Goebbels had a great interest in Cinema and appreciated
its value as a method of putting across Nazi ideas.
The Nazis produces around 1,300 films during their period in power. However
only about 200 were Propaganda films. He realised that Germans wanted to be
entertained and would be bored with conspicuous propaganda films.
High quality films were produced with subtle Nazi messages about national
sacrifice, the superiority of the Aryan race, anti-semitism and the evils of
Communism. Cinemas were well attended and with every fim shown there
was a 45 minute newsreel about the success of Hitler and the Nazis.
1936 Berlin Olympics
This provided an ideal oppurtunity for the regime to advertise its success.
A vast new stadium that could seat 110,000 was built. Filming of the
events was under of the well known German film director Leni Reifenstahl.
Germany won far more more medals than any other nation, this appeared to
show the superiority of the Aryan race. However, Jesse Owens, a black athelete,
won four gold medals and seemed to disprove Hitler's theory of Aryan superiority.
Rallies
Image was very important for the Nazis, people would believe
that Hitler was making Germany great if they could see it.
Geobbels organised mass rallies and marches that projected the image of
power and terror. Every year a party rally was held at Nuremberg (seen above).
Posters
These had been successful in promoting Nazi ideals in the years before Hitler came to power
and were used extensively to put across the Nazi message and create the Hitler myth.
The poster reads: "This hand leads the Reich. Young Germans follow it in the ranks!".
Radio
This was perhaphs Goebbels' greatest success, because it
offered the Nais access to the homes of ordinary people.
In March 1933, he told controllers of German radio: "I consider radio to
be the most crucial instrument that exists for influencing the masses".
He ordered the mass production of cheap radios so that by 1939 around
70% of German homes had a radio. In addition, people were encouraged
to listen to radiobroadcasts in factories, bars and Cafes. Loudspeakers
were even erected in streets to relay important Nazi messages.
Culture
The nazis had strong objections to modern forms of culture,
they despised modern art, progressive theatre and Jazz music.
They used all culture as a method of promoting their ideals.
Artists were encouraged to use 'Aryan Themes'
such as family, national community and heroism.