Interesting Black and White pictures ripped from the net

[Sumbitch]

Execution of a German Communist in Munich, 1919



On the reverse of this photograph was written: “Zum ewigen Andenken an den Spartakisten Krieg in München Bayern.” – As an eternal memento of the Spartacist War in Munich, Bavaria.

Some say it’s a real situation some say it’s a staged photo. It’s most likely was a staged event due to the various discrepancies in the photo. This does not look like an actual execution. They are too close to the wall to shoot without ricocheting and they’re not aiming or shouldering their guns in such a way that would indicate a readiness to fire. The guy on the far right is the biggest giveaway. His stance is all wrong for shooting, his grip on the rifle is incorrect, and he’s looking at the camera. Also the officer is looking directly into the camera. Two of the guys in the back rank appear to be unfamiliar with their Mauser 98’s. If he fires it, the guy on the right is going to hurt himself.

It looks like a propaganda photo in favor of the communist groups. Take a look at the guy who’s supposed to be executed, he got: defiant attitude, stylish clothing great hair and he’s looking way too nonchalant. German photojournalists of the early 20th century would frequently stage their photographs. In their eyes it wasn’t that they were faking, it was just that they wanted to tell a true story in the most visually compelling way...

Execution of a German Communist in Munich, 1919