Nazism and Youth

The Nazis encouraged the attendance of organisations such as the RAD and DAF to ensure complete control.

There was an almost carrot and stick way of getting young people to join the Hitler Youth. They offered fun activities but also forced members to join through intimidation. It was created in 1926 and expanded after 1933.

all youth organisations other than Catholic ones (due to the Condordat) were taken over the Hitler Youth. After 1936, attendance of other youth organisations were banned and the Hitler Youth became compulsory to attended.

It could be said that as membership to the Hitler Youth increased, it was less successful because there were less committed young people and there was a stress on military activities.

Education

Bernhard Rust, the Nazis Education Minister 'The chief purpose of the school is to train human beings to realise that the State is more important than the individual, that individuals must be willing and ready to sacrifice themselves for Nation and Fuhrer'.

By 1936, over 30% of teachers had voluntarily joined the Nazi Party.

They were also pressured to join the National Socialist Teachers League. By 1937, 97% had done so. They had to attend a one month training course, stressing Nazi ideology.

By 1938 2/3 had attended. There were records kept on individual teachers.

By 1936 physical education took up a large part of the curriculum.

From 1933 all textbooks had to be approved so that it represents Nazi ideals.

Different sexes also received different education.

By 1939, all faith schools were abolished.

NAPOLAS were formed in 1933 for boys aged 10-18 to develop the skills of future leaders. they were taken over by the SS in 1936. In 1938 there were 21 and 39 in 1943

in 1937 special leadership schools were set up partly to rival the NAPOLAS. Only 11 were created. They were free boarding schools for 12-18 year olds who were selected mainly based on appearance and leadership potential.

Finally, there were 3 Ordensburgen which were castles of order modelled on medieval chivalric orders where training for future politicians and leaders was complete. They could hold 1,000 students from 25-30 as well as 500 staff.

There was a decrease in the number of student from 113,000 in 1933 to 57,000 in 1939.

April 1933 saw the Law for the Restoration of the Civil Service which saw 1,200 or 10% of university teachers being dismissed. 33% for racial and 56% for political reasons.

In November 1933, all university teachers had to sign a 'Declaration in Support of Hitler and the National Socialist state' and join the Nazi lecturer's association.

Students were forced to join the German Students League, however 25% avoided it. They had to attend twice weekly sporting activities.

However in the 1940s, some Nazis realised how negative it was to get rid of some aspects of the curriculum.