The Iron Cross

The Iron Cross was a Prussian Medal made to represent wartime heroism. It was developed in the Early 1800s. The Medal was honored by all and became known across europe. It was given to both soldiers and citizens. The Citizens could only earn it in wartime however, by helping their homeland win with some sort of support. Allies of Prussia gained the medal as well.

Today, we know the Iron Cross as a German symbol. In 1870 when Germany was near unity, it went from a Prussian symbol to a German symbol. In 1871 when the German Empire formed, it became the official medal of Germany.

The iron cross was divided into 3 different types.

Second Class

The Second class was the most given and least you get get from the Iron Cross. It has a black and white ribbon above it with the cross below, hanging from the ribbon.

First Class

The second most given, it was of higher honors from soldiers. You had to have gotten the Second Class before the First. The only difference is that there is no ribbon.

Grand Cross

Least given. It was of highest honor. It had a sideways black and white ribbon.

Note: These are from Prussia, and the German Empire. Not Nazi Germany, Nazi Germany had added red to the ribbons, swastikas, and disliked the widespread use of the Iron Cross.

This is what made the symbol we all know as the Iron Cross