Nazi Propaganda and Control

Introduction

• Focus on how the Nazis aimed to win over the hearts and minds of the German people.
• Control through fear and propaganda.
• Focus on propaganda, led by Joseph Goebbels.

Joseph Goebbels

• Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda (since March 13, 1933).
• Highly intelligent and driven.
• Philosophy: Effective propaganda is invisible and pervasive.

Methods of Nazi Propaganda

1. Posters

• Used widely across Germany to spread the Nazi message.
• Depictions varied:
  • Hitler as a caring, godlike, or father figure.
  • Targeted specific groups (e.g., young women, men, workers).
  • Some posters were anti-Semitic, promoting racial ideologies.

2. Newspapers

• Controlled via the Reich Press Chamber.
• Opposition newspapers were shut down.
• By 1939, Nazis owned two-thirds of German newspapers.
• Published own newspapers, e.g., Der Stürmer, known for anti-Semitic content.
• Journalists had to join the Reich's Association of the Press.
• Content was heavily censored.

3. Radio

• All radio stations under Reich Radio Company by 1939.
• Ministry of Propaganda controlled radio content.
• "People's receivers" were cheap, with limited range to block foreign stations.
• By 1939, 70% of Germans owned a radio.

4. Film

• Controlled through the Reich Film Chamber (since 1934).
• Scripts pre-censored; encouraged films glorifying Hitler or criticizing Jews.
• Limited overtly political films; focused on adventure and drama with subtle Nazi messages.

5. Rallies

• Large events to promote Nazi strength and unity.
• Included speeches, parades, and mock battles.
• The largest rallies held in Nuremberg; notably in 1934 with 250,000 attendees.

6. The Olympics

• 1936 Olympics in Berlin used to promote Nazi strength.
• Anti-Semitic signs removed temporarily; media toned down racist content.
• Games promoted Aryan superiority, although Jesse Owens' victories challenged this narrative.

Conclusion

• Propaganda led by Goebbels was a key tool in controlling the German populace.
• Combined with fear tactics led by Himmler.
• Critical question: Which was more important in controlling the German people, propaganda or fear?