Section C: controlling and influencing attitudes

Who was Joseph Goebbels and what role did he have?

Joseph Goebbels was made Minister of People’s Enlightenment and Propaganda in 1933, responsible for controlling media, culture, sport and the arts to promote Nazi ideas.

What was the Ministry of Propaganda responsible for?

From 1933, it coordinated the media, sport, culture and arts, promoted Nazi ideology and censored alternative views.

What was ‘Gleichschaltung’?

‘Gleichschaltung’ was the Nazi policy from 1933 of bringing all aspects of German life and ideas into line with Nazi ideology.

How did the Nazis control newspapers?

Newspapers had to publish only Nazi-approved views or be shut down; 1,600 newspapers were closed in 1935 alone.

How were journalists controlled under the Nazis?

Journalists were given daily briefings telling them what they could not publish and sometimes what they should write.

How did the Nazis use radio for propaganda?

All radio stations were taken over by the Nazis from 1933 and used to broadcast frequent speeches by Hitler and other leaders.

Why were cheap radios produced and how widespread were they?

Cheap radios were mass-produced to spread propaganda; by 1939, 70% of Germans owned a radio with limited range to block foreign stations.

How else were Nazi speeches made unavoidable?

Loudspeakers were placed in streets, cafés, factories and schools so speeches could be heard everywhere.

Why did the Nazis organise large rallies?

Rallies were used to promote German unity and demonstrate the power of Nazi Germany and the Nazi Party.

What was significant about the Nuremberg Rallies?

Annual rallies were held at Nuremberg and the 1934 rally was filmed by Leni Riefenstahl as Triumph of the Will.

How was the Nuremberg rally site designed to impress?

It had a giant eagle with a 100-foot wingspan, 130 searchlights and space for 200,000 supporters.

How did the Nazis use sport for propaganda?

Sports stadiums were covered in Nazi symbols and sporting success was used to promote Nazi strength and unity.

Why were the 1936 Berlin Olympics important for propaganda?

At the 1936 Olympics, Germany won 33 gold medals, which Nazis claimed proved their ideas about racial purity.

How were foreign teams expected to behave in Nazi Germany?

Visiting teams, including the England football team in 1938, were expected to perform the Nazi salute during the anthem.

What was the Reich Chamber of Culture?

Set up in September 1933, it controlled all culture and arts and banned any work seen as ‘degenerate’.

How did the Nazis control art?

Artists had to join the Reich Chamber of Visual Arts; by 1936, over 12,000 artworks were removed, including works by Picasso and Van Gogh.

What architectural style did the Nazis prefer?

The Nazis rejected modern styles and favoured large classical buildings inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome, designed by Albert Speer.

How was music controlled in Nazi Germany?

Jazz and Mendelssohn were banned, while Beethoven, Bach, Wagner and German folk music were promoted.

How did the Nazis control literature?

Writers needed approval; 2,500 writers were banned and in May 1933, 20,000 books were burned in Berlin.

How did film and children’s media spread Nazi propaganda?

All films were approved by Goebbels; 1,300 Nazi films were made, newsreels were compulsory, and cartoons like Hansi the Canary spread antisemitic propaganda.