German Foreign Policy, 1933–1945 — Historical Film Footage

Aftermath of battle in Danzig

Danzig District, September 1939
[German, 1:09]

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Transcript:

For the first time, swastika flags are waving on public buildings in Danzig. German Danzig has for all time returned home to the Reich. Here, the first German troops enter liberated Danzig.

For the first time, swastika flags are waving on public buildings in Danzig. German Danzig has for all time returned home to the Reich. Here, the first German troops enter liberated Danzig.

The Treaty of Versailles, imposed on Germany following its defeat in World War I, declared Danzig to be a free city jointly administered by Poland and the League of Nations. Germany bitterly resented the loss of this largely German city, which was also an important port on the Baltic Sea. The return of Danzig to Germany became a central focus of Adolf Hitler's foreign policy. Germany invaded Poland in September 1939. After the invasion of Poland, Germany unilaterally annexed Danzig. This German newsreel footage shows cheering crowds welcoming German forces into the city.