Nazi education and cultural policies, 1933-45 Flashcards
LO: ideological influences, education system, curriculum, youth organisations, Nazi culture, political ideology, entertainment, influence of the past
what was the main goal of Nazi education for children?
to create a future ‘Aryan race’, with boys being trained to be soldiers and girls to be mothers
how did the Nazis influence teachers in the education system?
teachers were required to join the National Socialist Teachers’ League, and the teaching profession was purged with around 20% of teachers being sacked in 1933 for political reasons or being Jewish
what types of schools did the Nazis create for the future elite?
the Nazis introduced Adolf Hitler schools for lower-middle-class and working-class children and NAPOLAS (National Political Insitutes of Education) for SS leadership training
what subjects were emphasised in the Nazi curriculum?
subjects like racial biology, geography, history and PE, with a focus on preparing children for their future roles as soldiers or mothers
how did the Nazis alter history teaching in schools?
history was reformed to present a struggle between races, with German history depicted as a succession of great heroic male leaders, culminating with Hitler as the latest visionary leader
what was the role of youth organisations in Nazi Germany?
the Hitler Youth for boys and League of German Maidens for girls provided activities that promoted Nazi ideology, such as hiking, camping, military training, and homemaker training.
Membership became compulsory in 1939
what was the Reich Chamber of Culture?
it was an organisation set up by Joseph Goebbels to control the creative arts in Germany, ensuring culture aligned with Nazi ideology and values
how did the Nazis control artistic expression?
they banned ‘degenerate’ art, such as modern, abstract, or intellectual works, and promoted art that reflected an idealised, heroic, and rural Aryan lifestyle
what was the degenerate art exhibition of 1937?
an exhibition in Munich displaying art that was considered ‘unsound’ or degenerate, including works by Jewish or politically unacceptable artists.
the art was destroyed, sold abroad, or hoarded by Goering
how did film function under Nazi rule?
film was used as both entertainment and propaganda, with the Reich Film Chamber controlling content and promoting Nazi-friendly films that reinforced existing prejudices or subtly included Nazi messages
how did Nazi architecture reflect their ideology?
Nazi architecture used neo-classical, monumental styles to project power, such as the Nuremberg Congress Hall and the Olympic Stadium, aligning with their vision of a ‘Thousand-Year Reich’
what role did music play in Nazi culture?
music was controlled by the Reich Chamber of Music, with experimental music banned and Jewish-influenced music removed
Composers like Richard Wagner and Strauss were promoted for their alignment with Nazi ideals
what was Hitler’s vision for Germania?
Hitler planned to rebuild Berlin as Germania, a symbol of Nazi power and permanence, with monumental architecture
Albert Speer was put in charge of the project, but it was largely unrealised due to the war
how did the Nazis treat jazz music?
Jazz was banned as it was associated with Black Americans and considered ‘degenerate’, reflecting the Nazi regime’s racial theories
how did Nazi propaganda use film?
film was used as a tool for both entertainment and ideological reinforcement, with a subtle Nazi message to influence public opinion, particularly through films with themes of heroism, Aryan strength, and antisemitism
