Erwachen.. (Awakening)
Berlin: Carl Sabo, 1932. First edition. Softcover. Folio (12 x 9"). Unpaginated. [8]pp. Original illustrated wrappers, with black and white lettering to covers.
This 8-page pro-Hindenburg political pamphlet was published after the first round of the 1932 German presidential elections (March 13), and which saw no candidate obtaining an absolute majority of the votes cast, though the incumbent President, Paul von Hindenburg with 49.6% failed only by a narrow margin.
Hindenburg was opposed to Adolf Hitler (NSDAP) who arrived second with 30.1%, Ernst Thälmann (KPD) who made it to the third place with 13.2%, Theodor Duesterberg (Stahlhelm) who arrived fourth with 6.8%. The lesser candidates gathered 0.3% of the votes cast.
These were the second and final direct elections to the office of President of the Reich (Reichspräsident), Germany's head of state under the Weimar Republic. Under the Weimar system, the presidency was a powerful office.
Hindenburg, who deeply distrusted and personally detested Hitler, had been motivated to run for a second term primarily by a desire to stop Hitler from winning the presidency. Nevertheless, following his re-election, Hindenburg failed to prevent the Nazis from assuming power. Two successive federal elections left the Nazis as the largest party in the Reichstag and anti-democratic parties in control of a majority of its seats. Under this political climate, Hindenburg reluctantly appointed Hitler as Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933.
This pamphlet titled "Erwachen.." (Awakening) is profusely illustrated with numerous duo-tone photogravures, and illustrations by C. Vogt depicting a character named Michel asleep, dreaming, and waking up to a better and safer Germany (with Hindenburg). The last page contains the following warning: "Get rid of radicalism! Do not leave the helm of the state to the inexperienced! Your vote only for Hindenburg."
Text in German. Wrappers and interior in very good condition. vg. Item #42466
Price: $750.00