Thursday, April 7, 2011

Nazi Economic Recovery and Rearmament

1. How did the Nazi Regime attempt to win the loyalty of its workers? Define the following:
a. Strength Through Joy program: The workers were loyal because of the things that were given to them, aside from having jobs: good workers were able to obtain things that others could not: 5 Reichsmarks every so often would obtain them a Volkswagen Beetle ( eventually), they could buy discounted theatre tickets, or even cheap cruises, this kept the working population happy so they would not rebel. 

b. Volkswagen Beetle (the people's car): The people's car, could be obtained by German Citizen through hard work, and deduction of 5 reichmarks per pay check. They would never actually get these cars because the production of this car was halted because of the necessity to create war goods.

c. Beauty of Labor movement:  The beauty through labor movement made sure that the places that the German worker worked in were clean and good looking, and that there were places that the people could eat ( cafeterias) , and stay happy and healthy while at work. ( low cost canteens and washing facilities were now here at work)

2. Define the following Farming Programs. Be sure to provide the pros and cons of each program:

a. Reich Food Estate: The government would buy the food for farmers, and sell it on a market: therefore the farmers never had to worry about there not being a market for them to sell their goods. Pros: money in for farmers, food production for germans Cons: more efficent farmers had to work the same way that the less efficent farmers did, and this hindered their production.  

b. Reich Entailed Farm Law: Farmers had protection for their farms, the bank couldnt seize the farms:if they couldnt pay morgages or loans.the land would always belong to the peasants. Cons; banks became unwilling to lend money to farmers and peasants. Pro: Oldest child inherited farm, bank could not take a families land.

3. Define Volksgemeinschaft. (Hint: It is in the reading, plus my notes)
A national community where people would not see themselves as Peasants, or Workers, or Farmers: they would see themselves as German.Their loyalty would not be to their class but to Germany and Hitler.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

How did the Nazis Implement Women's Policies?

Area 1:Increased Births


Key Measures Attempted:
- Attempt for More Pure German Births.
- Incentive measures for those who had babies right after their marriages etc.
-mothers cross ( make women feel more equal in society)



Successes:
- birth rate up
-infant mortality rate up
-more marriages producing children.
-gave women " quasi-rights" they were able to have children out of wedlock, and divorce so that they could produce more german babies.

Limitations and Failures:
Marriage Law,
Having Babies out of wedlock was controdictary to what they'd originally wanted.
If you didn't have children you were penalized or taxed highly
Steralization of those who were undesirable



Area 2: Public Life




Key Measures Attempted
- dismissal of women from medical and public jobs
- no women in the reichstag
- no women professors or teachers.






Successes
- no women were involved in politics: they were at home as Nazi Ideology would have wanted.
-women were involved in women/girls groups and unions, so that they would not feel too restrained.
-involved in lectures and rallies, confrences




Limitations and Failures
- no women in the work force when war broke out.
-women were not allowed to help make any decisions
- women were trained to work in the home

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Treatment of Women in Nazi Germany

Statement 1: "Nazi policy for women was confused."
          I agree, they idea that the Nazi women, or the perfect German woman was only to be used for Child Bearing, Keeping a Home, and Supporting her Husband is a little primitive, the German people could have more effectively kept industry afloat during the times of war through hiring women in the work place, when Men had to go off to war, it doesn't make much sense to keep the " traditional values" when times are difficult: however, it does keep the people suppressed, the women were not out much seeing what the women of other countries had available to them and therefore did not feel any reason to rebel, which is why many women agreed with the policy.


Statement 2: "Nazi Policy for Women was  A Failure"
I agree to some extent; the Nazi Policy for women did exactly what it was meant to do; it restrained women from being involved in government issues and from feeling anything that might make them rebellious. They also were able to stay committed to their original plans of restoring some of the traditional German values. However, they failed in the long run by shooting themselves in the foot with the industry-- during times of war they weren't able to allow women into the work force, this made things difficult because with the men off to war, they had no one to keep up industry at home

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Nazi Youth Policies and Education Assessment

Focus Task Number 1 and 2 Page 204::

1. The Young people of the Third Reich were extremely important to the Nazi agenda, Hitler envisioned that beginning with his leadership Germany would prosper and the creation of a Thousand Year Reich would occur; however, it was too late for those who were party members they were too old to lead Germany into the Thousand Year Reich; because they are bearing the burden of the humiliating past, the education and training of the Youth would lead Germany into the future; for Hitler to " make a new world". They were essential to the rule of the Nazi party because of their ability to be molded and influenced so quickly, they were were indeed going to be the future supporters of the NSDAP and the Furher so the indoctrination and support of the youth was absolutely necessary for Hitler's rule.

The methods behind the Nazi success in winning over the Youth of Germany comes much from the programs that were set up for Aryan Youth, both male and female. The male Youth in Nazi Germany belonged to various "Hitler Youth" organizations where they militarily practiced drills, camped, worked, and often attended rallies where Hitler himself would speak to them, one German boy says " there was not any doubt I was bound to Adolf Hitler until long after our defeat" (source 34) they were taught to be strong, and participated in long hikes, and sport so they would be ready for Military service if need be; the Young Women however were also indoctrinated into the party;; they went to the Young Maiden's league, which provided more excitement outside of their normal home lives, but-- made them strong and fit for childbearing. Also, they learned skills that would be "vital" to running a good German home. The youth under Hitler's rule were even influenced through their education; curriculums and facts were altered to reflect Nazi ideology, and textbooks were rewritten and screened to reflect what Hitler wanted his future to know. Knowledge was very limited at the time, they only things that the children of the Reich read, learned, spoke about were approved by Goebbels or Hitler; many people had a hand in the education system. The children learned about NSDAP values, and were encouraged to quote Hitler's "Mein Kampf"; they learned about how to properly identify enemies of the party such as Gypsys , Jews, and other undesirables using their race books, and for young women there were also classes in how to have a proper home: and for all, of course there was Sport. The aim of the Youth organization was to instill in young German's a feeling of belonging, and that YOU were going to help build a stronger Germany-- whether through having many strong, Aryan children, or going to the Military or the SA, or SS for your country's welfare.

The Youth movement in the beginning attracted young people because of the natural "Rebellious" attitude that Children and Teens have; since this new and "crazy" party had come into power, the Hitler Youth was a way to be different and rebel which appealed to many; even more influential was the 'power trip' that many seemed to achieve through the organization- the uniforms, overtly organized military drills, the hikes, and camping all seemed to appeal to the boys of Nazi Germany; this was exciting and an adventure away from their daily lives. For women the attraction of adventure was even more important; the Maiden's League was an excellent tool in providing adventure outside of the home for German Girls in the Third Reich. Both organizations 'performed' at a national level going to large scale parades with music and marching, or to rallies where the Furher indoctrinated you with a speech that seemed as if he was "looking into your eyes" ( source 34) The youth were promised jobs following their involvement in these organizations, however much of this was never fulfilled; although at the time it attracted many, if not all German youth to the organizations. The Youth of Germany were constantly being told that they were the future of the 1,000 year Reich; and for this they must be strong and ready-- the involvement in sport and the organizations were both social and paramilitary, however they created a sense of belonging for every child, and therefore involved nearly every German youth, the movements were very attractive to young people.

2.
There were however some young people who did not fall in line with the Nazi Youth organizations; the factors on class played into the role of involvement in youth heavily. The middle class teenagers, for example began with the 'Swing' movement- these German teenagers opted to reject the Nazi Organization for a western approach to life: they listened to American Jazz music, and went to parties where they sang english songs; they danced the Jitterbug, and had lenient views on Sex and Jews, the Jews were even allowed in their clubs; the Nazis did not meet this opposition without retaliation however, the German authorities were trained to identify the 'degenerates' (p204) who were often depicted wearing overtly English clothing, and being unkept. Although the Nazis had made it illegal to be a member of any other sort of organization- this did not stop the Edelweiss Pirates either, with only half of German boys, and 15% of German girls involved with Hitler Youth programming ( 1933) this worried Hitler and preventative measures were taken. The Edelweiss Pirates, the working class teenagers  were another group who decided to dodge the idea of Nazi run organization, although they were not one organized group Hitler called them all: Edelweiss Pirates, they went camping and sang songs as did the Hitler Youth, however they mocked Germany and were often held responsible for acts of violence, and graffiti; including the attack on the Gestapo in which the chief was killed the ring leaders of the Pirates were rounded up and hung publicly; the free attitude towards sex, and the opposition to the Government by the youth was the opposite of what Hitler needed to ensure his rule of the Reich, therefore drastic measures were taken. Some youth took measures to "outfox" the German Youth Programs, they did not attend the rallies, and refused to pay their dues to the organizations- this was public opposition of the NSDAP.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Was Nazi Youth Policy Successful?

Reasons Behind Success ( or lack there of) of Nazi Youth Policy:
Enthusiasm:

  • Their enthusiasm for the involvement in Hitler Youth was so "mandatory" that any student who did not participate would be obvious, and would be ridiculed for being different- therefore all were involved.
  • The children were so fascinated in all of the opportunities that were being offered to them that they believed in nothing but Hitler.
  • Youth believed that through their devotion to the cause of persecuting those who were different, ( Jews and Marxists) they would be able to gain for themselves through job opportunity; etc..

Conformity for career reasons:

  • Youth believed that through their Persecution of Jews and Marxists; they would be able to gain career opportunities. 
  • Not Successful  They were finding that had they been a few years older, they would have been well paying government posts for them, but there were not any such jobs in present because of their age.
  • Not Successful   The youth were feeling their lack of freedom based upon the the national socialist organizations; they felt that they had no choices.
Conformity through fear:

  • Youth were taught in school curriculum that they must be a part of Hitler youth, and in turn then feared what their lives would be like if they were not. 
  • Children would lie about their family life: whose parent was a member of the SA, what newspaper did the family read, was your father a party member? Many children answered yes for fear of what would happen if they did not.
  • Not Successful The children were no longer afraid of being different, and not attending Hitler Youth organizations: the uniforms and regimented games lost their appeal, many stopped paying their dues, and showing up at all... they were not afraid. 
  • Children felt forced to be a part of these organizations because of what could happen to them and their families ( Violence, Concentration Camps, Death or Beating)


Conformity through apathy/natural obedience:

  • They were politically programmed to follow orders and to obey- they were agreeing to everything they were told, and even though they didn't know much about Nazi Ideology or have read Mein Kampf they quoted it. 
  • Not Successful They were questioning of the reasons in ideas such as anti-semitism: and anti jewish music and why they were not allowed, they didn't understand these ideas; for they were not party members they were just children/youths.
Nonconformity/disillusion:

  • Not Successful: the working youths criticized the Hitler Youth, they were different and were not for the enthusiasm that the HJ fostered. 
  • The youth was in great support of the Regime because of their involvement in youth organization, the upswing of support was from the new generation ( Bavaria) 
  • Some youth were eager to "out fox" the authorities, they would not attend Hitler Youth events or meetings, they made a game out of violating the orders of National Socialism ( SW Germany) 
  • Children hid the nonconforming ways of their parents when teachers tried to force them into National Socialist Activities and Hitler Youth; they would answer yes because of fear, even though their families were avowed opponents of the Nazis.
  • Demoralization of Youth because they did not want to participate in HJ and many resigned their memberships and stopped paying dues as a way of rebellion. 

Criticism/opposition:

  • withdrawal of participation from Hitler Youth, refusal to pay dues.
  • parents who were directly opposing the Nazis caused their children to hide their true family life.
  • the jobs that were promised to the young people in the beginning are not available to them because of their age.
  • lack of freedom and fulfillment in the youth because what was promised to them by the NSDAP is not able to be obtained.
  • Young (12-17) who would hang around ( Pirates) with young women, cause violence and bombings, terror;; outside of the Hitler Youth-- were criticized. 
  • the Young people described above used graffiti to express their hatred for the Nazi Party and for the people who were being killed for hitler, and lied to and indoctrinated.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Nazi Education Policies



1. Identify three important changes made by the Nazis to the education system. Explain the purpose of each change.

A. Creation of the National Socialist Teachers' League-- The purpose of this was to make sure that Nazi Germany's teachers were loyal to the Party and to the Nazi ideas that needed to be taught in schools to indoctrinate the youth.

B. Changes in Physical Ed, History, and Biology-  These changes emphisised the Nazi views on having a healthy, and strong youth so they could lead the 1000 year Reich. The emphisis on History and on Biology were important because they reflected and potrayed the November Criminals, and peace makers as enemies of the state, as well as making it evident as to why the Aryan people were more surperior to the Jews and other undesirables.

C. A move away from Co-Educational Schooling- It was neccesary for German Girls and Boys recieved the proper education; they wanted women to be able to to keep home, and be able to sew etc;; and for men to be able to provide for their families.

2. Give specific examples of how the Nazis tried in schools to develop the spirit of Volksgemeinschaft in the following seven goals:

Anti-intellectualism: They were encouraged to learn specifically Aryan Focused curriculum: this information they learned in their schools was not correct, they didn't fully understand Biology, History, because they were being taught the Nazi ideology.

Anti-semitism:They were taught that the Jews were not as equal as the Aryan race, and that they could not hold any jobs that regular German's were capable of; they were not as intelligent and not as well suited ( physical apperance) to do jobs, students were encouraged to rat on their parents and learn about how the miniorities looked so they could accurately notice them.

Indifference to the weak: They believed that there was no reason to educate the weak, the weak would also not be able to participate in Hitler youth because they could not follow the intensive hiking and camping.

Nationalism: They were taught in school that the people responsible for creating peace using the Treaty of Versailles were criminals of the state and could not be trusted, they were taught to have pride for their country, and learned that by being strong and participating in Hitler youth they could help the 1000 year reich.

Militarism: Pariticipating in the Hitler Youth and Maidens league was required with schooling, therefore the children of the reich were regimented and strong, those who would not go off into the working world  would go to the army and fight for Germany.

Obedience and discipline: They were taught to obey their teachers and the state by tattling on everyone including their families, and neigbours based off suspecion of Anti- Nazi or Anti-Hitler beheviour. They kept race books, and attended Hitler Youth rallies where they were taught to be regimented and stand at attention.

Hitler Worship: History books were rewritten in order to paint a picture of Hitler as the "First Worker" and the saviour of the German state, they also worshiped him through the youth programs-- they supported him and his idea for the future of the 1000 year Reich.

3. What methods did the Nazis use to try to ensure schools were teaching correctly? (This is from Friday's in-class work.)
The Nazis used forced Unionism,  the teachers must belong to the National Socialist Teachers' League, the wanted to ensure that the teachers were faithful to the German state, and to Hitler.
They also rewrote and screened all literary material teachers were also forced to sign a delceration of faithfulness to the state and to hitler; proving that they would comply with the ideals of the State.
4. Write out a statement that explains the main educational aims of the Nazi Education System. (Reference some of the sources.)
The NSDAP aims to Create an educational system based off Nazi values and ideals:
- all students should be taught the reasoning (Biologically) why the Aryan race must be the leaders of the German people.
- Physical education is to be held in the highest regard and is mandatory for students atleast 2 hours a day.
- German girls must learn in their educational systems how to keep a good house, and to be a good mother.
- All German youths must be learned in racial differences, and keep a race book;; to study those who are undesirable.
-German Youths must be members of a Youth Organization to strenthen their minds, bodies, and spirits.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Nazi Rule in Germany

1. Study document A in Chapter 3. Make a detailed list of the kinds of people who were likely to be arrested as "Enemies of the State" in Nazi Germany.
 Answer: 
1. Politicals: Communists, members of the reichstag, 
2. Workshy: people who would not do just any job, they were picky about their work.
3.Bibleforcher: those who were pushing for power via religion, they also would not serve militarily. 
4. Homosexuals.
5. Jews
6. Professional Criminals

2. Provide detailed notes on the following sub-topics in Chapter 4 (Jews in Nazi Germany)
Hitler's anti-Semitic ideas
-Hitler believed that the jews were responsible for Germany's defeat in the Great War.
-Hitler believed that the Jews were looking to take power, through the buisness world.
-Hitler thought that Jews were an inferior race; and ought to not mix with powerful aryan Germans.
-Hitler ordered the SA Storm-Troopers; make life difficult for those who were jewish. 
The dismissal of Jews from jobs, 1933
-Jews were removed from the jobs in broadcasting, news, government jobs, and universities.
- Jewish owned shops were marked with a star, or the word Juden. 
-Jews had different seats on trains and busses; 
- Students were also taught anti-semetic ideas.
The Nuremberg Laws, 1935
- removal of German Citizenship
-no marriages between jews and non jews.
-life became even more difficult, they foudn it hard to find food, medicine, or shelter; many places had signs "No Jew's admitted".
The "Night of Broken Glass"
- a jew shot a Nazi official and began the week of violence.
-10,000 jewish shop keepers had their windows smashed.
-counters and goods were looted by nazi officials.
-homes and synagogues were burned.
-dozens killed, thousands arrested.
-jews were forced to pay fines, and also to clean up on hands and knees with brushes.

1938 Violence against Jews
dozens killed,thousands arrested. fines were needed to be paid by jewish shop keepers.
- orders for expansion of concentration camps
- murder of Nazi official by a jewish man.
-Himmler orders SA violence.
3. Why do you think Hitler and the Nazis put so much effort into organizing the lives of young people? (Chapter 5)
The Young People would be the future of the "1000 year Reich", the people that were currently in support of hitler would not be around much longer, they would not be creating the future Aryan children, or being in support of Hitler. Therefore he organized and influenced them from their youth so that he would be able to control them as they grow up, and have support for the NSDAP. Also; Hitler could then use the practices learned in the Maidens League, as well as Hitler youth, to breed perfect Germans.
4. Study the photographs carefully in Chapter 5. Then, using the information and evidence you have read about young people, write a diary of one day in a Hitler Youth camp.
Day 2
Dear  Diary,
Today we marched, and heard another one of Hitler's amazing speeches, the Fuher's words are the best thing for the future of Germany. You know, it's funny how little food we bring with us on our marches, we went roughly 14 miles today... I was so exhausted, but I never faltered, I must be strong for the future of the Reich! I also practiced my Gymnastics today, and pitched my tent perfectly the first time; I am improving. Next year i will be in HJ!
Hail Hitler.
Johnny

5. What effect did "the three Ks" have upon women. (Chapter 6)
The three K's; that in english stand for Children,Church and Cooking had a large effect on the women of Germany because of their status. They found that they would have to stay at home, and as Hitler rose to power professional women were dismissed and sent back to the home. Make up and fashion were both frowned upon for Nazi women, along with thinning, Nazi women should be strong and healthy for childbearing; even at home they were not totally free to do as they pleased. They would also be given money based on the amount of healthy aryan children they produced; The national Reich church must also be important to the women of Nazi germany.
6. Study the photograph in Chapter 6 (2nd page) and read the rules of the National Reich Church. Explain in your own words the kind of religion which the Nazis wanted Germans to follow.
The Nazi's followed a religion of Hitler, the Sun, and Nazism... the entire religious practice would be based off of Hitler, and his beliefs and texts, and the Nazi views on how one should live their life. Only those faithful to the reich, and powerful in the reich should teach, and only Hitler's word should be reveared. 
7. How did Hitler address the massive unemployment situation in Germany when he came to power? (Chapter 7)
 When Hitler came into power his first action against the massive unemployment situation in Germany was to set up the National Labour Service, this group of men would do government building projects such as building hospitals and schools, or digging drains on farms, and building a network of motorways.

8. What is the significance of the German Labor Front? (Chapter 7)
The significance of the German Labor Front was that trade unions were abolished and the German workers were united together as workers, instead of divided. Although many rights were taken from workers, they would not rebel, mostly because of fear but also of course because of the upturn in wages that were being brought home in relation to 1932.
9. In your own words, discuss the significance of the Strength through Joy program. (Chapter 8)
The significance of the Strength through Joy program was not only to keep the workers happy so they would not go against the power, but also to make sure the people did not have too much free time to be able to simply think and do nothing, if they did this they might begin to flourish with non-nazi ideas, and rebel against the government. 
10. Describe Dr. Joseph Goebbels propaganda and censorship tactics. What effect did they have upon the German citizen? (Chapter 9).
Goebbels used propaganda and censorship in order to keep the german citizen pleased, and instill nationalistic pride.  Only the things that the Nazi's supported would be allowed into Germany, only German made films would be allowed, and foregin films and Jazz music would be outlawed. People were not supposed to know about what was going on in other nations, in order for them to be indoctrinated into the Nazi ways of life, and believing that this was the only and greatest choice.