PROPAGANDA 101 (blog date)
Pay special attention to the link referring to "PROPAGANDA: THE ART OF PESUASION"
Here is the link to the original post:
http://kalvin19.hubpages.com/hub/The-Power-of-Propaganda-and-the-Spoken-Word-In-National-Socialist-Germany
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The Power of Propaganda and the Spoken Word In National Socialist Germany
67By Kalvin19htt
The Power of Propaganda and the Spoken Word in National Socialist Germany
Abstract
The period of National Socialism in Germany has been a perfect example in which the power of the spoken word, propaganda and powerful forces of indoctrination have been successfully and tactically used to achieve full loyalty by the German masses. Nowhere in modern history has the effect that these methods created in Nazi Germany been proved more efficient. The incomparable success achieved by the National Socialist German Workers Party has been unparallel in modern history and it has been the basis for major political movements. Different methods to enhance the power of the spoken word have been utilized as a complement such as propaganda and the written word. The powerful psychological impact that the indoctrination that took place in National Socialist Germany created reached the extreme of the German youth sacrificing its life for one ideology. Similar experiments have been performed to simulate the effect created by Nazi indoctrination such as the phenomenon narrated by Todd Stasser in his novel published in 1981 The Wave.The novel narrates of an incident that took place in Palo Alto California in 1969 in which a history teacher established a “new system” among his students based on discipline, community and action. The novel shows how group pressure and a powerful indoctrination can lead to give up individual rights and provide full loyalty towards an ideology which in some cases reaches destructive ends. The study and comprehension of the power of the spoken word is important since it can be used as a tool but it also makes a powerful weapon that can cause great harm. To avoid the reach of destructive ends chapters in history such as the period of National Socialism in Germany are important in order to comprehend this phenomenon.
The Power of Propaganda and the Spoken Word in National Socialist Germany
Throughout history, humans have developed different methods to communicate with each other, but nowhere in modern history have proved more efficient as the spoken word. Since its beginnings in prehistoric times, it has been used to efficiently transmit messages between humans, and it has proved to be an excellent tool to influence the thoughts of others. The power of the spoken word has been responsible for bringing about world shocking events throughout human history. The study of it is important since it is a powerful tool that can be used as a weapon. A perfect example of its incomparable power is the successful effect created in Nazi Germany. To what extent did the methods utilized by the National Socialists in Germany to gain support from the German masses proved to be successful? The power of the spoken word along with propaganda in National Socialist Germany was efficiently and strategically used by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers Party. It was used as a tool to control the great masses and transmit his messages and ideas to gain full control and support from the German people before and after they took power. The effects were astonishing; the success they achieved has proved to be unparallel in modern history. Such a tremendous movement could not have been achieved had they not efficiently used the incredible and powerful effect of the spoken word.
To begin with, the spoken word has been used as a political tool since the beginnings of politics. The effect achieved when a speaker uses it effectively, has proved to be an excellent method to gain the support from the masses. In a partisan political system the goal of the political party is to gain support from the majority of the people in order to achieve success and gain the position of power. This can only be achieved by utilizing methods to gain support from the masses. The party that utilizes the spoken word in the most effective way and transmits ideas that appeal to the masses has more probabilities of gaining that necessary support. The spoken word in the political aspect can be supported by other methods to convey ideas and messages such as propaganda. Throughout history most world leaders have used the spoken word to achieve control, support and obedience from their people. Since the beginnings of warfare Army generals have spoken to their soldiers before a battle in order to motivate them to fight courageously. Alexander the Great used the spoken word to encourage his army to fight bravely he provided the inspiration and promised eternal glory if they would be willing to fight against all odds. He did this by doing oratory encouragement before each battle. The effect that his messages produced were remarkable, his soldiers were willing to fight more courageously and bravely. That is just one example of the great things that can be achieved when the spoken word is used effectively. Another example of the effective use of the spoken word has been that which religion utilize to convert nonbelievers in believers and to further increment the credibility and faith of those who already believe. In this aspect the spoken word is used efficiently in a parallel way as in Nazi Germany. According to the bible Jesus used to preach to his apostles to transmit his ideas of salvation. The apostles further spread the word of Jesus as they recorded it on writing and created the bible, such an excellent example of the written word being supplementary to the spoken word. During the medieval ages, the cleric used to preach to the people using powerful oratorical devices to make them do as they pleased, in other words they took advantage of the ignorance of the people. They talked of their fate in case they would rebel against the church or disobey. This clearly proves that the power of the spoken word has been used throughout history to transmit messages and transform ideologies in favor of the transmitter.
