Volksgemeinschaft

Before coming to power, Hitler promised to build a ‘national community’, involving all sections of

society.

The Nazis introduced various social policies to give them greater control

of Germans.

Boys’ groups

Boys’ groups were essential to win them to Nazi ideology and also prepare for war.

Boys aged ten joined the ‘German Young People’

and 14 year olds joined the ‘Hitler Youth’ to take part in military-type activities.

Girls’ groups

Nazis were very sexist and believed a female’s role was to have and raise children.

10-year olds joined the ‘League of Young Girls’ and 14-year olds the ‘League of German Maidens’ to learn

about marriage.

Women’s groups

The National Socialist Women’s League aimed to gain more Nazi support

from amongst German women.

There was even a medal for German women who

had eight or more children.

Control of education

Young people were also to be controlled through

education.

Jewish teachers were sacked and other teachers

encouraged to join the Nazi Teachers’ Alliance. Pupils were taught lessons based

on Nazi views e.g. biology.

Arguments for influence

Nazi control was about influencing every part of society – young and old.

These policies helped the Nazis control younger people, but this in turn had an impact on their

parents’ views.

Arguments against influence

Many of these policies were about winning the Nazis long-term support in Germany, not the 1933-

1939 period.

Indoctrinating ten year olds in 1933 was not the key factor which kept the

Nazis in power.