PROPAGANDA POSTCARDS
(1921)

This page was last updated
18-Mar-2023 02:22

UPPER SILESIAN PLEBISCITE
(20th Mar 1921)

BACKGROUND: Much like other plebiscites in the years after the end of the First World War, quite a large number of cards were published to commemorate the 20th Mar 1921 Upper Silesian Plebiscite.

SPECIAL CANCEL:

SEID EINIG-EINIG-EINIG
(UNKNOWN PUBLISHER)

This first card features the mythical GERMANIA ascending on a cloud to the industrial heartland of Upper Silesia as depicted by chimneys belching out smoke. At Germania's feet are two cherubs holding a pot, presumably being used for the storage of voting slips. To the right are two figures holding hands and waving in unity. The string of emblems along the right-hand and bottom edges are the crests of the various cities in the Silesian region.

The inscription on the top of the card is a well-used "Seid Einig-einig-einig", a phrase also found on some pre-war German stamps and translated as 'Be one-one-one'. There is an additional inscription between the two figures which reads "Wir Wollen Sein | ein einig | Volk von | Brudern!" - 'We want to be | a united | People of | Brothers!'





ABOVE: No.1

POLICEMEN POSE FOR PHOTOGRAPH

This postcard depicts four policemen standing beneath a voting banner. The poster reads "Rettet | Oberschlesien | dem | deutschen | Vaterland!" - 'Saved | Upper Silesia | the | German | homeland!'.





ABOVE: No.2