Method adopted | Comment |
Highly organised | From April, 1930 Joseph Goebbels was put in charge of a propaganda machine that went right down to the branch level of the party, right down to street level in fact. National initiatives could be adapted for local circumstances. Key electoral districts could be targeted. And it allowed for feedback from regions – whatever went well amongst a particular group of people would be implemented elsewhere and whatever did not fare well, was cut. |
A range of propaganda techniques and the use of modern technology | Posters and leaflets, but also using loudspeakers, radio, film, records, expensive cars, and aeroplanes to take Hitler to election rallies (Hitler’s ‘Flight over Germany’ tours). So that Hitler was able to project a more powerful/statesman-like image. |
Careful targeting | They targeted each social class with different messages and policies, attractive to that particular class. For instance, they promised jobs and food to the working class. Whilst they promised law and order to the elites. |
Different propaganda for different classes and different groups | Specific propaganda was used for different social groups, and the Nazi speakers paid particular attention to the worries and concerns of the individual clubs and societies they addressed (farmers, workers, the unemployed, shopkeepers, businessmen). “Nazi propaganda was tailored to fit a whole range of people”. For instance, at the end of election campaigns, most candidates would put out very colourful posters promoting themselves one last time. However, Hitler had a black and white poster of himself put out; the extremely different style caught the voter´s attention. |
Mass Rallies | Using uniforms, torches, music, salutes, flags, songs/anthems, speeches from leading personalities. Created an emotional atmosphere so members of the crowd would succumb to collective will/mass suggestion (you could use this for TOK). |
Use of Violence | Growth of the SA and SS increased violence, persecution and intimidation to an unprecedented level. During the election campaign of July 1932, there were 461 political riots in Prussia alone and communists were killed on Germany’s streets. All this weakened the communists and gained control of the streets. |