3. role of propaganda Flashcards
What do many germans think when looking back at life under the Nazis?
as ‘the good old days’ when law and order prevailed
Why did germans think under Nazi, Germany flourished?
the press was filled with crime and punishment stories which gave the readers the impression that a war on crime was being fought and won – the Nazis had cleared the streets of criminals.
What was propaganda successful at?
‘selling’ the success of the regime. It highlighted the work creation programs and the Nazi claimed the credit for the return to stability
Quote by Robert Gellately to describe success of propaganda in persuading masses of Nazi’s success and contribution to law and order?
“with a matter of months after his appointment as Chancellor, most citizens came to accept and then firmly back [Hitler]…most people seemed prepared to live with the idea of a surveillance society…in return for crime free streets, a return to prosperity, and what they regarded as a good government”
Another quote to describe citizens happiness in Nazi’s violent actions:
“earned respect and even trust; for public feeling, perverted by a mood of depression, valued even brutal activity higher than the state’s past inaction”
– Joachim Fest
Who was in charge of Minister of Propaganda?
Joseph Goebbels since 1929
who was Joseph Goebbels?
Expert manipulator who skillfully twisted events and situations, and maneuvered them to suit the Nazi Party philosophy
What did Joseph Goebbels believe propaganda should be like?
be kept simple, should on people’s emotions, and work at a very low intellectual level.
What did the nazi’s sought to create?
create scapegoats on whom the nation’s past difficulties could be blamed. Jews and communists were presented as stereotypes, e.g. molesters of innocent Aryan girls, or aiming to betray the fatherland.
What was Nazi Propaganda like?
no problem lying, and reinforced it messages with the constant repetition of simple slogans
What was popular with Nazi propagandists ?
giant party rally as made it easier to get people to suspend their rational thought, and accept the mass suggestion of the meeting. E.g. at Nuremburg
Newspaper control?
tightly controlled and news stories, pictures and line to take in their editorials
control of radio?
Nazi control of radios, Hitler’s speeches broadcast, low price radio for access, Goebbels made sure mix of music (only traditional German music), comedy and drama to mix in with propaganda message
control of cinema and theatre?
tightly controlled – propaganda films e.g. ‘The Eternal Jew’, censorship. Escapism kept minds of masses off political difficulties
What event used to present Nazi regime to world in positive light ?
The 1936 Berlin Olympic Games organized.
persecution of Jews eased during Olympic period.
