Support For The Nazi Party, 1933-1934 - Completed (move Fuhrer Cult?)

Question 1

How were rallies used to increase the support of the Nazis?

Answer 1

Annual Nuremberg rallies were huge spectacles held and used to show Nazi power and national unity.

• 1934 rally, 200,000 people came to look at thousands of banners, 20,000 Nazi flags, a 100 foot gold eagle statue, and to hear Hitler’s speech.

Question 2

How were films used to increase the support of the Nazis?

Answer 2

All films included a 45 minute newsreels on Nazi ‘news’ whilst Goebbels oversaw every film produced (1,300 total) to audiences of over 250 million (1933).

• Movies like the ‘Eternal Jew’ and ‘Triumph of the Will’ were Nazi ‘masterpieces’ which showed German triumphs, attacked Jews and enemies like communists.

Question 3

How were newspapers used to increase the support of the Nazis?

Answer 3

All newspapers were controlled by the Nazis and journalists were told what not to write and what to write about by the government.

• Anti-Nazi newspapers were removed (1,600 in 1935).
• Negative news was censored.
• There was no free press, only Nazi based.

Question 4

How was culture used to increase the support of the Nazis?

Answer 4

The Chambers of Culture (under Goebbels) controlled art, architecture, theatre, literature, and music, which had to fit the Nazi message.

• Artists had to join Chambers of Visual Arts (42,000 joined - only way their work could be published) with work fitting Nazi beliefs.
• Music had to emphasise German culture.
• Literature focussed on German history and culture.
• Architecture symbolised Nazi power, so buildings were huge; giant flags and statues of Hitler erected.

Question 5

How were radios used to increase the support of the Nazis?

Answer 5

The Reich Radio company controlled all stations (Hitler’s speeches + history were common stations) and cheap radios were mass produced (70% homes owned).

• No foreign stations.
• Loud speakers were placed in the streets so all could hear.

Question 6

How were sport events used to increase the support of the Nazis?

Answer 6

1936 Olympics used to show Aryan superiority (30 gold medals) and power as the stadium was the largest in the world.

Question 7

How was the ‘Furher Cult’ used to increase the support of the Nazis?

Answer 7

Developed by Nazis shown Hitler as superman and a man of people, aiming for people to idolise and follow him, like a god.

• Hitler was presented as a brave WW1 veteran, a generous worker and fond of children.
• Pictures of Hitler were everywhere.
• ‘Heil Hitler’ became a national greeting.
• Total and utter obedience was essential to the Nazi rule.

Question 8

What were the Nazi ideologies that propaganda focussed on?

Answer 8

• Greatness of Germany.
• Furher Cult.
• Aryan race.
• Attacking Germany’s enemies (Jews and communists).
• Increasing Nazi support.