Idealism too drove Hitler’s followers. Many of them had hope that a new society would be created via the Nazi regime; a ‘national community’ that would end all existing social divisions. Those who joined the Nazi Party believed that there was no chance of returning to the ‘class-ridden, hierarchical society of the past.’
All these aspects of Nazism were to formulate popular opinion in the Third Reich.
In 1933, 25.9% of the German population were unemployed. By 1939 the figure was a mere 0.5%. The German public was largely unaware of what was going on – the Nazis were spending large amounts of public money on job creating schemes. Perhaps one of the largest areas of employment was the creation of 7000 kilometres of German motorway. Because there were so many out of work at the start of Hitler’s rule, heavy industry was able to dramatically increase. Germany had the workers to do the work, and somehow the money to finance it. Coal and chemical production tripled.
As unemployment diminished, working hours increased. In 1933 the average working week was 42.9 hours. By 1939 this had risen to 47. But the Germans were oblivious to the fact; they were just grateful to be out of unemployment.
However, although unemployment virtually vanished, it was the figures that changed rather than the number of unemployed. Hitler’s policy only applied to his recognition of ‘real Germans’. Therefore people such as Jews and those in concentration camps were kept from the unemployment register. Women were also encouraged to leave work in order for men to have more chance of employment and for them to concentrate their efforts on creating large families. Figures were also distorted in the way that part-time work was recorded as full-time work. The conscription policy of 1933 resulted in thousands of men joining the military. Withholding this information made the new German government look intelligent and efficient.
Consequently it is not surprising to learn that the German army grew from 100,000 men in 1933 to 140,000 in 1939. Huge sums of money were spent on this venture, as unknown to the average man, Hitler was plotting a massive military revenge.
Hitler’s idealistic policy can be seen through the wage scheme that was introduced whilst he was in power. Hitler wanted Germany to be made up of fit, health handsome people. The original wage scheme – that a person was paid for the job they did, was replaced by one where a person was paid for the amount of time they worked. This meant that old and ill people lost out money wise. This idea corresponds with Hitler’s idea of a perfect race. He attempted to educate the Germans by having the Nazi Party sponsor activities such as sporting events, concerts and adult educational courses.
In 1938 the Volkswagen was created by the Nazis to improve the lives of the ordinary Germans. This car was affordable so it was possible for most to own one; a further weapon in German propaganda which helped indoctrinate the Germans into supporting the aims and ideals of the Nazi party.
Along with the introduction of a budget car, came the introduction of new technology. Nazi officials used aeroplanes when attending public events. This projected an impressive and powerful government image. The German government would
have admired this as it was a sign that Germany was getting back on track.
Possibly the most influential element of the Nazi popularity gain was propaganda under Goebbels. Goebbels was a great believer in the power of radio. He thought it vital to gain popular opinion. This led to the introduction of cheap radios and by 1939 70% of German households possessed one, no other country could compare with this.
discovery of the power of the radio propaganda wise led to loud speakers being introduced to German streets, so that the Fuhrer spread his word to everyone everywhere. Goebbels was also the person responsible for the ‘Hitler Myth’. This ‘myth’ divided Hitler from the corrupt side of his party. “In contrast to the arrogance, high-handedness, incompetence, scandal and corruption, which characterised the Nazi Party’s functionaries increasingly from 1933, the simple life-style of the Fuhrer, displayed by Goebbel’s propaganda, stood out in sharp relief.” (Alan Bullock). The ‘Hitler Myth’ disassociated Hitler with all wrong in his party. Therefore if an incident occurred that made the German people look down on the party, it would be the party that they looked down on, not Hitler. It is possible to say that Hitler had more popularity than the concept of the Nazi Party itself. Hitler was also made out to hold deep religious belief. All in all, the ‘Hitler Myth’ provided an important source of legitimisation for the regime.
Censorship was another of Goebbel’s masterpieces when concerning the Nazi regimes fight for popularity. By controlling the television, the cinema and press, it was impossible that any other political viewpoint could criticise the Party on a public scale. During Hitler’s dictatorship there were 1,300 films produced.
The Berlin Olympics of 1936 was a display of German prestige. The event was used to impress the world with the comeback that the Germans had made. The stadium was enormous; it held 110,000 spectators. The event was filmed in such a manner as to make Germany look fantastic. Although anti-Jewish signs were removed to invoke a ‘friendly atmosphere’, Hitler still showed his racist side when he refused to shake hands with gold medallist Jesse Owens – a black American.
Examples of Hitler’s fascination with race and superiority can be seen in the generous social security benefits that the Nazi Party granted. These included free loans and marriages. If couples did have a loan they could often clear it by having numerous children. Hitler wanted these children to become the future super race – Hitler Youth. Women were also entitled to medals for having a certain number of children who would then contribute to the Hitler Youth. To gain the gold medal on Hitler’s mother’s birthday, a woman had to have eight children.
It is therefore clear to see why the Nazi Party gained immense popularity during the years 1933-1939. For the average German, until war broke out this was the best life that they had known. They had jobs, food, they had recovered their pride and they were having a good time.
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