| “Reichsminister für Volksaufklärung und Propaganda (“Reich Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda”) and Gauleiter of Berlin Joseph Goebbels (October 29, 1897 – May 1, 1945) addresses the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP – “National Socialist German Workers’ Party”) faithful in the Berlin Sportspalast on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of his appointment as Gauleiter (“Regional Leader”) of Berlin on October 28, 1926. Goebbels wrote in his diary on October 30, 1936: “Yesterday: slept a bit. Read a lot of press. Domestic and foreign press fabulously writes about our district anniversary, especially about the impressive torchlight procession. Mountains of telegrams. Expressions of love from all the people. That’s what it does good. Reception in the town hall. [Staatskommissar (State Commissioner)] Doctor [Julius] Lippert speaks well. Donation of 200,000 marks from me to relieve distress. This is a special joy. I’m talking about the working class character of this city. Visit to the exhibition “Ten Years of Struggle Berlin.” How it wakes up many old memories! All the lovely, familiar faces. I’m in a daze. Eating stew with old comrades. Everyone is so elated. Work at home. Reading, writing. Nothing new in politics. In the afternoon, the foundation stone for the “Goebbels Settlement” was laid at Friedrichshain; it was a solemn act. These houses are for good, poor people. Thought that I would give instructions there. How much good can I do now? Wreath laid at Horst Wessel’s grave. [Sturmabteilung (SA) street fighter murdered by 2 members of the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) (October 9, 1907 – February 23, 1930)] Through a torch trellis, through the evening mist. What a journey from then to now. It’s coming to us. Everyone is deeply aware of this. Nobody says a word. Berlin has put up flags. The whole city is with us. Tonight, work at home. Then the Sportspalast. 1st 450 old guards receive a silver badge. Very atmospheric. I’ll talk briefly. And then hard handshakes. In the Sportspalast. Overfilled. Indescribable reception. “By the whole of Berlin we march.” And then I speak. In the best form. Great accountability. And appeal to idealism. A big success. I am happy overall. Then the Führer [Adolf Hitler (April 20, 1889 – April 30, 1945)] comes. Indescribable. He speaks about me in an unprecedented way. I didn’t expect it like that. I am touched and deeply moved. It ends with a blessing on me. How lucky I am. Frenetic applause. The rally ends with an unprecedented storm of cheers. The leader goes to the train station. Adieu! How grateful I am to him. Sat at home and chatted for a long time. With [SS Obersturmbannführer Hans] Hanke [March 13, 1912 – August 13, 1981)], the adjutant and Magda Goebbels, his wife (November 11, 1901 – May 1, 1945). We are all very happy and happy. Got to bed late and tired. Slept in today. The Associated Press reported on October 31, 1936: “Goebbels Hails ‘Fanaticism’ — Berlin, October 30. — An aroused Germany could be ‘a nation of fanatics,’ Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels told a mass meeting held tonight in connection with Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s 4 Year Plan for economic rehabilitation. ‘That fanaticism,’ Doctor Goebbels said, ‘now is behind the four-year plan.’ He advised foreign enemies of Nazism to abandon their ‘dream of starving Germany’ into abolition of the Nazi régime. ‘Before we are dislodged the whole remaining world will have become Fascist or National Socialist,’ he declared. Doctor Goebbels also said: ‘Never mind if sometimes we run short of butter and eggs. Today Germany is again a great power, determined to live.’ In another section of his speech, he declared: ‘I am told that the Jews are becoming impertinent again. Let them beware. The more impertinent they become, the harder will be our laws.’ Possessors of gold or foreign coins exceeding 2 marks in value were ordered by official decree today to offer them for sale to the Reichsbank before November 30. | |
| Image Filename | wwii1755.jpg |
| Image Size | 694.62 KB |
| Image Dimensions | 2000 x 2582 |
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| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | October 30, 1936 |
| Location | |
| City | Berlin |
| State or Province | Berlin |
| Country | Germany |
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| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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