Hitler Youth: Photography--Interesting Aspects

Figure 1.--We notice children wearing their HJ uniforms in family portraits. We are not entirely sure whow to interpret this, but suspet the families involved were more likely to be NAZI supporters than families which have the children wearing regulsar clothes.

Here we are especially interested in two aspects of the HJ. We are interested in family attitudes toward the HJ and the camaraderie and group dynamics among the HJ memmbers themselves. Available photographs provide some insights into both topics, although intrepreting the photogrphs is a challenge and highly subjective. There may be more interesting aspects that can be explored in these photographs. Here we would be interested in any insights readers can offer.

Families

We are interested in how the HJ was preceived with German families. There are quite a number of personal accounts. But because of the associations involved with the NAZIs, it is not always possible to take personal accounts at face value. Family attitudes are especially interesting because part of the purpose of the HJ was to break down family allegiences and cement loyalty to the Party and Führer. There are countless family photographs, both formal portraits and family snapshots. When Hitler seized power in 1933 there werw many fervent believers. The believers were, however, not a majority. Many Germans were offended and frightened by the tenants of NAZIism and their ruthlessness. Many also preceived the dangers of war. The early successes of the NAZIs won over some of the doubters. But there were still many who objected to the NAZIs, although the ruthlessness of the NAZI police state forced most to keep their ideas to themselves. The problem for Hitler was how to forge a united German state ready to persue his policies. He used many approaches, including effective propaganda, doination of the media, job creation, and a ruthless police state. But he also set out to win over the next generation. And this meant separating the children and youth from the family and other institutions like churches. This was reflected in the very nature of the HJ. Scouting was, for example, strongly associated with the family and parents played a major role in the program. In cobtrast the family was strictly excluded from the HJ program. Many children were confused by the differing messages received from the HJ and home. Some children influenced by their parents. Others were aliented from them. The result was that some parents had to be careful what they said among their own children.

Figure 2.--We are interested in the camraderie fostered by the HJ, a powerful force for youth, especially teenagers. Many Germans who have written about the HJ stress that it was the friendships and feeling of belonging that attracted them to HJ.

Camaraderie

We are interested in the camraderie fostered by the HJ, a powerful force for youth, especially teenagers. Many Germans who have written about the HJ stress that it was the friendships and feeling of belonging that attracted them to HJ. Thus the group dynamics are very important. Some of this can be seen in the available photographs.

Other Insights

Readers may have other ideas about insights that can be garnered fom the available photigraphic record.