Furthermore, the spoken word can be used in a variety of occasions in which it would prove to be more effective. For example the adequate moments in which the spoken word can be utilized are in meetings, mass meetings, ceremonies, conversations and lectures. A meeting is a gathering of a number of people who have come together to be instructed by a speaker about a certain topic. An example of this are the meetings held by the National Socialist German Workers Party in the development process, when they used to meet at bear halls. The second situation where the spoken word is adequate is the mass meeting. The mass meeting is a higher form of a meeting. It usually includes a larger number of listeners, music, flags and a larger place in which the meeting is to be held. The third form in which a speech is adequate to achieve a desired effect is the ceremony. A ceremonial gathering is a program artistically created with music and flags to enhance a specific theme. The individual parts that compose a ceremonial gathering join to form a whole program. This type of events was classical in the period of struggle of National Socialism. During the years of National Socialist struggle the enthusiasm and the eagerness for a social reform along with the joy and sacrifice exhibited in ceremonial gatherings to gain support did not pay attention to the details of the event. Once the National Socialist German Workers party achieved power and became the head of Germany it began focusing more on aspects to go along with their ceremonial gatherings (Nazi rallies). In this type of events there were now exterior decorations and finery that would create an upsurge of overflowing passion from the hearts of the German people.
In addition, the speech in the middle of a ceremony in times of controversy play a crucial role in influencing the mind of the listener which is the main purpose of the spoken word when used in the political aspect. In times of controversy such as in the case of war or crisis, the audience to pay a greater amount of attention to the political movements because their faith depends on those who have the power. The listener in this type of situation is submitted to the spell of the speaker who has the knowledge of the things that the listener wants to hear, he knows what words to choose from, and which ones would create a greater effect. The tone of voice that the speakers implement is essential in achieving the desired effect. A high ruthless tone would create an upsurge of rage in the listener and he would be more likely to support the views of the speaker and would be more likely to give him his full support and join him on his struggle. A perfect example of this is the methods used by Adolf Hitler in which his tone of voice began to rise as his speech progressed, transmitting his emotions to his audience. This caused an overflow of passion in the German people during the Third Reich.
Opposite to the spoken word we have the written word that in some cases is used as an addition to the spoken word. The written word and the spoken word complement one another rather than replacing each other. The written word as a difference of the spoken word is also powerful but not as effective as the spoken word. Reading is done alone while speaking is communal, many hundreds gathered at a ceremonial speech are able to hear and share the emotions conveyed by the speaker. All of this allows the spoken word to pass from simply a superficial understanding to the inner depths of our feelings and drives. The written word conveys written messages; in the political aspect it is mostly present in the form of propaganda. The National Socialist German Workers Party utilized propaganda before and after they took power, but it was used as a complement for the speeches of Adolf Hitler. The effect is significantly distinct. In a speech the spoken word achieves a more powerful effect due to the fact that the speaker is present at the time of delivering the speech, the listener has a personal contact with the speaker and his words are being embedded in his mind. The spoken word has more power and intensity than the written word although the written word further enhances the powerful effect created by the spoken word. Personal experience is primary as a difference of any form of reproduction which is secondary. Reproductions can never replace and achieve the same effect as primary personal experiences. The written word is only read and it also creates a persuasive effect when intended to do so but it does not equal the effect of the spoken word. The greatest achievement of the speaker takes place when his listeners repeat his words, because they are restating on their minds the message intended to be conveyed and spreading it among the people therefore creating a domino effect. In a speech the speaker becomes the incarnation of the ideas he wants to express, in most cases the idea he expresses is connected to his person. Adolf Hitler for example expressed several times to the German masses his discontent and hatred towards Jews, therefore the hatred towards Jews is now linked to Adolf Hitler although anti-Semitism had a long history in Europe.
