Nazi Culture

For Hitler and Goebbels, culture was an important political tool on par with the secret police. The ability to mold values, desires and taste was seen as the ultimate long range tool for social mobilization. The lengths that the Nazis went to control culture was so exhaustive that , today, the definition of totalirianism must include the control and "manufacturing" of culture.

The Nazis sought legitimacy. It seems odd for a totalitarian dictatorship, but the Nazis had a noticeable persecution complex. Speeches, books, educational materials , films, etc., all referred to the struggle the Nazis faced against domestic and foreign adversaries. Everywhere one looked, Nazis were the supposed victims of Jewish or Bolshevik treachery. The Nazis were eager to secure the support of the population against this treachery, whether or not the Nazis genuinely feared these contrary forces.

Reshaping culture in the Nazi image was seen as a way to gain the genuine support of the masses, and at least gain the cooperation of the older social elites. Consequently, we see significant examples of mass manipulation and social engineering. The following images will hopefully give you an understanding of the process and outcome of this manipulation.