Figure 1.-- We note three very important themes in NAZI propagandist imagery to create the Hitler myth: 1) power projection, 2) attachment to he Deutsche Volk, and 3) humanization. The last theme is one that was not immediately apparent outside Germany, but was important during the NAZI era. the principal way this was accomplished was to show him with children. Hoffman loved to photograph Hitler with children, especially young children. These images were very widely distributed in Germany. And these humanizing images did not appear in the Western newsreels which tended to run images of the bellicose Hitler..

We note three very important themes in NAZI propagandist imagery to create the Hitler myth: 1) power projection, 2) attachment to he Deutsche Volk, and 3) humanization. It is often thought that it was Joseph Goebbels that single-handely built Hitler's image. Goebbels was certainly important, but his role came after the NAZIs seized power and he was appointed Minister of Propaganda. It was an appointment that Goebbels did not at first appreciate. And even then, Goebbels was not the only person involved in creating Hitler's image. Particularly important was the work of the work of Heinrich Hoffman who became his personal photographer. The newsreel footage was the work of Goebbels. The still photography was Hoffman's work. First, power was an important element of the Hitler image. Here a primary NAZI goal was to restore German honor and prestige after the disaster of World War I and this had to be accomplice by power. This it was important for Hitler to exude power. One of the best ways to project power were images of the Führer motoring around the Reich seig heiling adoring crowds from a big open Mercedes. Speaking at mass rallies also provided effective imagery. Second, another key element in the Hitler mythology was the existence a unique bond between him and the Deutsche Volk. And nothing show cased this more than than the frenzied crowds at mass rallies genuinely seeking to be close to the Führer. We see people of all ages and gender caught up in this, but most notable in the propaganda imagery selected bu the NAZIs are young women and children. Notice the scene on the previous page. Third, Hitler and his propagandists through it important to humanize the man. And the principal way this was accomplished was to show him with children. Hoffman loved to photograph Hitler with children, especially young children. These images were very widely distributed in Germany. And these humanizing images did not appear in the Western newsreels which tended to run images of the bellicose Hitler. Researchers have interviewed many of these children as adults and one interesting comment of many was that Hitler had nothing memorable to say.

Power Projection

First, power was an important element of the Hitler image. Here a primary NAZI goal was to restore German honor and prestige after the disaster of World War I and this had to be accomplice by power. This it was important for Hitler to exude power. One of the best ways to project power were images of the Führer motoring around the Reich seig heiling adoring crowds from a big open Mercedes. Speaking at mass rallies also provided effective imagery.

Bond with the Deutsche Volk

Second, another key element in the Hitler mythology was the existence a unique bond between him and the Deutsche Volk. And nothing show cased this more than than the frenzied crowds at mass rallies genuinely seeking to be close to the Führer. We see people of all ages and gender caught up in this, but most notable in the propaganda imagery selected bu the NAZIs are young women and children. Notice the scene here on the previous page.

Humanization

Third, Hitler and his propagandists through it important to humanize the man. e are not sure if Hitler discussed thisn idea with his advisers, especially Hoffman, or came up with it on his own. It may have evolved from Hoffman's idea that children were attractive props for images without hinking deeply about it. But clearly a major way in which this was accomplished was to show the Führer with children. Hoffmann loved to photograph Hitler with children, especially young children. These images were very widely distributed in Germany. Eva Braun alson photogrphed Hitlrr with cvhildre, most the children of the NAZI leadership. But her images did not come out until after the War. And these humanizing images did not appear in the Western newsreels which tended to run images of the bellicose Hitler. This was because they were the most dramatic. Also, Hoffman's images did not appear in the newsreels where the Western media got most of its Hitler imagery. We note that there was very little actual reaction with the children beyond the photography. Just the snap and that was it. Hitler did not oplay with them, go on walks wih them, or any other real intractiion. Researchers have interviewed many of these children as adults and one interesting comment of many was that Hitler had nothing memorable to say. One mentiins him as saying 'beautiful Aryan choldren' which he did not understand. Some times he said nothing. But of course there was not audio to go along with still photography.

Created: 12:38 AM 9/5/2024
Last updated: 7:36 PM 9/5/2024