Your Task: 1. You will be watching a short clip from the Nazi Propaganda film, “Triumph of the Will.” This video chronicles a Nazi Rally in 1934. 2. After watching 5-6 minutes of the clip discuss the following questions with your group members.
This video was considered revolutionary for the way in which it was filmed. What made this video so “cutting edge” for its time?
What is the reaction from the people as Hitler’s motorcade passes down the street? What does this reveal about support for Hitler?
What was the intent of producing such a film? Is the intent overt (obvious) or subtle (less noticeable)?
Why do you think this film is now banned in Germany?
Station 2: Hitler's Popularity
Your Task: 1. You will be listening to a short audio clip of one of Hitler’s speeches. 2. After listening to the clip discuss the following questions with your group members.
What emotions does Hitler use during his speech?
What was the reaction from the audience? Describe.
What do you think made his speech so engaging for the audience?
Thinking back to what we have studied, how did Hitler use the circumstances in Germany prior to the war to his advantage?
Station 3: Books
Your Task: 1. At your station is a Nazi children’s book entitled,“No Fox. No Jew.” 2. Read and analyze the book together and then reflect on the following questions with your group members.
What are some stereotypes about Jews from the book that children would begin to believe?
How are Germans portrayed in the book?
Choose two specific pages from the book. What is the storyline in these two pages?
Why would Hitler focus on having children’s books produced?
Describe the mind of a child. How would the average child likely respond to such a book?
Station 4: Fear and Intimidation
Your Task: 1. Watch the short video clip Terror and Propaganda.” (Produced by Lagan History) 2. After watching the clip discuss the following questions with your group members:
Identify several ways the Nazi controlled the flow of information. Give examples.
What are some ways the Nazis instilled fear in Germans? What were the consequences of opposing Hitler?
Who were some of the key Nazi figures and groups who instilled fear in the people?
How would this fear have affected relation- ships between Germans?
Why didn’t more Germans rise up against Hitler?
Station 5: Media
Your Task: 1. You will be watching an actual Nazi Newsreel from 1944. YouTube search, “Nazi newsreel after Normandy landings.” 2. After watching the first 8 minutes of the clip discuss the following questions with your group members.
What major event is highlighted in this newsreel?
This newsreel would be shown in theatres for German civilians to watch. How would a German feel about the war effort after viewing the newsreel?
What was the Nazi intent of producing such a film? Is it convincing?
How else would the average German find out about the success or failure of the war effort at this time? (Not through a source of media).
Your Task: 1. You will be viewing a list of the top 10 most powerful Nazi figures. Press the big blue button labeled “Hitler's Inner Circle: The 10 Most Powerful Men in Nazi Germany.” 2. After reading through the profile of each figure, discuss the questions below:
Who did you find the most disturbing? Why?
What sort of characteristics do you think these leaders had?
Are they as responsible for the atrocities of the war as Hitler?
Should Nazi war criminals still be put on trial today if they are found? Explain.