Camera Becomes a Weapon Against World War II

"Never before in history was photography such an integral part of the military machine as it was during World War II."

During the time when Hitler was rebuilding the country’s once-powerful military, he also ordered the photographers to prepare. It was a very important time, and in order for Hitler to conquer the land he wanted, he needed men to join his military force. One way that he could gain the trust and interest of the men in his country, was to use photography as propaganda. Most of the photographers hired were volunteers who were afraid they might instead become a soldier on the front lines of battle. Because of this, they weren’t experienced at all, which meant many photos were just snapshots. They were able to capture amateur photos; usually of other soldiers in their unit, landscapes, or citizens in the city where they were stationed. These photographs were harmless, and often not worried about. So, how exactly could a camera be used as a weapon against World War II? A picture is just a picture after all, which seems pretty harmless right?

As propaganda photographers, they had many rules in which they had to follow. Cameras were classified as weapons, in the same category as guns, bombs and ammunition. Hitler had priorities, and he did not need a photographer taking photos of his own dead or wounded soldiers. If a man was having ideas about joining the army, he would not want to look at a picture of a soldier suffering after just being shot. He also wouldn’t want to know that, if he did join, he had very low chances of living through the war. The thought of becoming a member of the army most likely wouldn’t even cross his mind if he knew such information. No one wants to leave their families, knowing they might never make it back. Hitler knew this, so he came up with a plan. He made sure the volunteer photographers were under complete surveillance at all times. The Nazis weren’t able to control all photographs, though.

Many soldiers would carry field packs, in which they were able to hide small cameras. Soldiers began to feel very drawn to the horrors during this time. One of the main events that were secretly photographed was the war of extermination in the Soviet Union. Pictures taken demonstrated the major shootings of Jews, the hanging of citizens, and even dead or wounded men. Most photos were taken, hidden, and then kept until after the war was over. The photographs showed what really happened in war, and even what was going on behind the scenes. Many people knew about the hatred of Jews, or anti-Semitism, but didn’t realize how horrible they were actually being treated. A secret snapshot illustrates members of the German police aiming at Jews who had just finished digging their own grave. Another photograph shows a wounded comrade whose arm had been ripped off during war. Around him, other German soldiers attend him. When war came to mind, suffering was the last thing people considered.

During World War II, photo’s either taken, or found, by soldiers were kept. The photographs became a weapon toward the German government. Instead of developing into propaganda, photos after the world war commenced to become evidence of how horrible wars could be. The pictures could also provide powerful documentation of crimes during the Nazi era. A photo can be kept forever, and it always shows truth. Also, as the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words...

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Also, please check out some sites I put up so show the many photos that were taken during World War II. The links are located under "About Me."