Killing the Dragon

An effective and common element in propaganda is the glorification of the desired party and the demeaning of their opposition. This poster is particularly strong in this, portraying the Nazis as proud, virtuous soldiers. In this poster, the "enemy" is represented by the snake, commonly thought of as a corrupter (who caused Eve to fall from the Garden of Eden). This beast has many heads, each of which takes on the role of a different party. One head is capped with a red hat, perhaps representative of the Marxists. The second has a star, for the soviets. On the body of the snake itself there is a Star of David for the Jews, as well as "KPD" and "SPD" for two groups within Germany that were against fascist ideals. This "evil" snake is being stabbed by a pure and holy white figure, whose heart and spur are covered with the cross, and whose sword is topped by half of a swastika. This noble knight (St. George, killer of dragons) rests his hand protectively on the shoulder of a Nazi flag-bearer. In the distance, a series of civilian homes sit peacefully on a ridge. The message is obvious: Our righteous defenders push back the ignoble enemy (Jews and Marxists), saving the civilian city from an unspeakable attack. Religious veins are evident and prove that God knows the Nazi fascists and is on their side. It is a play of good defeating evil, and there is no doubt of whose side you are meant to be on in the end.