Hans Fritzsche
1946 June 20, Front side - Note card with Hans Fritzsche signature from the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany.
Tan note card with cursive signature and cursive handwriting in German using black ink.
Name/Title
Hans FritzscheEntry/Object ID
2026.7.4Scope and Content
1946 June 20, note card with Hans Fritzsche signature from the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany.Context
Hans Fritzsche was a journalist who specialized in his role as the Ministerialdirektor at the Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda (RMPEP) of the Nazi party. Fritzsche was widely regarded at the voice of German broadcasting during World War II. In 1917, Fritzsche assisted the Imperial German Army as a private soldier. After the war, he studied at universities, though not passing examinations. Following his failed education, Fritzsche joined the German National People’s Party with nationalistic views and quickly began his broadcasting career. In 1933, his broadcasting show was incorporated into the RMPEP. Aligning in views, Fritzsche eagerly joined the Nazi party. Throughout the war, Fritzsche continued broadcasting and in 1942 became the head of the Radio Division. In April 1945, Fritzsche was in the Führerbunker during the final days of Adolf Hitler’s life before his suicide. As tensions rose and Joseph Goebbel’s acted on the role of chancellor, Fritzsche believed surrendering to the Soviet Union was the right call. Goebbel’s held faith in the idea of a temporary ceasefire. Additionally, General Wilhelm Burgdorf disregarded the idea of surrendering and attempted to shoot Fritzsche before the firearm was knocked out of his hand. Evading Burgdorf, Fritzsche left the area and surrendered on Soviet lines before being taken prisoner.Collection
Nazi Party SignaturesCategory
Note
Philatelic Material