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 reach the people and tell them what they wanted to hear and indirectly be able to tap into the minds of people and convince them of things. Goebbels said that the "finest kind of propaganda does not reveal itself" and that that "the propagandist must understand how to speak to different faiths". Hitler used Goebbels to his advantage to manipulate people's ways of thinking and opinions toward the Nazi way of life.
b. The means used to achieve those aims
The Nazis used means such as parades and rallies, the radio, press, film, posters, paintings, sculptures, architecture, literature, social policies, youth movements, schools, sports, etc. By using all of these means, Hitler was able to reach out to the public. Not only the public as a whole, but he was able to target different age groups based off the mean he used. For example, if he were trying to reach an older generation, he might use radios, if he wanted to reach the teens he could use film and if he wanted to reach the younger generation, he could use schools or youth organizations.
c. Explain how the Nazis used the press, radio, and film as forms of propaganda. (Pgs. 247-253)
Hitler thought that press, radio and films as forms of propaganda were very important because art is a very important part of life. He said that "the entire educational system, the theater, the cinema, the literature, the press and the wireless ... must all serve for the maintenance of the eternal values present in the essential character for our people".
Through press, the regime controlled all those people involved such as journalists, editors, and publishers. The Reich Press Chamber included the Reich Association of the German Press which kept track of all journalists and editors. The Nazis were given ownership of the press and in all Nazi ownership of the media grew from 3% in 1933 to 69% in 1939 to 82% in 1944.
In radio, it was very similar to press in the way that the government controlled it. Radio became one of the most powerful tools for indoctrination. Goebbels even described it as the "spiritual weapon of the totalitarian state". The radio was mainly used for light entertainment however Hitler used it to give many of his key speeches. The key speeches were announced by siren and public loud speakers.
Film differs from press and radio in the way that it was seen as a means of relaxation more than direct propaganda purposes. However, the Reich Film Chamber regulated the content of both German made and imported films. Many American films were banned. Goebbels became in charge of approving any film made in Germany.
d. Explain Goebbels' contribution to the creation and development of the Third Reich
As shown below in the chart, Goebbels was able to obtain many positions in the Third Reich which made himself more and more involved in it to the point where he eventually was responsible for many of the censorship that went on in Germany through press, films, radio, etc. He was the Reich propaganda minister, President of the Reich Chamber of Culture, and Director of the Reich Propaganda Central Office of NSDAP which came along with lots of duties. Many of his contributions that came along with his positions in the Third Reich are listed above.
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.
The Nazis used other forms of propaganda besides those listed above. They also used mass rallies which would consist of Nazi supporters. If there were bystanders, the Nazis were often able to get them to "hop on board" with the Nazi party and into the rally. Goebbels said that the rallies would transform a person "from a little worm into part of a large dragon". In other words, the rallies made people feel like they were a part of something bigger and better than themselves. The rallies were carefully planned out where they would have uniforms, disciplined mass movements, stirring music, striking flags and symbols, and more.
Festivals were also very common, where they would celebrate key dates in the Nazi calendar.
The Nazis used sport as a form of propaganda. It emphasized how their people were the strongest in the world. The government made huge effort to make sure that the 1936 Olympic Games were scheduled in Berlin. Hitler's quote: "He who wishes to live must also fight, and he who will not strive in this world of struggle does not deserve the gift of life."
The people used autobahns as well. Hitler's autobahn program illustrated the propaganda role of many features of the Third Reich. Motorways were being constructed however the actual impact of the autobahns were slightly exaggerated. The success of the autobahn program was far more propagandist than real. Photographers would symbolize the political strength, willpower and achievement of Hitler's Germany.
Germany was also able to use social policy as a form of propaganda.
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).
Hitler took a great interest in painting. Modern, reflective and abstract art was able to flourish during the Weimar Republic. Nazi art was to be direct, clear and heroic. In the art, people were not just drawn as people but as heroes and as what the people wanted to be: the healthy peasant, the brave warrior, the supreme athlete, the productive woman. Images of nude women symbolized biological purity. Hitler thought that true art was art of the masses which would make the propaganda role effective. All artists were required to be a part of the Reich Culture Chamber.
Sculpture was used to convey the Nazi message. When humans were sculpted, they were shown to reflect the biologically pure, vigorous Aryan race. Art was encouraged in general as long as it conveyed the strong German people which is exactly what the Third Reich wanted to do.
the Exhibition of Great German Art was held in a newly built museum (the first of Hitler's prestigious public buildings). This exhibition had two purposes: an opportunity for artists to display and sell their work but also for people to see "true" German art.
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