Using the information and the primary sources describe: (Pgs. 245-247)
a. The chief aims of Nazi propaganda
One chief aim of Nazi propaganda is to be able to get people to listen to the Nazis without their knowledge that they are listening to what the Nazis are saying and following what they are saying to them. They use this to make more extreme requests than anyone that they are trying to get to listen to them realize. Another chief aim of propaganda is to keep everything simplistic enough that they can appeal to even those who are uneducated and would not normally understand complex ideas and problems that would be addressed. The next chief aim discussed is how propaganda must be able to appeal to everyone as a whole, but also more importantly can appeal to different groups of people but all of those different groups of people at the same time. The last chief aim is to spell out what your propaganda is to people, putting it in "black and white" as the source says. Everything must be repeated to the public multiple times so these ideas stick with them and they must be a few specific topics so as to not give too much information at once so people get confused.
b. The means used to achieve those aims
The means used to achieve the aims of Nazi propaganda are whatever the Nazis could find a way to use to their advantage. With this, the Nazis found ways to connect with every demographic of people throughout the country. For instance, the Nazis connected with the youth through schools and also through youth movements within the country. The main way that Nazis met the aims of Nazi propaganda was by trying to control the media that had connected Germany in a big way since media was the means of news and with newer technology, many people were interested in the media more than ever.
c. Explain how the Nazis used the press, radio, and film as forms of propaganda. (Pgs. 247-253)
Hitler used the press, radio, and film as forms of propaganda after he enlisted Goebbels to take complete control over media. Through this power, Goebbels censored everything that was published and allowed to be seen and heard in the media, giving him the option of picking things that only would help the Nazis spread their propaganda. Prosecution of non-conformist activities was prohibited within Germany and Hitler's speeches were played on the radio and praised on television. In the end, the public only viewed the good actions that Hitler performed which gave him the opportunity to gain a lot of control.
d. Explain Goebbels' contribution to the creation and development of the Third Reich
Goebbels' contribution to the creation and development of the Third Reich came from the idea that he would use it as a propaganda machine. His roles in the Reich was the President of the Reich Chamber of Culture and the Director of the Reich Propaganda Central Office of NSDAP. The totalitarian regime that the Third Reich was a part of worked to influence the nation with spirituality, through cultural and economic propaganda, and to influence people at home and abroad. The Third Reich helped develop popular enlightenment and create a warmer aspect towards the propaganda which led to the influence of a lot of people in Germany. In the Third Reich there were 11 departments that were under the influence of Goebbels. These departments were legislation, propaganda, broadcasting, German press, film, theater, foreign press, literature, fine arts, music, and folk culture.
Read Nazi Propaganda - Other Methods - Part 2
e. Explain how the Nazis used the activities described on pages 254-259 as a form of propaganda.
The Nazis used the activities described on the given pages so that he could connect to the people of Germany. Mass rallies were a very big thing that were used to strengthen the commitment of Nazi followers and to gain more support. The rallies were very systematic where the participants would be introduced in matching uniforms, in organized lines, and then topped off with strategic lighting. Through the rallies, the Nazis were able to gain a lot of support because they showed the people in Germany that there can be positive effects when everyone is united as one. Hitler had the unique ability to play off what he saw in the emotions of the people which led to him manipulating the public into joining his cause. In addition to the rallies, there were festivals held that allowed the public to show their support for the Nazi party. Should someone not choose to participate, they were most likely sent to the Gestapo. These festivals were a time where people from all over the country would come together and celebrate and watch the spectaculars shown.
Hitler and the Nazi party also found a way to use sports to their advantage in propaganda.Public sporting events were organized with the aid of the Hitler Youth and the DAF. These sporting events were used to get people in shape so they would be able to later join the army encouraged people to watch as a way to gain more supporters. This was able to show unity as a part of their propaganda. The Nazis also built an arena that cased memoirs of soldiers that had been a part of the Olympics so as to show the connection between people who played sports and were also in the military.
Not only did they use sports and rallies, but the Nazis also found ways to use pictures and videos to emphasize his works. This tactic made Hitler and the idea of his leadership more and more appealing and made people want to learn more and more about him. Filming his speeches was another tactic so that those who were unable to see him in person would be able to watch him speak on their televisions.
Hitler also used the autobahns as propaganda. Although there was not a lot of literal success in the autobahns because there was not much demand for the roads since there were not a lot of cars that were used in Germany, Hitler was still able to use this as propaganda from a military and economic aspect. Most of all though, they were able to show unity in Germany which was a big play for Hitler. The autobahns also created 150,000 jobs during a very hard time for people to find jobs which wasn't huge but showed that Hitler would create opportunities where people would be able to find work.
Read Nazi Propaganda - Culture - Part 3 and Part 4
f. Explain how the Third Reich used painting, sculpture and architecture for propaganda purposes (Pgs. 260-270).
Hitler and Goebbels replaced the paintings, sculptures and architecture with art that was clear, direct, heroic, and "Nazi-like". They portrayed working men and women in Germany, showing the public that if we all work together we can become a strong country. All artists became members of the Reich Cultural Chamber and all of their artwork had to be monitored. If Hitler did not like their artwork it would be removed and their license to produce their art would be revoked. The Third Reich had their artists creating exhibits to honor Hitler and his idea of the Aryan race and a strong independent Germany. In 1934, all public buildings had to have Nazi supporting sculptures. In 1937 two parallel exhibits were shown in Munich, Hitler's "city of art", one showed the art that he appreciated and wanted and the other showed the degenerate art.
Architecture was the most import form of artistic propaganda. Hitler called it "the word in stone." Large buildings were built all over the cities to portray quotes. Hitler said, ‘Our enemies and our followers must realize that these buildings strengthen our authority.’ He wanted to use the architecture on buildings to "reinvent" Germany in his own Nazi portrayal. Hitler used Albert Speer as his architect to make his dreams of Germany come to life in the buildings.
Literature was burned unless it portrayed Nazi ideas. The Third Reich put an end to theater because they believed it did not demonstrate the ideologies of the Nazi party. Music was ended except for a list of Hitler's favorite composers, all others were not allowed to be listened to or performed.
