German Propaganda Archive Calvin University


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Background: These World War II era cartoons are from Fliegende Blätter, a weekly German humor magazine. It’s interesting that four weekly humor magazines survived into the war years (the others were Lustige Blätter, Kladderadatsch, and Simplicissimus), whereas the Nazi humor magazine Brennessel expired at the end of 1938. The political content was heavy, though each issue had less heavy-handed material, too.

For those who read German, the whole run (1844-1944) of Fliegende Blätter is available on the University of Heidelberg site.

Cartoons from Fliegende Blätter

Roosevelt, Churchill, and a Jew

The caption translates as: “World Jewry: ‘I put them all on stage at the same time, but Stalin is worn out already.’” The claim is that “International Jews” are pulling the strings that control all the Allied powers.

Source: Issue #5/1942.

Roosevelt and Churchill locked out of Europe

The caption: “They can’t stick their noses in any more.” Roosevelt and Churchill are locked out of Europe.

Source: Issue #9/1942.

FDR, Churchill, and Stalin

Churchill says to Stalin, as they drive a locomotive named Roosevelt: “Well, Stalin, if noise were power, this wouldn’t be such a bad locomotive.”

Source: Issue #14/1942.

Antony Eden as a Soviet stooge

British statesmen Antony Eden hatches a batch of Bolshevist eggs. The caption: “Mr. Eden: Stalin's brood hen in England.”

Source: Issue #16/1942.

FDR surrounded by Jews

Roosevelt is surrounded by Jews. The caption: “The fighter for Christianity, surrounded by his managers.”

Source: Issue #17/1942

FDR as a stooge of the Jews

The caption: “We’ve already shaved the finest gentlemen, kings, and emperors, but shaving you is a particular pleasure.” A batch of Jewish barbers is shaving Roosevelt, who is holding a newspaper titled The New York Soviet Times.

Source: Issue #24/1942

Nazi view of Allied generals

The caption: “The Allies celebrate a new general. ‘He’s the best man — he gives splendid interviews.’” A cheerful general is being borne by a variety of figures, some Jewish. The point is that Allied generals are big talkers, but don’t do much.

Source: Issue #25/1942.


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