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XPropaganda in Nazi Germany
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German propaganda poster encouraging German Caption students to join the NSD Student Union to fight for the Fuhrer and the people.
Useful terms
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In this chapter we will look at the importance of propaganda in Nazi Germany, especially the role of Dr Josef Goebbels. We will read how the Nazis took control of the different forms of media to spread their message and to promote the cult of personality around Adolf Hitler.
? KEY QUESTION
What steps did the Nazis take to establish state control over the mass media?
Führer principle: The cult of personality that glorified Hitler.
Hitler Youth: An organisation for boys from the age of 14 until 18. All young boys were expected to join. Its female counterpart was the League of German Maidens.
Volksempfänger: The Peoples’ Radio – cheap radio sets built to spread the Nazi message.
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What was the importance of Josef Goebbels?
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Josef Goebbels was appointed Reich Minister for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda in March 1933. This newly created ministry was responsible for controlling the media and arts during the Nazi regime. Its establishment showed the importance Hitler attached to controlling what the German people heard, saw and read. As its head, Goebbels was to play a central role in influencing and controlling the opinions of the German people. In the words of historian Niall Ferguson, he was ‘the evil genius of twentieth-century marketing’.
Dr Josef Goebbels (1897–1945) was one of Hitler’s most loyal followers. A good public speaker, he proved to be a very talented propaganda minister. Very strongly anti-Semitic, he played a large role in creating the climate of hatred towards the Jews of Germany.
PROPAGANDA IN NAZI GERMANY ❘ 59
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