Nazi Deputy Mayor Who Tried to Germanize Prague: Josef Pfitzner
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Josef Pfitzner was a Sudeten German historian who rose from respected academic circles to become Deputy Mayor of Prague during the Nazi occupation. After German forces occupied the Czech lands in March 1939, Pfitzner used his powerful position in the Prague administration to promote the Germanization of the city, target symbols of Czech identity, and report directly to senior Nazi officials.
A committed supporter of National Socialism, he sought to reshape Prague according to Nazi ideology while repeatedly denouncing Czech officials he considered obstacles to German rule. Yet despite his loyalty and political ambitions, Pfitzner never achieved the higher position within the regime that he desired.
When Nazi Germany collapsed in May 1945, Pfitzner fled Prague but was captured and returned to Czechoslovakia. He was subsequently tried for his activities during the occupation and faced the final reckoning for his role in Nazi-controlled Prague.
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