Nazi Propaganda Techniques

Question 1

What were five propaganda techniques

Answer 1

Canvassing

Technology

Rallies

Unifying themes

Scapegoats

Question 2

Canvassing

Answer 2

Need to direct propaganda according to people’s social and economic interests

Specific leaflets were produced for different social groups

Question 3

Technology

Answer 3

Modern technology was exploited, loudspeakers, radio, film and records were all used

Expensive cars and aeroplanes were hired not only for practical purpose of transporting Hitler, but to project a statesman like image

At local levels the political message “flight over Germany” was projected through social events such as sports, concerts and fairs.

Question 4

Rallies

Answer 4

Create an atmosphere so emotional that all members of the crowd would succumb to collective will

In this form of mass suggestion very kind of device was used: uniforms, torches, salutes, flags, anthems and speeches

Question 5

Unifying themes

Answer 5

Fuhrerprinzip- Hitler portrayed as messiah-type figure who could offer strong authoritarian leadership

Volksgemeinschaft (national community)- appeal to people by creating a unifying idea, regardless of class

Nationalism- to play on German nationalism by exploiting the discontent since WW1. To make Germany great again

Question 6

Scapegoats

Answer 6

November criminals- politicians responsible for Treaty of Versailles

Communists- played on fears of communism and threat of communist USSR

Jews- easy to exploit as long history of anti-semitism