Propaganda

Propaganda was a means of spreading the message but in a subtle way. It was a way of indoctrination and ingraining beliefs into people.

During the Third Reich, the most effective method of propaganda was probably Hitler's speeches because they were able to broadcast on radio so that everyone could hear.

the 1936 Berlin Olympics was use to evoke patriotic feeling and promote the Nazi ideal. Whilst this was promoted, they were able to mask the mass genocide of Jews, Gypsies etc.

Although there was a boycott planned, this ultimately failed. The 49 nations who had participating teams were dazzled by the show that Germany put on, which 'legitimised' the Hitler regime in the eyes of the world.

Films might feature a strong male lead with a woman fulfilling the traditional role of a mother and a housewife. It may also degrade Jews or portray them i a negative light, such as Jud Suss by Veit Harlan.

Art of the Third Reich was greatly influenced by the classical Greek and Roman era as they were seen by Hitler as the Nazi racial ideas. Nazi paintings promoted blood and soil, both symbolism of racial purity, military might and obedience. As well as this the joy of working was portrayed, evoking love for the home, ad work was to be shown as a physical act rather than with the aid of machinery. As the war broke out, paintings glorifying t were more common.

During the Third Reich, the Nazis attempted to do away with Jazz music. Rather, music that evoked Germany's heroic past such as by Wagner Bach, or Beethoven was played.

Atonal music was banned aswas music by Jewish composers.

The Horst Wessel lied or the Die Fahne Hoch was the official anthem of the National Socialists. Another example is 'es zitten die morschen knochen', the official song of the Hitler Youth.

Architecture payed an important part in the Third Reich.Albert Speer built the Reich Chancellery. He took inspiration from imperial Rome and was assigned to create grand halls and salons 'which will make an impression on people'.

How effective was it?

• Obtaining reliable evidence from people is difficult.

• People's perceptions of the regime were 'fluid'-not as permanent. They could change in relation to a person's circumstance, maturity, something that happened to them etc.

• Attributing people's attitudes to the regime directly to propaganda precludes other important factors.

• historians themselves disagree about the success (or otherwise) of propaganda.

TIM MASON: Sceptical of success in general and the effect on different social groups.

GEARY (Hitler and Nazism) Propaganda was successful by playing on traditional prejudices and fears of the middle class and values.

Not as successful in opposing traditional loyalties.

DAVID WELCH (Third Reich, Politics and Propaganda)

Propaganda was successful because there was overall support for Hitler and the regime (Hitler as a strong leader)

They could reinforce militarism as well as existing ideas and prejudice

However, they were not successful in gaining support for particular policies.

Their Anti-Church propaganda was not successful.

They could not indoctrinate Germans with the Nazi 'Weltanschaung' or world view.