Weimar and Nazi Germany (1918-1939): Party Rallies

Some of the most famous images of Nazi Germany come from the Party Rallies, where thousands of people packed into stadiums to hear Hitler and other leading Nazis speak. Rallies had been an integral part of the Nazi campaigns, starting life in beer halls across Germany.

The rallies were used as symbols of the greatness of Nazism and Nazi Germany, showcasing strength and the organisational ability of the state. Rallies were organised by Joseph Goebbels and the Ministry of Propaganda.

When the Nazis took power the rallies took on a new importance. Goebbels organised the rallies in the city of Nuremberg. Rallies at Nuremberg were held from 1923 to 1938. From 1933 they were held at specially built grounds in Nuremberg. Each rally had a different theme celebrating the achievements of the party for Germany.

The last rally was in 1938 as the 1939 Rally was cancelled due to the outbreak of World War Two. The planned 1939 rally, was supposed to be a celebration of peace and the peaceful intentions of Nazi Germany.

The rallies were also accompanied by propaganda films which were then shown across Germany and the world. The two most famous films were 1933 called Victory of Faith, and 1935 titled the Triumph of the Will.