Occupation or Partition [Germany] - What to do with a defeated Germany?

Robert M. Chapin, Jr.

Publication Date: 1945

About this Item

Despite winning assurances of the German military's complete capitulation on V-E Day (May 8, 1945), Allied leaders still had to determine the best method for administering their defeated foe. The Berlin Declaration in early June established the pattern of occupation, with the four victorious powers (France, Britain, the U.S., and the Soviet Union) each controlling a large sector of the nation. Berlin would subdivided as an enclave within the Russian zone of control. The approximate areas of influence are outlined on this somewhat obfuscated map of Germany. Major cities are noted throughout, along with the optimistic borders of a 'New Poland.' While it was not immediately apparent at the time, the image reflects the strategic situation at the outset of the Cold War. The map was designed by Robert M. Chapin, Jr. and published as a supplement for the June 18, 1945 issue of TIME Magazine. Chapin was a professionally trained architect who found jobs to be in low demand during the Great Depression. He took a job in the photo department at Newsweek in 1933, where he apparently picked up a knack for cartographic design. By 1937, he was hired by Time (a rival of Newsweek) as the head of the cartography department, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1970. During his long tenure at Time, Chapin's prolific output helped establish a pattern for 20th-century newsroom cartography. The use of bold colors, uncluttered design, and legible typography was immensely popular, and the maps were reprinted for distribution in classrooms and public spaces throughout the country. Despite their widespread appeal, the maps are uncommon on the market and often overlooked in institutional collections. This version is listed in only four examples in WorldCat as of May 2024 - Franklin & Marshall College, the University of Chicago, Michigan University, and the University of Southern Maine. OCLC# 68802357. Sheet Width (in) 41.5 Sheet Height (in) 35 Condition Description "A large irregular tear, about 5", in the center left has been repaired on the verso with archival tape. A few other edge tears and spots of separation at fold intersections have also been repaired, notably a quarter sized hole near Leipzig. Wrinkling and light wear along originally issued fold lines. Good condition overall. Blank on verso.". Seller Inventory # W000891

Bibliographic Details

Title: Occupation or Partition [Germany] - What to ...

Publication Date: 1945

Condition: Very Good