The outbreak of the First World War ended a phase of economic and social stability. East Prussia was the only region in Germany to be a theatre of war and suffered occupation, destruction and aggression. Even if the Russian armies occupied the area for only a few months, the destruction in the eastern and southern parts of the country was considerable.
Today the First World War is associated with millions of deaths in Langemarck or in the trenches of Verdun on the western front. Less well known are the acts of war on the eastern front. Even then, 30 years before 1945, East Prussia was overrun by war and towns, villages and farms were destroyed and the civilian population was forced to flee. However, Paul von Hindenburg's rapid victory in 1914/15 made a return possible after only a few weeks. It was precisely this success, after the end of the war, the proclamation of the Weimar Republic and the abdication of Emperor William II, that was to contribute to the continuing support by a large part of the rural population of the aristocratic elites with their conservative politics and hostile attitude to the republic.
Illustration:
W. Semm: Memories of the Russian Days, 1915
The lithograph is a powerful expression of the plight of the population on the over-hasty flight from enemy troops. The pictorial language strongly resembles that of corresponding works of art from the years after 1945. This experience of a quick return home from war in 1914/15 contributed to the forlorn hope of returning after flight and expulsion in 1945.