DailyTimeCapsule brief
February 14, 1935
On February 14, 1935, Germany saw a significant ideological clash within its universities as professors resisted the rise of Hitlerism, with only 25% of academic staff supporting the regime. This period marked a critical struggle for intellectual independence amidst the growing authoritarianism of the Nazi regime. Globally, the impact of the Great Depression was still being felt, with many countries grappling with economic decline and political instability, further complicating the landscape of rising totalitarianism. In the United States, labor unrest echoed in the headlines as elevator workers across 200 buildings initiated strikes, reflecting growing tensions between unions and management as the nation struggled to recover economically. Additionally, Adolf Hitler banned the publication 'Reichswart,' which had criticized capitalism and indirectly targeted influential figures like financial minister Hjalmar Schacht, indicating the regime's intolerance for dissenting views.
Key developments
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On February 14, 1935, Professor H. Oncken announced his retirement amid growing tensions with Nazi supporters at German universities. Only 25% of university staff supported Hitler's regime, indicating a significant resistance within academic circles. This resistance reflected the conflict between Nazi ideology and intellectual freedom during a time of political turmoil.
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On February 14, 1935, an unauthorized strike caused elevator operations to halt in 200 buildings across the city. The union disclaimed responsibility for the action, attributing it to growing frustrations over delayed negotiations. As tensions rose, the union acknowledged a loss of patience among its members regarding labor disputes.
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On February 14, 1935, Adolf Hitler banned the publication of Reichswart, a newspaper affiliated with Nazi radicals. This action was prompted by the paper's attacks on capitalism, which were seen as a threat to the regime's broader economic agenda. The ban also indirectly targeted Hjalmar Schacht, the influential economist and president of the Reichsbank, who had increasingly conflicting views with more radical Nazi elements.
