Among the many significant events of the 20th century, one is the most substantial and interesting. It marks the end of the era of the terrible events of the Holocaust, the seizure of Poland, the extermination of millions of people. I want to consider how different newspapers covered the death of Adolf Hitler – his suicide at lunch on April 30. There are many rumors surrounding Hitler’s death, including one where he did not die. Nevertheless, newspapers trumpeted his death: American, British, and Soviet newspapers spoke out. Different periods of death and conditions were cited, but the event resonated. The New York Times, The Boston Daily Records, Strikes and Stripes, and Daily Express were chosen as examples of newspapers.
The New York Times
The newspaper has several columns devoted to the event: the title page has only two small paragraphs in the center of the page. But on page 10, there are three whole columns full of facts and opinions from different politicians. In addition, the newspaper column is written in professional language, with no embellishments or different subjective opinions. Truman’s statement is provided through his speech at the conference and the supposed cremation report (Goebbels and Fuehrer Died by Own Hands, Aide Says, 10). It is worth noting that the column offers a foreign perspective on the event – it only briefly describes the facts preceding the event without additional information. It should be concluded that the purpose of The New York Times was to convey truth and highlight the issue, but it did not act as a significant news story on the main spread. Furthermore, it was not written until May 3, when the main event was the surrender of Berlin to the Russians.
The Boston Daily Records
Unlike the previous paper, The Boston Daily Records covered information about Hitler’s death from a different angle. A huge two-page spread is devoted to it, and the front of the issue has “Hitler Killed” on 3/5 of the page. Although the paper is regional (Boston chapter) and was published on May 2, it is much more informative and exciting to read. The report uses many images of Hitler and his henchmen: in addition, several issues are also covered about them (Hitler is Killed at His Post of Command 3). The edition contains detailed information about the location and the background of the event. The case highlighted both the generally known facts of Hitler’s crimes and found it necessary to add personal life details. Thus, the paper aimed to fully disclose the event and look at it as a logical conclusion to the dictator’s career.
Stars and Strikes
It is a national army newspaper with the same high-profile headline as the Boston edition. The issue covers Hitler’s death extensively and gives detailed facts about how his death was made public. There is a front page and a large spread devoted to the event, with historical facts about Hitler’s life and a description of his death. In addition, unlike other newspapers, it mentions German radio, which reported on the FĂĽhrer’s death (Hitler’s Death Ends Career Built on Hate 4). The publication reports general facts but expands and fully covers them because this paper issue was given to U.S. soldiers at the front in Europe. It makes it informative and helpful in conveying to the people of America the hope that the war would soon be over.
British Daily Express
The headline of the British Daily Express read of Hitler’s death, and the general tone of the paper was cheerful and hopeful. The newspaper reported the event with full credit, guaranteeing accuracy through references to German sources. Although the paper’s fronts contain other landmark headlines about the victory against Nazi Germany, the Daile Express covers the event several times: for example, a mention in an obituary (Hitler is Dead 1). It joyfully reports Hitler’s death and mentions a reasonably accurate date. The primary purpose of the publication was not to say the end, but a fair amount of material is devoted to it.
Comparison of Newspapers
The local newspapers covered Hitler’s death differently: New York was wordy and reported only recycled facts from London and Truman’s statements. On the contrary, Boston tried to diversify the issue and give more details with additional material about Hitler’s death and its connection to crime and personal life. Both newspapers had a similar point of view: suicide in his bunker with Eva Braun. The national newspaper covered the events in sufficient detail and completeness and provided a few additional facts. The American publications are generally quite similar in a narrative tone, unlike the foreign ones. The British edition is cheerful and written upbeat, expressing hope.
Historical Newspapers of Today
Newspapers themselves have always been informative and, in my opinion, do not accurately reflect reality. It is due to differences in the narrative, in the amount of information, and how it is told. One of the disadvantages of newspapers, in this regard, is their bias because the editor can shape the tone. On the plus side is the public benefit and impact on society. In the 21st century, the most valuable sources are unlikely to be paper newspapers; most likely, the next generations will turn to electronic newspapers and issues.
Works Cited
“Goebbels and Fuehrer Died By Own Hands, Aide Says.” The New York Times, 1945, p. 10.
“Hitler is Killed at His Post of Command.” The Boston Daily Records, 1945, p.3.
“Hitler’s Death Ends Career Built on Hate.” Stars and Strikes, 1945, p. 4.
“Hitler is Dead.” British Daily Express, 1945, p. 1.