“The use of radio was the most effective method of mass indoctrination of the German people in the years 1933 to 1939.” Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. There are many different methods of mass indoctrination that the Nazi Party demonstrated to get their ideology across to the German public. One of these methods was radio which was effective as it allowed Hitler to speak to a mass number of people. Other method that some people would argue is more effective is film and newspaper. Many people would agree that radio is the most effective way of getting Nazi ideology across to the German people.
Assess the impact of Nazi propaganda, terror and repression on the German people from 1933-1939 The impact of Nazi propaganda, terror and repression of the German people from 1933 – 1939 created a highly effective impact as Propganda and terror were reciprocal functions of the Nazi regime. As both Propaganda worked to indoctrinate the populous, and to those who were dissident, terror became the method of repression to rid the regime of opposition. Paragraph one: Point: The highly effective Impact of Propaganda was due to the way the party was able to integrate Nazi ideology into, just about every facet of German society. Explanation: The state controlled all communication and expression and to define the cultural and social life of the nation it set out constantly to reinforce the ideology of National Socialism so that Germans would accept the philosophy of the party. This is demonstrated heavily through: * Architecture * Radio * Film ( triumph of the will) * Meetings and rallies * Speeches Goebbels, minister for propaganda was appointed in 1929, and the rest of the cabnet drew upon a variety of techniques in establishing a positive and progressive view of the Nazi state, Techniques: * Repetition * Stereotypes * Low intellectual level * Slogans * Appeal to emotion tather than rationality * Subtle, subliminal!
These views included, anti-Semitism, anti-Communism and racial purity, while also enhancing Hitler's image (otherwise known as the fuehrer myth), and make the Volksgemeinschaft more appealing. They were responsible for manufacturing cheap radios, so all Germans could afford to have one in their household. The radio was a key element of propaganda as it would reach a large scale of the German population. Goebbels also had a firm idea set in producing films entertained the public, while educating them on Nazi ideology. An important film figure was Leni Riefenstahl, who gave the world lasting images of Nazi Germany.
These photos give you the idea that they are caring, loving and just completely concerned for the well-being of the people. The use of propaganda was a big contributor to the success of both men. Since Hitler and Stalin were able to manipulate people with their propaganda, they could convince people of just about anything. This proves them to be amoral. Both would do whatever they thought was necessary to further their cause, with no remorse about what they had done.
In a political sense, it ‘got his foot in the door’, so to speak. It came about largely due to problems with Weimar democracy and weak decisions; there were serious miscalculations in the appointment of Hitler. Many of the elite, particularly Papen, became intrigued and willing to co-operate with Hitler (even settle for a Hitler government), as they wanted his huge support base to further their own power ambitions and counter the rise of communism. He had the support required to solve Germany’s parliamentary crisis, and crucially he had the reluctant backing of Hindenburg, a nationalistic president who also feared a Bolshevik revolution and believed the Nazis could protect Germany from this. Despite the efforts of many to encourage Hitler’s appointment, there was no intention of forming a permanent leadership with him; the elite groups around Hindenburg planned to use Hitler to gain his support base, then abandon him when he was no longer needed.
My first point is how Goebbels used propaganda to aid Hitler. The idea of getting ideas across to masses of people got them to start thinking about voting for the Nazis. Joseph Goebbels was the Nazi's party "main man" for getting across the Nazi's message. He did everything possible for Hitler to get publicity; he even made records and films of Hitler's speeches and put up millions of posters and flags all over Germany. People started seeing more and more of the Nazi regime and this gained more votes through the propaganda which was widespread throughout Germany.
Extract from “Oxford advanced history, Germany 1858- 1990 Hope, Terror and Revival A.Kitson.” The above quote shows to us how the Nazis went from having one percent of control over youth groups, to controlling every single youth group throughout Germany regardless of the background or religion of these groups. This is an indicator of the extent to which the Nazis would go to control young people. No matter whether the young members of these groups wanted to be controlled by Nazis or not, they were. This shows that the young group members were completely controlled
Indeed, Hitler did not act unconstitutionally by declaring himself Fuhrer as the enabling act gave him dictatorial power via democratic means. Moreover, the emergency decree given after the Reichstag fire “for the protection of people and state” gave the police the power to detain without charge, a tool which was used to great effect by Hitler to quell any political opposition that arose after the Nazi seizure of power. The total legislative power afforded to the Nazis as a result of the enabling act allowed for the Communist Party to be banned, as well as the SPD, whilst the remaining parties faded away in fear of the same fate. By manipulating the constitution Hitler had eliminated all opposition to the Nazi regime and therefore organised and democratic insurrection in Nazi Germany was effectively impossible, thus consolidating Nazi power. Whilst the danger of any organised political opposition to the Nazis had been successfully crushed by the enabling act and subsequent legislation, there was still the chance that a populist uprising of the people could take down the regime if it had enough support.
Those that the Nazis did not trust because of their political views were sacked. Lessons were to start and finish by giving the Nazi salute and saying ‘Heil Hitler!’ As well as preparing young people to be future soldiers of Nazi Germany, Hitler demanded that schools impose his racist and nationalist beliefs. Young people were not encouraged to think for themselves and make choices but to accept Nazi views and attitudes. The whole education system had been reversed. The Nazi’s had been successful in changing and impose their views on the young and vulnerable people.
Another factor was his technique of not having specific policies. This meant that he would appeal to everyone and not just focus on gaining the votes of one particular group like other political parties of the day. A large factor in Hitler becoming Chancellor was his use of propaganda. Joseph Goebbels, Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda, produced a propaganda campaign that was very effective and it won invaluable support for the Nazis. This campaign targeted specific groups of society with different slogans and policies to win their support.