Oct 7, 2024 · Beginning on May 10, 1933, Nazi-dominated student groups carried out public burnings of books they claimed were “un-German.” The book burnings took place in 34 university towns and cities. Works of prominent Jewish, liberal, and leftist writers ended up in the bonfires.

On May 10, 1933, university students burn upwards of 25,000 “un-German” books in Berlin’s Opera Square. Some 40,000 people gather to hear Joseph Goebbels deliver a fiery address: “No to decadence and moral corruption!”

Writers, filmmakers, and television producers implanted the symbolism of the Nazi book burnings firmly in American popular culture. Movies aimed at mass audiences make use of the bonfires to convey free speech messages.

On May 10, 1933, Nazi students at universities across Germany pillaged and burned books they claimed were “un-German.” The targeted books were those they deemed contrary to Nazi goals and beliefs. The book burnings are an example of the regime's eff...

The 1933 Nazi book burnings sparked response from anti-Fascist organizations, Jewish groups, and writers in the United States. American literary organizations provided aid to the rising number of German emigre writers in response to the crisis.

During the burning of books under the Nazi regime on May 10, 1933, many works were thrown into the flames while statements known as "fire oaths" were read. These statements declared why, in the Nazi view, the works of certain authors were to be burned.

Browse a series of articles about the 1933 book burnings in Nazi Germany, including information about the works burned and the symbolism of the book burnings.

Beginning on May 10, 1933, Nazi-dominated student groups carried out public burnings of books they claimed were “un-German.” The book burnings took place in 34 university towns and cities. Works of prominent Jewish, liberal, and leftist writers ended up in the bonfires.

On the night of May 10, 1933, Nazis hold book burnings. They march by torchlight in nighttime parades, sing chants, and throw books into huge bonfires. On that night more than 25,000 books are burned.

On May 10, 1933, Nazi students at universities across Germany pillaged and burned books they claimed were “un-German.” The targeted books were those they deemed contrary to Nazi goals and beliefs.