How did WWII affect young people (including opposition)? Flashcards
When was made compulsory in 1939?
Membership of the Hitler Youth (although it had been virtually compulsory in 1936)
Why were youth groups facing a problem during the war?
Many of the experienced leaders had been drafted into the German army
Why did the youth groups become less popular during the war?
Because they became much more focused on preparing young men for war - and they did less of the fun stuff (e.g. games/sport)
Which two groups did the Nazis become worried about?
The Swing movement and the Edelweiss Pirates
Who made up the Swing movement?
Mostly middle class teenagers
What did these Swing movement teenagers do?
They went to parties, listened to English and American music, and sang English songs.
What did the Swing movement teengagers dance?
The ‘jitterbug’ - and they dance it to banned jazz music
What did Swing movement teenagers enjoy talking about and having
Sex
Who did the Swing movement accept?
Jews
How did the Swing movement’s look compare with the Nazi ideal?
Those in the Swing movement often wore their hair long and were unkempt. This was very unlike the smart and well-presented young Nazis.
Who made up the Edelweiss Pirates?
Working class teenagers
Were the Edelweiss Pirates an organised movement?
No - they were various different groups in different cities (e.g. ‘The Roving Dudes’ in Essen) but the Nazis grouped them as one
How old were the Edelweiss Pirates?
Generally between 14 and 17
Why did 14-17 year olds often join the Edelweiss Pirates?
School was compulsory in Germany until 14, but military service did not start until 17.
What did the Edelweiss Pirates do at the weekend?
Go camping and sink songs that mocked Germany.
What might the Edelweiss Pirates do if they saw the Hitler Youth?
Taunt them and possibly even attack them
Unlike the Hitler Youth, what did the Edelweiss Pirates generally have a freer attitude towards?
Sex (this was frowned upon by the Hitler Youth)
What happened in December 1942 in relation to the Edelweiss Pirates?
The Gestapo broke up 28 groups containing 739 teenagers
Why was the Nazis approach to the Edelweiss Pirates different from other minorities?
They could not just exterminate them - they would need them in the future for the German war effort.
How did the Nazis generally deal with the Edelweiss Pirates?
In a variety of ways. Sometimes they arrested them, other times they just ignored them.
What did the Edelweiss Pirates do in Cologne in 1944?
They escalated their activities by helping shelter escaped prisoners and army deserters. They also attacked the Gestapo, killing its local chief.
How did the Nazis respond to the Edelweiss Pirates’ activities in Cologne in 1944?
They rounded up the 12 ‘ringleaders’ and publicly hanged them.
What did the Swing movement and Edelweiss Pirates most resent?
The attempts by the Nazis to control their lives. They were not really politically motivated - they just wanted freedom.
How many members did the Edelweiss Pirates have by 1939?
2000
