Soviet Anti-Nazi Cartoon Films During WW2

Soviet cartoons from World War II were not much different from the Soviet feature films of the same era. War movies and cartoons were a variety of weapons. Since the enemy can not be any compromise. The message? The enemy can not be left alive.  Konstantin Simonov in his famous poem "If the road you your house" says

Cruel? But do not forget - in those years it was a matter of the survival of our country and its peoples. Us or them. No middle ground.

Ideological and cultural war preparations began long before June 22, 1941 the Germans crossed into the Soviet Union. "War is inevitable". That was understood by all. Millions of copies of printed books such as "First strike" were circulated. Films such as "If Tomorrow War", "Deep Raid," "The squadron number 5." were made In these works, the invaders (not named aloud as the Germans, but easily recognizable) suffered a crushing defeat in the first days of the war.

Notice that the Soviet military cartoons are nothing like Bugs Bunny Nips the Nips or Tokyo Jokio - cartoons inciting ethnic hatred. More often than not, the main villain - a possessed guy with the mustache. Or we see a brutish creature, who represents fascism. 

Another animated film journal. This time, the satirical. Circus of three numbers. The first chapter is devoted to Adolf trainer and his dog - European leaders - Germany's allies. Dog named Mussolini, Horthy and Antonescu do their best to cheer up the host, and then fiercely fighting over a bone thrown to them. In the second story, Hitler had to ask the blessing and advice of Napoleon. It should be noted that Soviet propaganda at the beginning of the war often compared the two "great generals." A similar story was in "field kinosbornike No. 2." And in the song "bastards no mercy" was a verse: "Hitler waited for an answer from Napoleon. "Tell me, how can I finish the fight with Russia." He replied sleepily from the grave: "You are a friend of mine. Come to bed with me." The end of the newsreel shows Hitler juggling torches, standing on a barrel of gunpowder. Each barrel represents one of the countries conquered by the Nazis. And in the end  the barrels, of course, explode.

Animated film journal. The issue consists of four themes - "What does Hitler?", "Nazi Bay Pirates," "Beat the enemy at the front and in the rear," and "Handshake." Hitler what he wanted? Of course, to return the land to the landlords, capitalists and factories. What he gets is also clear - sudden death from Soviet bayonets. Story about the Nazi pirates pleased with their psychedelic - German U-boats look like shark tank turrets on their backs. The plot of "Kill the enemy in front and in the rear!" Is devoted to the fascist agents in the Soviet rear. These agents appear as characters of horror films. And in the end they will face the same fate as most movie monsters - inevitable death at the hands of goodies. A "handshake" is dedicated to the conclusion of an agreement between the Soviet Union and Great Britain on joint operations against Nazi Germany - Soviet and British soldiers shake hands across the map of Europe.

Half of screen time the fascist boots trample a map of Europe - Czechoslovakia, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark, France ... Shots with boots sometimes replaced by a frame in which the bomb with a swastika falls on a map of Europe. And then, finally, murderous pig in Wehrmacht  uniform crosses the border of the Soviet Union. To the viewer it is immediately clear that the Nazi boot could not trample this country. In the background sounds "March Tankistov" -  And in the fast frame "Beteshki" and three-turret T-28 proved to the the Nazis that crossing  the border of the country was a mistake. At the time the cartoon was made it was another four years before the victory came to Russia, but these cartoons inspired in the people of the country a  belief that victory was inevitable.

Cartoon is simple - Nazi bombers vultures cross the border of our country and get what they deserve from the red star Yastrebkov (easily recognizable "donkey" - I-16). Cartoon ends with the famous slogan - "Our cause is just. The enemy will be defeated. Victory will be ours! ". Surprising choice of audio - behind the scenes, a melody sounds "March Gunners." Although there is no artillery, anti-aircraft in the frame. By the way, contrary to popular belief, "donkey" modified in 11941 were not obsolete aircraft. At top speed they out-raced the German "Messer".  But in terms of maneuverability "donkey" was lousy.

American Anti-Racist "There Are No Master Races" Comics

World War II was not only a clash of states, but also a clash of ideologies. Nazi Germany announced the superiority of the "Aryan race" (of course, in the first place were the Germans) over all other races and nations. The Soviet Union opposed the ideology of internationalism and the equality of all peoples. In the United States in those years there was discrimination against blacks, but some publishers considered it their duty to lead an anti-racist campaign . 

