Propaganda

Question 1

aim of propaganda ?

Answer 1

• aim of propaganda was to increase support for party and ideology

Question 2

What did Goebbels do ?

Answer 2

• able to control, direct and censor the media to ensure that Nazi ideas and values were spread effectively
• Through his work he oversaw the work of organisations covering the work of the press, radio, film, literature, theatre, music and fine arts

Question 3

What were the methods of propaganda used ?

Answer 3

• Newspapers
• Radio
• Film
• Parades and Spectacles

Question 4

Methods of propaganda - Newspapers ?

Answer 4

• Socialist and Communist newspapers were closed using the powers of the Decree for the Protection of the People and State
• The Nazis began to buy up more newspapers. By the end of the year they had acquired 27 daily newspapers with a combined circulation of 2.4 million a day
• News agencies that supplied the press with information were all merged into a State - controlled organisation. The result was that newspapers became bland and conformist, and the circulation figures of many declined

Question 5

Methods of propaganda - Radio

Answer 5

• In 1933 alone, Hitler made over 50 broadcasts. Loudspeakers were set up in town squares so everybody could listen. When Hitler’s speeches were being broadcast, sirens would signal a stop work and gather around the radio or loudspeaker.
• Goebells promoted the mass production of cheap radio sets. As a result, 70 % of German households possessed a radio set by 1939, the highest proportion in the world
• In August 1934, all radio stations in Germany were brought under the control of the Reich Radio Company, controlled by the propaganda Ministry

Question 6

Impact of radio/ spoken word

Answer 6

• Hitler and Goebbels believed that the spoken word had much more impact than written communication and had used radio broadcasts effectively in the 1932 and 1933 campaigns
• GAVE Hitler the opportunity to seek directly to the German people

Question 7

Impact of film as propaganda ?

Answer 7

• Goebbels understood that film could work on the subconscious, delivering subliminal messages and reinforcing prejudices

Question 8

Methods of propaganda - Film

Answer 8

• Goebbels was personally responsible for approving every film made in Germany after 19333. Foreign films were not banned outright but were carefully checked for political and racial content. Most American films were banned.
• Between 1933 and 1945, over 1000 feature films were produced in Germany and cinema attendances increased four - fold in the years 1933 to 1944.
• All films to some degree, contained political messages. Leadership was glorified, ‘ Blood and soil’ ( close relationship between race and land ) was a common theme, as was the demonsing of Jews and communists

Question 9

Impact of parades and spectacles as propaganda ?

Answer 9

• ’ good discipline was the best propaganda ‘ and this disciplines was best displayed in marches and parades.
• the theatricality of these marches was heightened by the wearing of uniforms and medals, the carrying of banners and the choreographed singing of party songs and the carrying of lighted t0rches in the night time were particularly effective in capturing peoples attention

Question 10

Methods of propaganda - Parades and spectacles

Answer 10

• The annual Party relies at Nuremberg in September were stage - managed to achieve the maximum theatrical effect.Vast numbers of party members attended, the 1937 rally involved some 100,000 people
• Ritual parades and flag waving were visual ‘ proof ‘ that German people were solidly behind the regime, even though the support was being manipulated by Goebbels and his Propaganda ministry .

Question 11

Was Propaganda successful ?

Answer 11

Any judgements on the success of propaganda can only be tentative as it is unclear to know whether they did show was due to propaganda or fear of repression.

Question 12

Who was Nazi propaganda especially effective on ?

Answer 12

young people

Question 13

When was Nazi propaganda successful ?

Answer 13

• It was most successful when it built upon existing beliefs and values.

Question 14

What was the Hitler Myth ?

Answer 14

• nazi propaganda presented hitler as unlike any other politicians . He was presented as a ‘ man of the people ‘ which symbolised the unity of the Nazi Party and the people

Question 15

How did Nazi Propaganda present Hitler ?

Answer 15

• hardworking, tough and uncompromising in fighting and defeating the nation’s internal and external enemies
• political genius who had mastered the problems faced by Germany
• guardian of traditional morality and popular justice and a statesman of true genius.

Question 16

How was the reality different to the propaganda images of Hitler ?

Answer 16

• Although Hitler supplied the vision, his ministers and officials interpreted this and turned it into detailed polices. Not very involved in decision making .
• Hitler was far from working hard, he stayed up late watching f films and would not get till mid - day. His days consisted of eating, walking in the grounds of his mountain retreat and delivering long, rambling speeches to his subordinates. he disliked reading official documents and rarely got involved in detailed discussions on policy.