“Wählt die Republik” / “Vote for the Republic” Vintage Political Poster

What the poster says

The main banner reads “Wählt die Republik”, meaning “Vote for the Republic.” It is a direct appeal to vote in support of Germany’s democratic government.

The ribbon around the building carries three words: “Frieden” (Peace), “Freiheit” (Freedom) and “Wohlstand” (Prosperity). These were presented as the three great promises of the democratic republic.

The text at the bottom names the organization that commissioned the poster: “Deutscher Republikanischer Reichsbund,” the “German Republican League.”

The symbols

The poster is a beautifully designed example of Art Deco political persuasion. The zeppelin symbolizes Germany’s engineering skill, innovation and optimism for the future. The church and civic building represent stability, law and German cultural traditions. The factory symbolizes industry, jobs and economic recovery.

The black, red and gold stripes are the colours of the democratic German republic, the same national colours Germany uses today. They deliberately contrast with the old Imperial black-white-red flag favoured by monarchists and later adopted by many nationalist groups.

The message is simple: support the Republic, and Germany will enjoy peace, freedom, prosperity, modern industry, technological progress and social stability.

Historical significance

This poster is especially poignant because it was created during the final years of the Weimar Republic, when democracy was under attack from political extremists. Within just a few years, many of the ideals it celebrates, peace, freedom and prosperity, would be swept away as the Nazi Party came to power in 1933.

It is a companion to the cabaret posters in our Weimar Berlin collection. While the nightclub posters celebrate the Republic’s vibrant culture, this one celebrates its political ideals. Together, they tell the story of a society that was remarkably creative and hopeful, even as it faced growing instability. It is also one of the finest examples of Weimar political graphic design: bold, optimistic and unmistakably Art Deco.