In contrast, the anti- Semitic messages launched against Jews in the Third Reich were not the only things expressed in National Socialist speeches. Adolf Hitler also talked about how the German population must behave, how National Socialism was the best thing for Germany and emphasized the war effort, therefore making it happen. All this social reforms were the product of the efficient use of the spoken word. Speeches were not the only thing that the National Socialists utilized, they also used written propaganda, radio broadcastings, Films, posters etc. All this along with the adequate spoken messages created a powerful ideology that still prevails today.
As the National Socialists became the head of the German government, Adolf Hitler appointed Joseph Goebbels as the propaganda minister to distribute posters that portrayed sentiments of Anti-Semitism and war propaganda from 13 March 1933 to 30 April 1945. Joseph Goebbels implemented modern propaganda techniques to psychologically prepare the German people for war under the image of a German solidified and united state. The National Socialist propaganda campaign reached thousands of Germans through the radio, newspapers, poster campaign, movies, architecture and most important through the Hitler youth. The propaganda campaign reached its peak on the 1933 summer Olympics, in which it was expected to solidify the German spirit and instigate unity among the German youth.
With the object in mind, the most powerful tool that the National Socialists had was Adolf Hitler himself. Adolf Hitler was a great public speaker; since he was a child he displayed leadership and public speaking skills. When he was in Vienna during the years 1908-1913 he was involved in several discussions in which he was always eager to participate therefore developing his talent for public speaking. Hitler admired many political movements taking place at the time in Vienna including the Social democrats whom he later despised. Hitler vividly describes his fascination with the propaganda methods for advertising and the rallies they used to organize. Such political tools he would later implement on his movement in Germany. During his stay in Vienna Hitler admired Dr. Karl Lueger a spokesman and leader of the Pan-German party from whom he acquired many of his characteristics as a political leader.
The lessons learned in Vienna definitely proved to be practical in regards to the great presence of oratorical activity in the rise of the National Socialist German Workers Party. Adolf Hitler took notice of the great achievements of the Pan-German party led by Dr. Karl Lueger who splendidly utilized his oratorical skills to attract more supporters. Hitler admired Karl Lueger for his leadership skills which fulfilled the characteristics that Hitler considered appropriate for a remarkable leader. Karl Lueger was an anti-Semitic but his anti-Semitism was based on religious and economic aspects not on racial. On his book Mein Kampf, Hitler describes Karl Lueger as a clever leader “He was quick to adopt all available means for winning the support of long-established institutions, so as to be able to derive the greatest possible advantage for his movement from those old sources of power” Hitler’s admiration for Lueger may have caused him to acquire certain characteristics from him as well, it certainly contributed to some extent to his forming anti-Semitic ideals. It seems that the idea of the magnificent things that can be achieved through the power of the spoken word were well embedded in Hitler’s head. He was aware that the most gigantic and splendorous bursts and explosions of passion in the souls of the masses were only brought upon by the efficient use of the spoken word. Hitler had utilized and practiced his skills as a public orator on soup kitchens and street corners in which he would get engaged into heated arguments with his audience. He witnessed and discovered by himself the tremendous power that the weapon of speech had and that he possessed. He didn’t hesitate to use it at any moment and thanks to this he developed even more his magnificent oratorical skills which have come to exemplify a passionate indoctrination.
When Adolf Hitler discovered the National Socialist party in Germany after the war that at the time was directed by Anton Drexler he displayed good oratorical skills which were one of the main reasons why he rapidly became the head of the party. He continued to exhibit his great public speaking skills during the period of struggle before the Nazi party was in power and after. Adolf Hitler mentions in his book Mein Kampf “All world shocking events have been brought about by the spoken word” Adolf Hitler’s tremendous skill as a public speaker led to the rise of the National Socialist party and set an exemplary model for future world leaders that would imitate his methods for mass support.
