Lanarkshire Philatelic Society

"Weimar Republic"

Mr. Walter Tytherleigh

It was quite a ‘vintage’ display at the Lanarkshire Philatelic Society meeting on Friday evening (12^th). LPS member Walter Tytherleigh gave a postcard display entitled ‘Weimar Republic’. 

He began by commenting that this was the name given to the German State during its years as a Republic following the end of the First World War. Conflict in the German Empire resulted in the end of the monarchy – the Kaiser – and a democratic multiparty parliamentary republic  - The Weimar Republic – formed.

The first cards viewed were of the train in the Forest of Compiègne where the Armistice was signed on 11^th November, 1918. Many truly wonderful historical postcards were displayed which gave members an idea of the great political upheaval that happened in Germany – ‘Weimar Republic’ in the immediate aftermath of the war. Also further turmoil – and much street fighting arose after the terms of the Treaty of Versailles - signed 28^th June, 1919 - became known. Many cards showed the destruction wrought on the cities of Berlin and Munich.

The cards also showed the suffering endured by the people and by returning soldiers and prisoners-of-war. Hyperinflation also caused much hardship – and many people starved.  In 1926, Wilhelm Marx became Chancellor of the Republic from 1926 – 1928. Also in 1926, Germany was allowed to join the League of Nations – having been refused in 1919. This was gained with the help of the Foreign Minister, Gustav Stresemann. 

There was a change of tone in the cards displayed as Germany rebuilt itself – both physically and humanitarianly.  Funds formed to help Mothers and children and also to aid soldiers who had suffered in the war. Cards commemorating the Liberation of the German Empire in 1930 – also the Liberation of the Occupied Territories. Various political organisations holding commemorations – German Youth; German Imperial War Day; Steel Helmet Day etc.

Interesting cards were viewed of MS Bremen – a famous German Liner – when it docked at Southampton in 1929 with a damaged propeller. 

The Weimar Republic was dissolved in 1933 with Hitler’s seizure of dictatorial powers.

David Haig, led members in giving warm thanks to Walter Tytherleigh for presenting such an interesting array of postcards not generally seen.

Our next meeting in the Caledonian Bowling Club, Motherwell Road, Hamilton, is on Friday, 2^nd November, 2018, at 7:30pm when members, who reside in North Lanarkshire will display. 

Anyone with an interest in stamps, postal history, postcards etc is very welcome to attend.