Publisher George Hecht was a humanist, and promoted his thinking in the magazine "Real comics" (True Comics). In particular, he used his comics to promote anti-racism, which was to resist propaganda  of superiority of the "Aryan race", promoted by the Nazis. In September and October 1944 True Comics released a comic "There Are No Master Races", where an attempt was made ​​to explain why all races are equal. We invite you to read this comic.

A good article on True Comics can be found at VCU Libraries. More True Comics can be read at The Digital Comics Museum.

Meanwhile enjoy the "There are no master races" comics!

History Poll 6: "Did America and Britain Act As Brutally as the Germans and Japanese during (And after) WW2?

The topic in this history Poll Number 6 is "Did America and Britain Act As Brutally as the Germans and Japanese during WW2?

It is possible that first thought that may come to many of you is "What a useless, one-sided topic! Of course the Americans and British acted in a far more civilised manner then the Germans and Japanese during WW2"

But do pause and think before you vote. The Dachau killings by American soldiers in 1945. The inhuman torture by the British of former Nazi officers (Hoess for instance) after the war ended. The almost deliberate starving of the German people after the war by the Allies. Many more points can be raised.

Here are useful links to help make up your mind....

When Allied Soldiers "Went Bad"......
Ruthless American Incendiary Bombing Of Japan In 1945

American Soldiers Hated To Take Japanese Prisoners

Brutalised American Soldiers Kept Japanese Skull Trophies

INGLORIOUS ALLIES DURING WW2: Terror Bombing German Cities

INGLORIOUS AMERICANS: Killing German POW During WW2

Rape of Japanese Women By American Soldiers During WW2

Inglorious American Soldiers: KILLING OF GERMAN POW AT JUNGHOLZHAUSEN

Inglorious American Soldiers: MASSACRE AT LIPPACH

Allied War Crimes During WW2: French

Did the Allies Deal Fairly With The Germans During And After WW2?

Were There Any Good Guys During WW2?

Rape of Germany After it lost the war

German POW Tortured By Allies

Waffen SS Prisoners Brutalised By American Soldiers

An extract from an article.....

Adding to international outrage, Cyril Connolly, one of England’s most acclaimed writers reported: "British guards imprisoned German troops and tortured them." He described how "they were so possessed by propaganda about German 'Huns' that they obviously enjoyed demonstrating their atrocities to visiting journalists. A British reporter named Moorehead who was present at these ‘torture fests’ observed that 'a young British medical officer and a captain of engineers managed the Bergen-Belsen camp. "The captain was in the best of moods," he said. "When we approached the cells of gaoled guards, the sergeant lost his temper." The captain explained. 'This morning we had an interrogation. I'm afraid the prisoners don't look exactly nice.' The cells were opened for the visiting journalists. "The German prisoners lay there, crumpled, moaning, covered with gore. The man next to me made vain attempts to get to his feet and finally managed to stand up. He stood there trembling, and tried to stretch out his arms as if fending off blows. "Up!" yelled the sergeant. "Come off the wall." "They pushed themselves off from the wall and stood there, swaying. In another cell the medical officer had just finished an interrogation. "Up." yelled the officer. "Get up." The man lay in his blood on the floor. He propped two arms on a chair and tried to pull himself up.A second demand and he succeeded in getting to his feet. He stretched his arms towards us. "Why don't you kill me off?" he moaned. "The dirty bastard is jabbering this all morning." the sergeant stated. 

American Propaganda Posters During WW2: "Careless Talk Costs Lives"

"Careless Talk Costs Lives". The campaign ran in both Britain and United States during WW2. The aim was to warn the people against the German and Japanese spies who were all ears to pick up useful information.

Below are some American propaganda posters.

"He is watching you"

Wanted! For murder. Her carefree chatter cost lives

"Enemy ears are listening"

"If you talk too much, this man may die"

Loose talk may cost lives"

"I am counting on you. Don't discuss: Troop movements, ship sailings, war equipment"

The world has ears"

"Loose lips might sink ships"

"Careless talk did this"

"Someone blabbes. Button your lip"

"Loose talk can cost lives"

"Loose talk can cost lives"

"Careless words can liquidate ships"

"Free speech does not mean careless talk"

"Don't tell him what you know"

Rumors costs lives"

Someone talked"

"A careless word. A needless loss"

"Award for careless talk"

"A careless word....A needless sinking."

"Someone talked. Button your lips."

Image Source: http://www.usmm.org/postertalk2b.html