TRANSLATION FROM 1934 PEOPLE’S OBSERVER:
Nuremberg “Unity” Rally Delivers Nazi Flare But Falls Short In Amenities And Runs Day Too Long – Part II
Originally Published August 8, 1934
Continued from Part I Of Review
Day Three
By Day Three, however, the faces of the SA and SS betrayed their weariness. Marching in parades all day for two days and sleeping in tents takes its toll on the most ardent Nazi. Most would have been content to play drinking games and wrestle before the speeches that night. Instead, there was more and more marching. A Hitler Youth band played during the morning procession, but fumbled badly once Der Fuhrer emerged to take his position in Congress Hall.
One would think that since the Nazis put on this event once per year they could come up with enough material to fill three days.
Adding to the Day Three fatigue, the material seemed rehashed. One would think that since the Nazis put on this event once per year they could come up with enough material to fill three days. Even Der Fuhrer’s comments about Nazi Party unity seemed to draw collective shrugs rather than chants and salutes. If they decide to extend the rally to three days next year, they must come up with more original material.
Diversity Still Elusive
One thing that has not changed is the rally’s glaring lack of diversity. The Nazis always have appealed to a primarily white audience, but walking in the crowd one feels that he could be at a Johannes Heesters concert.
The Nazis always have appealed to a primarily white audience, but walking in the crowd one feels that he could be at a Johannes Heesters concert.
Lack Of Amenities
The Nazi Party expanded the rally grounds to accommodate another 20,000 during Der Fuhrer’s keynote addresses. They failed, however, to expand the campgrounds. Nuremburg’s hotel amenities were insufficient to provide for the increase in attendees. The result was many pitched tents on uneven ground in the neighboring forest. In a recurring theme from last year, organizers did not install enough port-o-potties. Many rally-goers had to dig makeshift latrines and “borrow” toilet paper from others. Should a member of the master race need to beg his comrades for toilet paper?
Most of the attendees, however, could endure sleeping on a tree root or long lines at the toilet if they got the performances they paid for. I heard a few complaints, but it was not overwhelming.
On the whole, the rally’s success cannot be denied. During Goebbels’ speech on the Day One he said that while power through the gun is good, it is “better to win and hold the hearts of the people.” If this were the goal of the 1934 rally, it can only be deemed a success.