Nazi Propaganda What is Propaganda Propaganda is a

Nazi Propaganda

What is Propaganda? • Propaganda is a form of psychological manipulation, usually to further a political agenda • It involves the promotion of specific ideas or views to persuade others that ‘your side of the story’ is correct

The Effective Propagandist • "The effective propagandist must be a master of the art of speech, of writing, or journalism, of the poster and of the leaflet. He must have the gift to use the major methods of influencing public opinion such as the press, film and radio to serve his ideas and goals, above all in an age of advancing technology. . . It may be good to have power based on weapons. It is better and longer lasting, however, to win and hold the heart of a nation. " -- Joseph Goebbels 1934

Goals of Pro-Nazi Propaganda � To portray Hitler and The Nazi Party as the saviors of Germany � To connect the Nazis to a positive, idealistic vision of Germany’s future � To portray the Nazis as confident, decisive, and overwhelmingly powerful

Hitler as the Heroic Leader

Hitler Brings Unity

German Youth � By 1939, about 90% of the "Aryan" children in Germany belonged to Nazi youth groups. A massive propaganda campaign was aimed at Germany's youth. The Nazis indoctrinated boys and girls in their duties to the state from a young age. They saw education as critical to the new Germany.

“All girls join us" "Youth serves the Fuhrer. All tenyear-olds join the Hitler Youth. "

Hitler’s Propaganda Methods � Present manner � Appeal � Have simple themes in a repetitive to emotion rather than intellect broad appeal to the masses � Focus mainly on one enemy - Claim that this enemy is at the root of all problems

Racist Ideas � The Nazi racist ideas were clear as early as 1925 when Hitler recorded his ravings in Mein Kampf (My Struggle).

Goals of Anti-Jewish Propaganda � To connect Jews to every problem facing Germany and every other group seen as opponents � To reinforce traditional negative stereotypes about Jews � To create a climate of contempt toward Jews � To dehumanize the image of Jews (to facilitate discrimination, segregation, exile, and murder)

Conspiratorial Jews � In Mein Kampf, Hitler maintained that the Jews were everywhere, controlled everything, and acted secretly behind the scenes to harm the people of Germany.

Overrun by Inferior Peoples � Other groups such as the "Gypsies" and Africans were also inferior according to Hitler. He played on fears that Germans would one day be outnumbered by the "inferior peoples. "

The Jew as Communist From the cover of the book The Eternal Jew

The Jew as Capitalist Exploiter “The God of the Jews is Money. And to gain money, he will commit the greatest crimes. He will not rest until he can sit on the largest sack of money, until he becomes the King of

Nazi propaganda poster blaming Jews for the war

“Jews Get Out!”: A Children’s Game

Dehumanizing Images: Jews portrayed as vermin

Results of Propaganda � “True Believers” are empowered by propaganda to engage in behavior that would otherwise be forbidden. � Propaganda shifts the “frame of reference” regarding the subject. Formerly extreme ideas enter legitimate discussion. � The “piling on” effect mutes opposition.