It is important to consider the unstable political situation of Germany at the time. After World War I Germany was in a political and social unrest in which hunger was present. People simply wanted to restore the ancient order under the Kaiser. After the war there were many confrontations between the different existent political parties at the time including the Nazis and the communists. The Nazis make reference to the fights in the National Socialist anthem “Horst Wessel Lied” in which they mention their comrades shot by the red front. Horst Wessel was a National Socialist activist who was shot by opposition during a demonstration in the early years of the movement’s struggle. As the National Socialists gained sits on the Reichstag its ideology was being expressed to the masses, the people saw the young and rising movement as a new order that would bring the good times back again, therefore their support was given. Once the National Socialists took power things changed dramatically, the opposition was immediately crushed and a totalitarian government was adopted. People often claimed that it was better to live under those conditions saying that the Nazis had also taken from them the right to be hungry. Hitler managed to gain the further support of the people after they took power in the same way as he did before by showing that National Socialism was the best form of government for the German state. Hitler convinced most of the German people that the Jews were the main enemies of the state along with the other political parties including their archenemies the communists. During this time of political upheaval Nazi Germany gradually grew as a nation; new infrastructure was built along with highways and family support. All of these accomplishments along with the convincing and spell bounding speeches of Adolf Hitler gained the support of the German people.
In addition, the use of technology further enhanced the propaganda methods. The use of the radio to transmit the speeches was a powerful tool that further enhanced the power of the spoken word and extended it to a broader audience. National Socialism in no way rejected the marvels of technology existent at the time in the area of printing and it is important to keep in mind that the written word was considered inferior to the spoken word as a method to move the masses but it was never rejected but rather used as a complement. Adolf Hitler always viewed science and technology as instruments for his movement, they were complements used to further diffuse the almost mind controlling oratorical speeches. These methods would prevail and would prove to be efficient in the future as they were in the past.
In essence, most of targets to which persuasive propaganda and the spoken word was aimed at was the German youth. Hitler aimed his oratorical skills to the German youth to ensure the support for the government in the future. He encouraged from kindergarten kids to teenagers to fight for their motherland and to defend the Aryan race and culture until death. Children were indoctrinated at school according to the Nazi ideology, they were taught to be obedient and loyal to the motherland and especially to their Fuhrer Adolf Hitler. These were probably one of the most successful accomplishments of the spoken word in a place in which it already was successful. Since the young German children were exposed to the National Socialist ideals since they were little they effectively accepted it and embedded it in their minds. The effect that this type of indoctrination achieved was astonishing. The Hitler-youth proved to be really brave and loyal in battle. Hitler commented once that his youth was equally or more brave than their older fellow soldiers. This proves the tremendous psychological impact that the National Socialist indoctrination created in the minds of young Germans who fought bravely until death. An example of this bravery was during the evacuation of Berlin in 1945 in which the German youth continued to resist the allied advance.
With the object in mind, Adolf Hitler chose his words carefully and directed them at special targets. His words created a desired mix of sentiments among his listeners that favored the National Socialist struggle. His words created sentiments of hope for the future “The empire that would last for a thousand years” His words also provoked sentiments of love towards the motherland, racial sentiments and hatred towards the “enemies of the state” (the Jews). His body movements and gestures complemented his words and further enhanced his messages embedding the masses in one ideology since the talk is aimed at the mind. His messages were directed to all ages within the German nation and they were successfully conveyed. The effect of his numerous speeches strengthened the faith of his movement and provided new power for the National Socialist struggle. Many of these strategies are still used in today’s governments along with the propaganda tactics used to raise to power.
