The Iron Cross on top of the Brandenburg Gate in Germany.
Origins of the Iron Cross
The Iron Cross does not have its roots in ancient Germanic or Norse mythologies, unlike many other symbols associated with Nazi Germany. It originated as a military decoration in the Kingdom of Prussia, now Germany, during the 18th and 19th centuries. King Frederick William III of Prussia established it as a military emblem on March 17, 1813. The first recipient of the Iron Cross was the late Queen Louise. She was beloved by everyone and known as 'The Soul of National Virtue' for her numerous contributions, including her efforts to negotiate peace with French Emperor Napoleon I.
The First World War did not significantly tarnish the reputation of the cross; it continued to be used as before, as a military emblem for medals and other honors. However, during the Second World War, Hitler altered its meaning by combining the cross with the swastika, placing the swastika within the iron cross, thus transforming it into a distinctly different symbol.
The Iron Cross Today
The Iron Cross medal, originally featuring a swastika, was swiftly discontinued after World War II. The Bundeswehr adopted a modified version of the Iron Cross as the army's official emblem, devoid of the swastika. This updated Iron Cross is not regarded as a symbol of hate and continues to be used in Germany today, prominently displayed atop the Brandenburg Gate. In the United States, it has been embraced by various biker clubs, skateboarders, and enthusiasts of other extreme sports.
Features: black symmetrical cross with 4 identical arms that are narrow near the center and grow wider toward the ends
Product Info:
• Exquisite Design & Quality
• Can be pinned to clothing, bags, hats, uniforms, backpacks, lapels etc.
• Material: quality metal and painted with enamel colors
• Dimensions: approx. 0.5"H x 0.5"W x 0.5"D
• Item Number: HP-03
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