Nazi Propaganda

Read Nazi Propaganda - Aims and Methods - Part 1

Using the information and the primary sources describe: (Pgs. 245-247)

a. The chief aims of Nazi propaganda
The chief aims of Nazi propaganda were to control the public, and to eliminate any radical elements in Nazi culture. Source 13.2 shows that the Nazis wanted their propaganda to spread into every area of life. The Nazis used propaganda very effectively to get their message across to the public. THe main aims of Nazi propaganda were to keep the population contented, and win support for particular policies. And also to indoctrinate the public with the Nazi world-view.

b. The means used to achieve those aims
The Nazis had various organizations to control the media. Such as the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and propaganda. The Propaganda ministry controlled directly or indirectly, all of the methods of communication. They set up the "Reich Chamber of ARt" which you had to be a member of to be an artist. The Nazis said what you could draw/ or paint. The Nazis also controlled who wrote newspapers, and the content of the newspapers. Since 1925 the radio had been state regulated.

c. Explain how the Nazis used the press, radio, and film as forms of propaganda. (Pgs. 247-253)
The Nazis had a policy called Gleichschaltung by which all institution had to conform to National Socialism. The Nazis controlled the content of the press so that only pro-Nazi things could be published. The Nazis used radio to a great extent as well. In source 13.11, Goebbels said radio was the most crucial instrument in indoctrination. All of Hitler's speeches were broadcast on the radio. The Nazis also used film, but to a lesser degree. Film was mostly used for relaxation. However by 1942 all film companies were nationalized. Only one-sixth of the 1000 feature films were overtly propaganda. Nazis also used photos to capture HItler in particular situations to make him look good.

d. Explain Goebbels' contribution to the creation and development of the Third Reich
Goebbels was very important in the creation of the third reich. He said that propaganda was the nazis' sharpest weapon in conquering the state. Propaganda was very important to the Nazis in winning support for their cause. He was an influential advisor to Hitler, and was instrumental in creating Hitler's persona and "selling it" to the public.

Read Nazi Propaganda - Other Methods - Part 2

e. Explain how the Nazis used the activities described on pages 254-259 as a form of propaganda.
Nazis used rallies to stir up people into "ecstasy" as source 13.24 puts it. Rallies created a mob mentality and a feeling of being part of "something greater." as source 13.24 says. Festivals also brought the community together to celebrate Nazi-themed holidays. The 1936 Berlin Olympics were very important to the Nazis. Hitler wanted to demonstrate the physical superiority of the Aryan race. The Autobahns also were propaganda. They showed how technologically advanced Germany was and how united it was.

Read Nazi Propaganda - Culture - Part 3 and Part 4

f. Explain how the Third Reich used painting, sculpture and architecture for propaganda purposes (Pgs. 260-270).
The Ideal Nazi painting was direct, clear, and heroic. Paintings did not portray reality as much as they portrayed the Nazi ideals. The healthy peasant, brave soldier, etc. "Hitler was portrayed as the wise and imperious leader." Painting was used as a form of propaganda to show hard-working Aryans. It was "art of the masses" reflecting popular taste. Sculpture was also used. In 1934, every new public building was adorned with sculptures portraying the Nazi message. Some art was deemed as "degenerate." This was art with unnatural-color, abstract or distorted forms, or unsettling subjects (anything that Hitler did not like). The liscenses of degenerate artists could be revoked. The Third Reich also used architecture for propaganda. Hitler loved architecture because it represented the Thousand Year Reich. Hitler called it "the word in stone" and his message could last for a thousand years because it was set in stone. Neo-classic styles were favored but in a huge scale. The Nazis wanted the individual to be dwarfed by the building, which represented authority.