‘Hitler myth’, propaganda

A key factor in Nazi success was the so-called Hitler Myth.

This was an image which was projected of Hitler as a

dominant national figure and the only man who could save

Germany.

The fact that in the 1930s, 90% of Germans claimed to admire Hitler is evidence of its effects.

Hitler was portrayed as being someone that:

• Defended Germany’s national interests against its enemies

• Would rebuild Germany

• Had no personal desires, only Germany’s greatness

• Had delivered all the German government’s successes

This Myth naturally attracted supporters, helping the Nazis’ in

their rise to power, and then consolidation of this.

German people are said to have believed this myth for

numerous different reasons:

• Hitler and the Nazis offered an alternative to the divisions of Weimar Germany

• Prior to Weimar, Germany had a long tradition of strong, authoritarian governments, which Hitler seemed to offer

• From 1933 Hitler had numerous policy successes which supported the Myth

• The impact of propaganda

Joseph Goebbels helped build this myth in various ways.

Goebbels had three roles:

• Reich Minister for the Propaganda Ministry

• President of the Reich Chamber of Culture

• Director of the Nazi Party’s Propaganda Office

Newspapers

Journalists were all required to be members of government

controlled organisations.

Editors were affected by the threat of jail if the published

anything seen to be damaging to Germany.

The Nazis also purchased most newspapers (82% by 1944).

Radio

The government owned the Reich Radio Company which

broadcast shows, including Hitler’s speeches.

The ‘people’s receiver’ was a government sponsored action

to ensure all Germans had access to radios. Shows were

also broadcast in workplaces.

Film

The main purpose of films was to entertain, making people

happy with their lives.

All films shown were regulated, and some foreign films were

banned. Goebbels himself approved every film made in

Germany. Pro-Nazi adverts were shown before films. Poster for the 1940 film ‘Suss the Jew’, considered one

of the most anti-Semitic films ever made

Meetings and rallies

Large scale meetings were used to show how popular Nazism was with ordinary Germans.

Large rallies – most notably at Nuremberg – helped portray

the Nazis’ strengths. Films were often made of these events to encourage other

Germans to join.

Sport

Sport played an important role in Nazi propaganda. It fitted in

with the Nazis’ desire to promote a fit and healthy race

ready to defend Germany.

In addition German sporting successes portrayed a strong

and successful nation, including boxing and the Olympic Games.

Art and architecture

A licence was needed to paint or hold exhibitions, and could be

withdrawn. The Nazis also banned so-called degenerate art

(which opposed Nazi views).

New design styles were used to portray German strength, and the

autobahn building programme showed economic success.

Hitler and Germany were portrayed as being the same, as shown in the slogan Ein volk, ein reich, ein Fuhrer (‘One

people, one empire, one leader’).

This attitude meant that to oppose Hitler was to oppose

Germany, creating a need to be loyal to Hitler, or else face

accusations of treason.

The overall impact of propaganda is debated. Some

historians argue that it greatly influenced Germans in their

backing for Nazism.

Others claim that propaganda simply reflected what many

Germans already believed, or that support for the Nazis was

based on fear instead.

Historians’ views

• ZAB Zeman (1964): the Nazis’ phenomenal growth “was due to the skilful exploitation of propaganda techniques.”

• Richard J Evans (2005): The Hitler cult was built by Joseph Goebbels' ministry using the state’s full resources.

• Neil Gregor (2005): “the function of propaganda was not to dupe, but to mobilise what was already latent.”

• Ian Kershaw: “when Hitler started to believe his own myth it marked the beginning of the end of the Third Reich.”