Germany resented the loss of this largely German city. After invading Poland in September 1939, Nazi Germany annexed Danzig.
Antisemitic graffiti in Danzig
Antisemitic graffiti on Jewish-owned businesses on a Danzig street in 1935. The local Nazi Party had dominated the Danzig Senate since 1933. Danzig, 1935.
Item ViewBattle for Danzig
The Treaty of Versailles, imposed on defeated Germany following World War I, declared Danzig to be a free city jointly administered by Poland and the League of Nations. Germany bitterly resented the loss of this largely German city, which was also an important port on the Baltic Sea. The return of Danzig became a central feature of Adolf Hitler's foreign policy. This footage shows pro-German forces besieging a Polish garrison in Danzig's main post office. Germany annexed Danzig after the defeat of Poland in September 1939.
Item ViewAftermath of battle in Danzig
The Treaty of Versailles, imposed on Germany following its defeat in World War I, declared Danzig to be a free city jointly administered by Poland and the League of Nations. Germany bitterly resented the loss of this largely German city, which was also an important port on the Baltic Sea. The return of Danzig to Germany became a central focus of Adolf Hitler's foreign policy. Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. After the invasion of Poland, Germany unilaterally annexed Danzig. This German newsreel footage shows cheering crowds welcoming German forces into the city.
Item ViewAntisemitic caricature in the Danzig office of Der Stürmer
A young man looks at the antisemitic caricature in the display window of the Danzig office of "Der Stürmer." The poster reads: "The Jews are our misfortune." Danzig, 1939.
Item ViewAntisemitic graffiti in Danzig
Antisemitic graffiti on a Jewish-owned shop that has been forced to close. Danzig, 1939.
Item ViewAdolf Hitler enters Danzig
Saluting Germans greet Adolf Hitler (standing at front of car) as he enters Danzig. The Danzig District was incorporated into Greater Germany following the invasion of Poland. Danzig, September 19, 1939.
Item ViewOccupation of Danzig
Adolf Hitler addresses German officers after the occupation of Danzig. Even before the surrender of Poland, Hitler affirmed the incorporation of the Danzig District into the Greater German Reich. Danzig, September 19, 1939.
Item ViewNazis enter Danzig
Members of the SA enter Danzig in 1939.
Germany annexed most of western Poland and Danzig within weeks of the German invasion of Poland.
Item ViewPortrait of Arthur Greiser
Arthur Greiser, a leading Nazi Party official in Danzig. He became the head of the Danzig Senate in 1934. After the beginning of World War II, he became administrator of the new province known as the Warthegau.
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