Hitler myth Flashcards
What was the Hitler myth
The idea that Hitler was like this God style being who was Germany’s saviour
How was Hitler portrayed as a mythical Fuhrer (7)
Hitler was tough, uncompromising and ruthless in his fight against Germany’s enemies – both internal and external.
Hitler worked through the night for his people.
Hitler was a political genius, presented through his ability to throw off the shackles of Versailles and restore Germany’s economy and pride.
Hitler was dynamic and energetic compared to the leaders of Weimar.
Hitler sacrificed personal happiness to fully devote himself to his people.
Hitler was the guardian of traditional morality and popular justice.
Hitler was a man of peace and a statesman of true genius.
What was the true, non mythical Hitler like (7)
Hitler supplied the vision and his ministers turned it into policy.
Hitler liked to stay up late watching films.
It was rare for Hitler to emerge from bed before midday.
Hitler struggled to make decisions.
Hitler spent most of his time making speeches, walking near his holiday home and eating lots of food.
Hitler put his own interests above that of the party and the nation – especially when it came to eliminating “enemies”.
Hitler escaped the blame for the actions of his subordinates – most of whom were acting on the orders of the Führer.
How did Hitler portray himself in propaganda
Tried to appeal to women by looking attractive, knee high socks and high wasted shorts, showed charisma through his photos of a practise speech
How was the Hitler myth mainly portrayed
Through propaganda
How were events planned to support the Hitler myth
They were staged to promote Hitlers god-like image
What were some examples of events staged to help boost the Hitler myth
Nuremberg Rallies
Munich Beer Hall commemorations
Hitler’s birthday celebrations
What happened during events that portrayed Hitler to be Godlike
Everything was directed towards him, he was always front and centre, often placed higher up then others, everything around him was in straight lines
Why did Hitler reanact the Munich Putsch
To show it was a day to be remembered by the Germans
Who, other than God was Hitler compared to
Historic German heroes such as Hindenburg, Bismarck and Frederick the Great
Who is Hindenburg
Highly decorated military officer, highly respected by German people, his face was often used in propaganda, became critical for the Nazis
Who is Bismarck
Previously Germanys chancellor and president of Prussia, seen as a genius, believed in a Christian state and was backed by the army
Who was Frederick the great
Significant military successor, Nazis glorified him and Hitler idolised him, built up Berlin as a cultural and recognisable capital with grand buildings
How could the myth be seen during the night of long knives
Stamping out radical elements of the party and ensuring ‘order’ and ‘stability’ in Germany
How can the myth be seen within the economy
Reducing employment, actions taken to protect German farmers and peasants, low wages, food shortages an high unemployment caused a dip in popularity
