PRESENTATION OUTLINE
HITLER YOUTH: RAISING NAZIS
The way children are raised can affect their entire lives. In our history, many children participated in horrendous acts because of the influence they were exposed to.
Thesis
During Hitler's reign of power, kids in Germany from ages 10-17, Hitler Youth, were used to spread hatred and Nazism.
The Beginning
The Hitler Youth was originally founded in 1926 with the purpose of training boys to enter the SA(Storm Troopers). When Hitler rose to power in 1933, however, the purpose went in an entirely different direction. Hitler realized that to spread the Nazi propaganda in a more timely fashion he would need to target a younger, more gullible section of Germans: the children.
Hitler's Execution
Many believe that the Germans had to be idiotic for them to trust in their leader, but Hitler chose his tactics wisely. He won over a majority of the young by introducing Nazism in classrooms and extracurricular activities, making sure to avoid letting the harsh reality of what happens to the "not worthy" be known.
Hitler's Execution
At first, the Hitler Youth had only 50,000 members due to suspicion, but because of a well-executed plan, they had more than two million by the end of 1933.
Boys in Training
Both genders were trained quite differently. The boys, in order to be prepared for the military, went through countless physical fitness regiments and skill tests. They were also taught to kill without remorse and that they were born to die for Germany.
Girls in Training
For the girls, they avoided the surge of war. Their main activities consisted of gymnastics, swimming, and other acts to maintain a child-bearing body. However, when the war started becoming an even bloodier battle, some girls were required to staff anti-aircraft batteries, hand out gas masks, and take care of women's children.
What They Were Taught
In order to brainwash these excited young Germans, they needed to be taught all of Hitler's beliefs. These kids were told to love Hitler, have obedience to state authority, and participate in militarism, racism, and antisemitism. They also celebrated Hitler's birthday, swore allegiance to him, and pledged to serve the nation.
Hitler Youth Versus Boy and Girl Scouts
Many believe that the scouts of today and the Hitler Youth are completely different groups, but some of their aspects were very similar. Even though the scouts don't spread Nazi propaganda, they do have their own beliefs. For example, the majority of the Boy and Girl Scouts focus on Christianity and leadership.
Participation in World War II
The bloody battles of World War II was a rough time, and the military needed more members. Usually, the boys in Hitler Youth were required to enlist in the armed forces/Reich Labor Service, but with the terror going on around them, boy under the age of 16 were forced to fight for Germany. Even some of the girls had to go near battle scenes to help the wounded and do other tasks.
Realization
For many of the members, they had no idea what the Jews conditions were or what concentration camps consisted of, so they thought they were doing nothing wrong.
Realization
However, Edgar Gielsdorf(a former member of Hitler Youth) had an entirely different perspective on Hitler's actions after he witnessed a death march with over 300 women. A majority of the members had similar experiences like Edgar's, which supported the end of raising Nazis.
Solution
A large portion of these children moved into other countries, like Edgar. Edgar moved to America where he was asked if he had participated in the Hitler Youth. Of course, after being so devoted to the organization, he confessed. This caused him to be placed in an internment camp to reflect on his actions.
Conclusion
Hitler's actions will be remembered for many more lifetimes. His acts with Hitler Youth gives the example that when you raise children a certain way it can affect their entire lives.
