The years of 1939-1945, during which World War II took place, are some of history’s darkest. Conflict spanning the entire continent of Europe and much of the Pacific claimed millions of lives and left a wake of death and destruction, the effects of which linger to this day. It also produced massive archives of photographs, many of which were not made publicly available. Some were even censored from textbooks, but now is your opportunity to see them for the first time.
Worthless Money
After capitulating at the end of World War I, Germany was forced by the victors to pay massive reparations, which plunged the country into a great depression. Hyperinflation ravaged the economy and banknotes lost nearly all their value. This financial tragedy supplied fuel for the flames of Hitler’s propaganda, which blamed Jews and other minorities for Germany’s hardships. Here, children play with stacks of devalued currency.
Worthless Money
Hermann Goering’s Collection
As Germany sought to expand their borders, they invaded neighboring countries with a flash-attack tactic known as the “Blitzkrieg.” As they rolled across Europe, Nazis plundered art galleries and museums, keeping the best pieces for themselves. Here, an Allied soldier admires a piece from Hermann Goering’s collection of pilfered art.
Hermann Goerings Collection