In addition, Adolf Hitler was powerfully inspired by the fact that he thought to be acting on behalf of the creator by instigating hate to completely exterminate the Jews, who according to him were the destroyers of the creation of the lord. By having this mindset Adolf Hitler was dramatically empowered along with the fact that he looked to what he had achieved as the Fuhrer of the German people and leader of his National Socialist Nation. His ideology had to prevail no matter what because from that hanged the success of the future of his state. Another thing that Hitler expressed was passion for what he wanted to achieve, all his goals, and would not accept defeat an “everything or nothing” type of ideology which is also another factor that empowered and emphasized his firm oratorical power to achieve success at all costs.
Furthermore, the power that the spoken word had in Nazi Germany can be observed on testimonies from people that lived in Germany during this period. Many people claim to have felt some type of “spell” that dissipated when the Third Reich was destroyed in 1945. There have been some rumors that Hitler used other methods besides his excellent ability as a public speaker, hypnotism for example. During his stay in Vienna Hitler dedicated a considerable amount of time to reading, he spent hours and hours in the library reading about mythology, German history and the occult sciences including hypnotism. It is said that Hitler was incredibly inclined towards mesmerism as was Rudolph Hess. During his speeches Adolf Hitler used repeatedly strong words to emphasize his messages such as “ruthlessness”. Hitler’s outraged tactical speeches might be an example of Machiavellian influence. He displayed signs of anger and insanity during his speeches. His movements, the tone of voice implemented, his gestures and words contributed to the spell in which he often held his audience.
The type of mass indoctrination achieved in Nazi Germany can be simulated by experiments such as the one that took place in a history class in Palo Alto California in 1969. Forces of indoctrination similar to those utilized in Nazi Germany were recreated in a classroom when the history teacher Burt Ross introduced a “new system” to the students having strength through discipline, community, and action as its main bases. The experiment was dramatized by Todd Strasser’s novel The Wave published in 1981. The novel narrates the incident that took place showing how the powerful forces of group pressure created a similar phenomenon as the one in Nazi Germany. The novel shows how these powerful forces have become the fuel and spirit of different historic movements and cults that had people give total loyalty which in some cases has led to self destructive and harmful ends.
Most people question themselves on why so many people fell spellbound on the National Socialist era of Germany, and why the movement achieved so many followers. The answer is quite simple and as a matter of fact can be answered with another question. Why do so many people follow a religion and attend a meeting place every Sunday to worship something that they believe in? The answers to these questions are not that difficult to find. The power of persuasion and indoctrination are major players on the stage of loyalty. This has been proven throughout history and can be traced since ancient history. In several occasions the power of the methods of indoctrination has been so powerful that tremendous actions have been instigated due to the glorification of one idea or one belief. The clearest example of the astounding power of indoctrination has been in Nazi Germany which will remain in history as one of the most unforgettable chapters on the history of mass indoctrination.
In conclusion, many political leaders have adopted the methods utilized in the Third Reich to achieve popular support and appeal to the needs of the people, the ceremonial gatherings, the late arrivals of the leader, the propaganda campaigns etc. all that has been a remarkable legacy left by Nazi Germany. The young and rising National Socialist Movement in Germany had an uncertain future if Hitler had not contributed with his magnificent oratorical skills. The National Socialist struggle used the spoken word in an exemplary way almost unparallel in history and this would remain as a legacy in the future of politics. Since history is a tool that enables us not to commit the same mistakes in the past, it is important the understanding of the phenomenon of indoctrination that took place in Nazi Germany. The study of the psychological impact of the spoken word on its audience is important to be fully comprehended and analyzed in order to prevent future tragedies brought about by destructive indoctrination that only allow for the reach of self destructive ends.
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References
Hitler, Adolf. Mein Kampf. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1939
Bullock, Alan. Hitler a Study in Tyranny. New York: First Harper Perennial Edition, 1991.
Rosenbaum, Ron. Explaining Hitler. New York: Random House, 1998.
Cross Giblin, James. The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002.
The History Place. “Hitler is Homeless in Vienna” Web. 1996
- E. Frauenfeld. “The Power of Speech.” Web. 2003
Strasser, Todd. The Wave. New York: Dell publishing Company, 1981
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