Censor and Propaganda

Who was in charge of propaganda for the Nazis?

Dr. Joseph Goebbels

What was Goebbels’ title?

Minister for Enlightenment and Propaganda

What is the difference between censorship and propaganda?

Censorship is the suppression of news the Nazi regime does not like; propaganda is the active promotion of the Nazi regime.

What did Goebbels say about propaganda?

“The finest kind of propaganda does not reveal itself.”

How were newspapers censored?

Non-Nazi newspapers were shut down and editors were told what they could print.

Where did the Nazis hold their annual rally?

Nuremberg (in southern Germany).

Why were Nuremberg rallies effective propaganda?

They showed how strong, organized, and disciplined the Nazi regime was and gave people a sense of belonging.

How were radios used to spread propaganda?

All radios were placed under Nazi control and cheap, mass-produced radios were placed in cafes and factories around Germany.

Why did the radios placed around Germany have a short range?

So they could not pick up foreign stations (like the BBC World Service).

How big were cinema audiences in 1933?

Over 250 million.

How were books censored?

No books could be published without Goebbels’ permission.

What did Goebbels organise in 1933 (to do with books)?

A book burning.

What kind of books were burned at the book burning?

Books by Jewish or Communist authors or books that contained ideas unacceptable to the Nazi regime.

How were artists censored?

Only Nazi-approved artists could show their work, normally depicting the Aryan ideal.

How did the Nazis use the cinema for propaganda purposes?

All films had to carry a pro-Nazi message.

What was one of the most famous pro-Nazi films?

Hitlerjunge Quex (1933).

What was the plot of Hitlerjunge Quex (1933)?

The story of a boy who broke away from a Communist family to join the Hitler Youth, only to be murdered by Communists.

What were all films accompanied by?

A 45-minute newsreel glorifying Hitler and Nazi achievements.

Why did some Germans arrive late to the cinema?

To avoid having to sit through the pro-Nazi newsreel.

What type of music was banned?

Jazz music.

Why was jazz banned?

It was considered as ‘black music’ and therefore inferior.

What did Goebbels say about ‘lies’ and ‘truth’?

“Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth.”