Propaganda and Goebbels

Hitler’s Minister of Propaganda was Joseph

Goebbels.

He used different methods to promote the Nazi

message, as well as Hitler himself, and win the

German people’s support.

A united Germany

Another key goal of Goebbels’ work was to

unite all Germans, leaving behind divisions based on

class, religion, etc.

In particular he targeted the young with the idea of a ‘Thousand Year Reich’.

Propaganda methods

Goebbels used different methods to

win support.

Cinema adverts, radio messages and posters were used. Mass rallies helped win public backing

too.

Arguments for influence

Constant pro-Hitler/Germany or anti-Jewish messages

were impossible to ignore.

Cheap radios meant ownership increased to 70% of all households, increasing the numbers exposed to the

message.

Arguments against influence

Many Germans supported the Nazis not because of

what they heard, but what they saw.

Economic and foreign policy improvements were more significant to winning

support that adverts or posters.

Arguments against influence

Fear also played a key role in winning the Nazis’

support, meaning state controls.

Even if people opposed Hitler or did not believe the propaganda, it was very difficult to discuss

this.