Nazi Control of Culture and the Arts Flashcards
(20 cards)
Gleichschaltung
The chamber of culture was the make sure that all art and cultural activities were in accordance to Nazi beliefs - Nazification of art.
Arts in Nazi Germany: Reich Chamber of Visual Arts
All painters and sculptors etc. visual artists were made to be members of the Reich Chamber of Visual Arts - if not they were forbidden to teach, produce or sell art.
Arts in Nazi Germany: Censorship
12, 000 paintings and sculptures were removed from galleries.
Arts in Nazi Germany: Gestapo
The Gestapo made visits to galleries to check that the chamber of fine arts rules were not broken, and no art that went against Nazi beliefs was produced or displayed.
Music in Nazi Germany: Jazz
Jazz music was viewed as inferior and was banned since it was part of Black/American culture.
Music in Nazi Germany: German music
Germany music such as Beethoven, Bach and traditional folk music was celebrated and an artist named Richard Wasner who wrote lyrics celebrating German heroism and legends were promoted.
Literature in Nazi Germany: Chamber of culture
No new books published without the approval of the Chamber of Culture.
Literature in Nazi Germany: Censorship and book burnings
Books by communists or Jews or even other European countries which went against Nazi ideology were censored. Book burning were held in public and encouraged students to participate - manipulating and brainwashing young students.
Millions of books were confiscated from universities and libraries.
Architecture in Nazi Germany: ‘modernist’
Disliked the modernist and futuristic architecture of the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, and wanted buildings that made Nazi Germany strong and powerful - timeless and traditional instead.
Architecture in Nazi Germany: Hitler’s projects
- offices of the chancellor in Berlin
- huge buildings - power and permanence
- used features from Ancient Roman and Greek architecture because they were symbols of power, wealth and history: domes, pillars, arches, gold
Film in Nazi Germany: newreels
Films shown in cinemas were preceded by a 45 minute newsreel, often propagandic tones and nationalist perspective - publicising the Nazi’s achievements + discrediting opponents - Jews and Communists.
Film in Nazi Germany: own films
the Nazi’s made their own films - they were not made to be entertaining but more of a political message - indoctrination/ subliminal messaging
Film in Nazi Germany: Goebbels and Cartoons
Goebbels made cartoon HANSI based on Hitler and the villains had caricature like features meant to mock jews.
The Press:
- Newspapers had to provide views which the Nazis agreed with or else they’d face the consequences.
- Censorship: Journalists were dictated and were given regular info on what to write about and what not to cover.
- Any newspapers which opposed Nazi views were closed down - no real press by 1935.
Radio:
- Goebbels had already started using the power of radio to manipulate public opinion around elections.
- Censored radio and used it to broadcast Nazi propaganda.
- Hitler and the other Nazis made frequent broadcasts throughout the day - made clear connection with the public - constant exposure to Nazi discussions and ideas and news led to indoctrination.
- Cheap, mass-produced radios were sold to the public and placed in cafes, factories, schools etc. - 70%homes - constant exposure EVERYWHERE
Rallies
- Goebbels made Nazi rallies more frequent and more like parades, colourful and dramatic.
- Mass rally every year at Nuremberg - created a sense of unity and advertised the strength of the Nazi party - powerful message - defiance and patriotism after a long period of instability - worked to gain more trust and hope in the NSDAP.
Sport
- covered sports stadiums with Nazi symbols - linked enthusiasm for sport with enthusiasm for Nazism.
- all teams including visitors, did the Nazi salute during the German national anthem before games - provided an example for the rest of the country + advertised Nazism.
- sports victories became celebration of Nazi party.
- increase support for the Nazi attitude through employing POPULISM.
The Berlin Olympics
- built the largest Olympic stadium in the world - littered with Nazi posters and flags and swastikas - chance to promote Nazism on the world stage.
- Germany won 33 medals - more than any other country - Aryan superiority and discipline: discipline and attitude in sport became an extension of Nazi attitudes i.e. power, collective effort, determination, pride
- filmed and used as propaganda
- censorship - only the official press could cover it - they manipulated the way in which the Olympic games were presented.
PROPAGANDA AND THE ORDINARY:
“This reflects how the Nazis didn’t just rely on fear and violence — they also aimed to win hearts and minds through cultural means like sport.”
“By controlling areas of everyday life such as sport, the regime blurred the line between entertainment and political messaging.”
“This shows how propaganda under the Nazis was subtle as well as direct — it was embedded in ordinary experiences like leisure and competition.”
important to note about Nazi sports
“The Nazis also excluded Jews and other ‘undesirables’ from sport, reinforcing ideas of racial purity.”
“Sporting events were highly choreographed, just like Nazi rallies, to create a sense of unity and national pride.”
