Modern techniques of propaganda—including strong images and simple messages—helped propel Austrian-born Adolf Hitler from being a little known extremist to a leading candidate in the 1932 German presidential elections. The style of this poster is similar to some of film stars of the era. Election poster, 1932; photo by Heinrich Hoffmann Photograph »

Recently appointed as German chancellor, Adolf Hitler greets President Paul von Hindenburg in Potsdam, Germany, on March 21, 1933. This pose was designed to project an image of Hitler as non-threatening to the established order. This particular image is from a popular postcard. The photo also appeared widely in both the German and international press. Hitler appears in civilian dress, bowing in deference to the heavily decorated von Hindenburg. The March 5, 1933, elections had conferred legitimacy on Hitler's leadership. Photograph »

Hitler rehearsing his oratory. Hitler carefully cultivated his image as the Nazi Party leader as he came to see the propagandistic value of photographic publicity. Heinrich Hoffmann, Hitler’s official photographer, created the images central to the growing "Führer cult." In 1927, Hoffmann snapped these action shots of Hitler rehearsing his oratory. Photograph »