Figure 1.--Here we see an unidentitified photograph showing some kind of Reichwehr event taken in the early-1930s. Note that the boys are not wearing Hitler Youth uniforms and the soldiers do not have NAZI ensignias. The soldiers seem to be showing the boys (and two girls) a model army camp. It looks to be a school group. The model is labeled 'Pionier Modelle'. That means in English Pioneer Models, in this case Pioneer Minature Models (maquettes). I think this refers to a model military camp. Pioneer is not used in the Anerican sence. It was a European military term used before World War II meaning a soldier employed to perform engineering and construction tasks such as building military fortifications and camps. Image courtesy of Military History of the 20th Century.

The reputation of the old Imperial Army was badly damaged by the War, especially the loss of the War. The Army after failing winning an early vicyory, essentially took over the German government and during the last 2 years of the War was rinnkng the contry. Yet after the War there was still considerable respect for the Army, more so than the Weimar politicans. Many Germans has served in the Imperial Army and has considerable resprct toward the Reichwehr. The election of Hindenburg is a good indicator of the respect shared by the German people toward the Recichwehr and military in general (1925). We are not sure at this time to what extent the Reichwehr's public relations effort was carefully planned out. We see some events showing Reichwehr soldiers with civilians, including children.

Created: 8:06 AM 4/30/2012
Last updated: 8:06 AM 4/30/2012