On 30 April 1937 the Nazi leadership opened a major exhibition in Berlin entitled “Gebt mir vier Jahre Zeit’’ (Give Me Four Years Time). The title of this special exhibition that ran from 30 April – 20 June 1937 was derived from a famous Hitler speech, “give me four years time and you will not recognize Germany”. The exhibition was intended to show the German people the many successes of the first Nazi Four Year Plan. In particular, it showed them that Hitler had been able to dispel the shame and humiliation imposed on Germany by the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I in 1919. The Treaty had stripped Germany of territories (especially in re-creating Poland), demilitarized the Rhineland (forbidding the German military to occupy this buffer zone), and imposed harsh economic sanctions. It also imposed severe limits to Germany’s armed forces, allowing only six battleships, no submarines, no tanks, no air force, and an army of 100,000 without a draft. The Treaty also blamed Germany for all the horrors of the war and imposed reparations payments to the victorious Allies. Hitler and his party used the signing of the Treaty as a pretext to rebuild Germany so that this could never happen again.

The guests of honor during the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Gebt mir vier Jahre Zeit!” (Give me four years time!) included Reichsleiter Max Amann, Robert Ley, Joseph Goebbels, Werner von Blomberg, Konstantin von Neurath, Wilhelm Frick, Baldur von Schirach and Heinrich Himmler. Printed across a large wall at the main entrance to the exhibit were displayed several laws with explanations, among them, the Law for the Protection of German Blood and German Honor, the Law concerning the Head of State of the German Empire, the Enabling Act, the Law for Securing the Unity of Party and State. Above that were quotes from Adolf Hitler’s speech on “The Day of Potsdam”.

Egon Eiermann’s creativity was on full display at the exhibition “Gebt mir 4 Jahre Zeit” (Give Me Four Years) in the large exposition halls that still stand today by the Berlin radio transmission tower. Eiermann designed the “Hall of Fame” with a highly modern and sophisticated light and sound management system. Goebbels stood on this stage in the large hall and spoke of the rise in employment, the resurgence of German farming and industry, the growth of a “proud army on the borders of the Reich,” and the “Kraft durch Freude” (Strength through Joy) program.

“The exhibition “Give me four years of time” is intended to provide an account of four years of National Socialist construction in all areas of our German life in comprehensive pictorial, statistical and factual representations. This exhibition is therefore the most eloquent document for the fulfillment of a greater national promise, for the fulfillment of a German hope and for the realization of a German faith. With this exhibition, the German nation honors the Führer and his work.”

-Joseph Goebbels

“Gebt mir vier Jahre Zeit’’ demonstrated just how much had been achieved since Adolf Hitler became Chancellor and had been delivered on his promises since his first radio address to the German people on 1 February 1933. It showcased major publics works projects undertaken during Hitler’s leadership, like the building of the Autobahn super highway. Ominously, the exhibition also featured military hardware in prominence – tanks, artillery, a submarine, and a stunning display of modern aircraft. Huge photo panels of Nazi youth, Wehrmacht soldiers, and Adolf Hitler backed by the industrious multitudes revealed a nation poised to take its ‘rightful’ place in world affairs.

NSDAP Propaganda Materials

The exhibit served as a chronicle of all the important events and achievements in Adolf Hitler’s first four years of governing. The Four Year Plan sought to reduce unemployment, increase synthetic fibre production, undertake public works projects under the direction of Fritz Todt, increase automobile production, initiate numerous building and architectural projects and further develop the Autobahn system. The following are examples of souvenirs produced for the exhibit that included a variety of posters, postcards and photo books.

Ausstellung “Gebt mir vier Jahre Zeit”

Berlin 1937 A cross section in 20 photos.

The “Give me 4 years of time” exhibit book is a summary of an exhibition in Berlin that presented the main economic, political, military, organisational and social achievements of the National Socialist party. When Hitler came to power he promised to his people that they will see the results of his governing in 4 years. This softcover book has 164 pages with many pictures featured on each page.