Nazi propaganda Flashcards
what is propaganda?
persuasion of a political cause or motive
in Mein Kampf what principle did Hitler outline for future Nazi propaganda
- targeted to the masses: “All propaganda must be popular … the greater the mass it is intended to reach, the lower its purely intellectual level will have to be”
- structured so it would always be retained: “all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few points and must harp on these in slogans”
what themes did nazi propaganda focus on?
negative attacks on the “decadent influences on German society”. Thus, anti-Semitism, anti-Bolshevism, and anti-liberalism were among the most common themes in Nazi propaganda
what did Historian Hans Mommsen say about the nazis innovative propaganda techniques?
the intensity of Nazi propaganda “exceeded all its rival parties,” and was crucial for Nazi success.
what technology did the nazis use in their propaganda?
- Loudspeakers, radio, film and records were all used.
- Expensive cars and airplanes were hired, to project a statesman-like image.
- 1932 three major speaking programmes were organised for Hitler called ‘Flight Over Germany’.
what Mass Suggestion did the nazis use in their propaganda?
They created emotional atmospheres at their rallies, which encouraged members of the crowd to follow their cause.
Every kind of method was used to strengthen this effect: uniforms, torches, salutes, flags, songs and anthems and speeches
what unifying themes did the nazis use in their propaganda?
Goebbels worked to create three key unifying themes throughout his propaganda:
- The Hitler Myth - Hitler was portrayed as a messiah-type figure, who would be able to save Germany from her enemies.
- The National Community - To unite all classes in Germany.
- German Nationalism - To exploit the failures of Weimar and to make Germany great again.
what scapegoats did the nazis use in their propaganda?
used scapegoats to be blamed for Germany’s suffering including:
- The November Criminals
- Communists
- Jews
