Just a peaceful Zeppelin?
Gallery

Models of the Graf Zeppelin and the Frankfurt Hall. The model depicts the swastikas and the ship's name as they appeared historically. The presentation omits the airship's political use during propaganda flights. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen

The postcard shows LZ 130 flying over Reichenberg. A propaganda flight took place in the wake of the annexation of the so-called “Sudetenland.” The synagogue, burned down during the November pogroms, is also visible. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen

The burning synagogue in Reichenberg. On the night of November 9–10, 1938, the Nazi regime carried out organized violence against Jewish citizens. People were murdered, and buildings were destroyed and desecrated. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen
Die Synagoge aus deren Fenster Flammen schlagen, der Dachstuhl brennt ebenfalls. Im Vordergrund stehen uniformierte Nationalsozialisten.

Flyer containing campaign material for the sham election to expand the Greater German Reichstag following the “Anschluss” of Austria and the annexation of the “Sudetenland.” Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen

LZ 130 was integrated into Nazi propaganda. Beginning in 1937, it was also used for propaganda flights. The photo shows the Zeppelin staged between the Icarus Column and the swastika flag at Frankfurt Airport. Image: Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen