Germany Political threats

   

Anti-Semitic posters

The Nazis, anti- Semitic propaganda, typically depicted commonly held stereotypes’ of Jews. Thus, allowing posters to reinforce existing prejudices. A noticeable trend with anti-Semitic posters was how they echoed the increasing radicalisation of the Nazi regime, anti-Semitic measures and policies.  

                                 

However, as the Nazis policies and actions became more radical, so did their posters. Often, Jews were shown as rats, or other dehumanised images, in addition to being associated with other “threats” to the German people such as Communism. Thus, justifying their actions against the Jews, and showing themselves as the saviours.

 

Even during the war, the Nazis continued to produce anti-Semitic posters, alongside war propaganda. These posters suggested that the Germans are, fighting against Jews, as well as the Allies.

Such anti-Semitic propaganda assisted in grinding down sympathy, thus allowing the marginalisation of Jews. Nevertheless, the effectiveness’ of anti-Semitic varied. It was most successful on those who held anti-Semitic prejudices, to begin with. It targeted these prejudices and exploited them further. However, it was unable to manipulate the instinctive decency of many Germans. Hence, anti-Semitic posters were able to convince some German people of what the really wanted to believe, yet was unable to uproot those, who lacked such views.

Overall, Anti-Semitic propaganda reinforced the feelings and prejudices, which some Germans held, yet was not so effective in winning any converts, due to the immoral ideas the Nazis were propounding. Nonetheless, such propaganda did provide use to the Nazis. It allowed for an atmosphere accepting violence, as anti-Semitic measures’ accelerated.  Moreover, it encouraged inaction and tolerance of such measures and violence, whilst portraying the Nazis as saving the day.

 Anti-Communist Posters

Anti- Communism was linked closely to anti-Semitism, and both were pivotal in the Nazis Weltanschauung. It also, likes anti- Semitic propaganda formed an environment in which violence was tolerated.  Before, Hitler took power, such propaganda was used to gain support, fight against the communists in elections. However, once the Nazis were in power, and political opponents removed, anti-communist propaganda was targeted towards Russia, and came more prevalent during WW2.

The aim of anti-communist propaganda was to arouse and exaggerate the threat of communism, thus present the Nazis as saviours. Therefore, many posters depicted the Nazis “smashing” communism.

As well, as showing Germany as smashing Communism, posters would also show how live would be like under communists, and thus intended to