German Political Associations in the World of Eman Robitschek

Eman Robitschek believed in pan-Germanic culture and the movement to create a German state at the heart of Europe, but he was appalled by the leadership of Austria, Germany and other European countries, and at the moral decay of German society and culture that followed WWI. Though he does not discuss German political associations directly, he makes frequent use their propoganda labels in his correspondence during and immediately following WWI. At first glance, this appears to be an act of patriotism and pan-Germanic solidarity, but in reality they are also used to mask his underlying criticism of the need for war, the state and the morality of its leaders.

One of the oldest and most respected German political associations in Austria was the Deutscher Schul Verien (GSV), or German School Association, which was founded in 1880. The GSV built and staffed private schools in which instruction was in German and the curriculum had a strong Germanic bias. Naturally, their schools had libraries one purpose of which was to disseminate literature that promoted union with Germany.
   Associations like the GSV raised funds by selling propoganda to the German community. This card is a good example. The card itself was a GSV product. The 2 heller political stamp was designed to be affixed opposite the postage stamp and proclaimed one's public support for the movement. By purchasing the the card and stamp directly from a local GSV group, you could also have the seal of group used as a cancellation on the stamp, in this case Chapter 1953, the German Community High School in Vienna.
   The official text says: "The duty of every German is to be a member of the GSV. Minimal amount annually 2 Kroner. Enroll at VI Left Vienna Line 4 or at the local chapter." Elsewhere we are told that this is card 130 printed by the art printing works of Josef Eberle in Vienna.
   The front of the card proclaims "Happy Easter".

Eman Robitschek does not comment directly on German patriotic associations, but during WWI he used their propoganda labels frequently to illustrate concepts in his poems and essays. He used the labels of the Deutscher Schul Verein most frequently. When it formed in 1880, the DSV welcomed all German speaking peoples. Many prominent Jews were members and raised substantial funds for the cause. However, as anti Jewish attitudes gained ground, dissatisfied DSV members left to found or join anti Jewish political associations. Eventually the DSV purged its Jewish members, but during WWI it still tolerated them. It is likely that his children went to German schools sponsored by the DSV and quite possible (though we have no certain knowledge) that Eman was a member or supporter of the DSV during the period he was using their labels.
   But German political associations are also existentially important to the Robitschek family because they formed the cultural medium in which Nazism was incubated, and through which it was spread to the other institutions of society. Below is a brief description of some of these associations that were active in Austria.