Hitler believed that the "next generation" was crucial for the success of Germany in the future. For that reason, children were indoctrinated into the German military and were brainwashed with German ideals. Teachers were told to teach children about "racial purity", and Jewish teachers, as well as teachers that refused to teach Nazi ideology, were forced out of their profession.
Children were also recruited into the "Hitler Youth" which was a party-run organization that focused on encouraging children and teens to join the war effort. By 1930 there were more than 25,000 boys in the Hitler Youth, all between the ages of 14 and 18. The Hitler Youth were taught about Nazi ideology and trained for the military. There was even an oath of loyalty that new recruits had to read to be a part of the Hitler Youth.
Kids that were too young to join the Hitler Youth became a part of the Pimpf branch. This branch focused less on physical training and more on community service. It was remarkably similar to current day Boy Scouts, though of course with less indoctrination. There were also branches meant for young girls and women that taught more home-making skills while, of course, also preaching Nazi ideals.
I find it interesting how Hitler was so invested in the youth that he had multiple branches for children of different ages to ensure that all Germans would share his ideology. For the youngest children, there was the Pimpf branch, for teenagers aged 14-18, the Hitler Youth program, and the young adults were immediately put into the military. Literally every age group demographic was accounted for by Hitler, all as a part of his meticulous plan to brainwash a nation, a continent, and finally, a planet.
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that children were indoctrinated into the Nazi ideology really helped the party become so strong. Children are always trying to please those in authority and please their parents so even though what they are teaching is clearly harmful to other human beings, the children do not know any better because that is what they were always told.
ReplyDeleteI think that part of the reason Nazi beliefs became very strong and widespread is because children were taught these beliefs since they were really young. By learning these beliefs from a young age, children will learn that these beliefs are morally "right," which greatly changed all of Germany's mindset.
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