2) Opposition 4: Cultural/Social Opposition (Swing and Jazz Youth)

Question 1

What did the behaviour of the Swing and Jazz Youth consist of?

Answer 1

A strong desire to listen to banned American music.

Question 2

What did Heinrich Himmer, leader of the SS, suggest about all those who listened to Jazz?

Answer 2

Himmler suggested that all those who listened to Jazz should be “Beaten, given the severest exercise and then be put to hard labour.”

Question 3

What did these groups set up?

Answer 3

They set up illegal clubs where ‘hot jazz’ was played.

Question 4

What did the Gestapo do during the war?

Answer 4

During the war, the Gestapo closely monitored their activities.

Question 5

What weren’t members of the Swing Youth and Jazz Youth motivated by?

Answer 5

They weren’t motivated by a burning desire for political resistance, but rather by a natural youthful desire to have fun.

Question 6

What did the Nazis interpret their admiration of American music as?

Answer 6

A lack of patriotism.