What Does the Iron Cross Represent?

The German Iron Cross medal was first awarded in the 19th century, but the origins of its distinctive design go back to medieval times and are rooted in Prussian and Christian military tradition.

History and Identification

The Iron Cross was first awarded by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia in 1813, during the wars against Napoleon. It was also reintroduced in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871), and the First and Second World Wars.

Iron Crosses can be identified by the symbol at the center: "FW" for Friedrich Wilhelm, "W" for the Kaisers Wilhelm I and II and a swastika for the Second World War.

Design

The Iron Cross was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, an architect, city planner and painter. The design of the cross reflects a "cross patee" design worn by the Teutonic Knights in the 14th century, distinguished by arms that are narrow near the center and that broaden near their ends.

The Knights were engaged to conquer and convert Prussia to Christianity in the 13th century and settled it thereafter. They became the kernel of the Prussian ruling class and a potent national symbol by the nineteenth century.

Origins

The exact origins of the cross patee (meaning "paw"; each arm of the cross was thought to resemble one) are unknown, but the symbol was used by crusaders and earlier knightly orders.

References

• World War 2 Aces: The German Iron Cross
• History World: The Teutonic Knights

Resources

• "God's War: A New History of the Crusades"; Christopher Tyerman; 2006.