Hitler's Propaganda

 The image of Adolf Hitler, The Fuhrer, leader of the NAZI party, cast a long shadow over the second half of 20th century, a vision of incomprehensible evil that endures today. But behind this figure was an ordinary man, a master manipulator whose talent for public speaking and how to effectively use public propaganda propelled him to ultimate power.

FACT: Hitler became Chancellor on January 30, 1933.

=> Hitler's Power and Persuasion:

When Hitler became Chancellor, a large number of people participated in celebratory rally, showing the strength of hitler's popularity. But, in reality, he was the head of a coalition government with only two other members of NAZI party in his cabinet : Hermann Göring and a lawyer Wilhelm Frick.

On February, 1933 when fire broke out in German Parliament (Reichtag) a communist was arrested at the scene. Both these events gave Hitler the power to ban freedom of speech, public gatherings, freedom of the press and arrest political opponents without specific charges

--> Enabling Act:

Official name: "Law to Remedy the Distress of People and Reich"),

After 2-3 months of fire, Hitler passed the Enabling Act with the support of Reichtag and through Nazi Party's intimidation tactics. It was a law that gave the German Cabinet—most importantly, the Chancellor—the powers to make and enforce laws without the involvement of the Reichstag or consult with Weimar President Paul von Hindenburg. 

Hitler had finally gained a legislative control of Germany.

HITLER'S USE OF INTIMIDATION:

Groups like "SA" who have merged with "Steel Helmets" in June 1933 and "Gestapo", The Nazi Secret Police headed by Herman Goering, founded to monitor and quash political activities dangerous to regime. And Hitler's personal Bodyguards known as "SS" (ShutStaffel) which had grown into an elite group of 52,000 men, led by Heinrich Himmler was created to show strength and create fear in the heart of people and politicians.

                      SA, SS, GESTAPO, and STEEL HELMETS were an extention of Nazi propaganda machine. They were agents of control and choas.

---> Concentration camps were showed as rehabilitation centres to Public

--> Referendums were held in Germany. First refendum was about Hitler's Foreign Policy. 95% of people said yes to the Hitler's question of supporting him in every decision of foreign policy.

--> Hitler's slogan: EIN VOLK, EIN REICH, EIN FUHRER. (one people, one empire one leader). The reason for this slogan was to make people follow him (Hitler) without thinking about his policies for the nation 

--> Second Referendum: Appointing Himself (Hitler) as President after the death of Hindenburg in August 1934. 90% people said yes. He is now Head Of State and Government. Poster were used as propaganda after this referendum. One poster reads: "Yes Fuhrer, we shall follow you".

--> While Hitler was busy in consolidation of his power, Joseph Goebbels used his propaganda ministry to control German Art, culture and Education. 

--> Art has traditionally been used as to show dissent whether in the form of Poetry, Music or Painting. Nazi's were quick to take complete control of art, abolishing some or banning on the ground that it is decadent. Bonfires were set up in Munich and Berlin to burn books and other materials pungent to Nazi Germany. Goebbels administered these pyres and said that out of these ashes, the Phoenix of new age will rise. 

-->Nazi party changed the curriculum. Textbook were used as propaganda. Anti-semitism were justified as natural in these text books. There was also a focus on German myths and legends. Concepts like "Aryan Race" were used to indoctrinate the students. 

--> Groups like "HITLER YOUTH" and "LEAGUE OF GERMAN GIRLS" indoctrinated German youth through exposure to Nazi publications.

--> In 1933, Gobbles established Reich's Culture Chamber (RKK) through his propaganda ministry. RKK was made of seven chambers: Literature, Film, Music, Visual Arts, Press, and Radio. It was mandatory for every journalist or artist who wanted to practice in Germany had to apply to RKK. Every film was reviewed and approved through RKK. Radio, the most common machine present in one out of four homes, was used by Joseph Goebbles as the most important propaganda machine to influence people. Gobbles wanted to increase the radio Owning people. Therefore, he introduced a new type of called "People's Receiver" which was better and cheaper.

--> In 1937, Nazi party used their control over museums and theaters to run an anti-semitic exhibition called "The Eternal Jew" in Munich. On the Contrary, Hitler was portrayed as king-like figure. For this, A movie named "Triumph of Will" was made showing Hitler as strong, messianic and unimpeachable figure. Everything was designed perfectly in this film. Albert Speer, the Nazi Architect, made everything look good.

--> Nuremberg laws were passed by Hitler. These laws severly limited civil rights of anyone the Nazi deemed undesirable, particularly for Jews in Germany. Nuremberg laws paved the way for the subsequent laws and regulations, and they were more than one thousand anti Jewish laws.

==> 1936 Berlin Olympics:

1936 Olympics were brimming with Nazi Propaganda. It showed the NAZI face to the world. Signs and symbols which were against Jews were removed.

He wanted not only to show Germany's advancement after great depression but he was also interested in showing the world that the German Race is superior to any other race in the world by winning more Golds than any other country. But this quest of Hitler failed. Athletes like Owen beat German athletes.

In addition to this, these Olympics gave Hitler's government an international recognition. Countries like Great Britain, USA and France participated in the games without any complain about laws and regulations regarding Jews amd other minorities.

==> Why Hitler need Lebensraum (living space)?

At the time, German economy was doing good. But it was predicted that it won't last long. Because raw material needed to keep the economy going came through foreign countries. So, Hitler needed other territory

 ie Lebensraum. And for this, he has either attack foreign countries or indulge in negotiations to take control of the territory. Hitler chose the former.

--> Time Magazine Man of the year (1938): Adolf Hitler.