Manipulating the Masses

Propaganda played a key role in the Nazis' rise to power. The party used it to shape public opinion and behaviour. Nazi propaganda offered simple solutions to Germany's complex problems. This gave many Germans hope for the future and united them behind the Nazis. 

Once Hitler became dictator, he created the Ministry of Propaganda. Its job was to indoctrinate citizens in Nazi ideology. To do this, the Ministry took control of all media. It spread Nazi ideas through newspapers, posters, schoolbooks and the arts. Nazi propaganda saturated every aspect of public life. At the same time, opposing views were silenced through censorship and intimidation. 

The Nazis used new media like film, radio and loudspeakers to great effect. Huge party rallies presented Hitler as a saviour. Music, flags and salutes aroused feelings of national pride and belonging. 

The Nazis believed Germany could only become strong and successful if its citizens were "racially pure." Nazi propaganda promoted the myth of a superior "Aryan race." It envisioned a harmonious "national community" of pure Aryan people united by shared heritage and values.  

Nazi propaganda identified certain groups as enemies of this "national community." These groups were said to be "inferior," "subhuman" and "unworthy of life." The goal was to build public support for excluding them from society by creating an "us versus them" mentality. Jews were the primary target of this dehumanization. Roma, Slavic and Black people were also portrayed as "inferior races." And people with disabilities, gay men and "asocials" were said to threaten the genetic superiority of the “Aryan race.” But according to Nazi propaganda, no group was more dangerous to the nation than the Jews.