How Did Hitler Achieve A Social Revolution
From 1933 to 1939 Hitler aimed to achieve a "social revolution" in Germany. Through his concept of volksgemeinschaft, meaning 'people's community,' he hoped to transform Germany into a strong country based on traditional peasant values. Historians have debated how far Hitler actually achieved a "social revolution." Some, such as Schoenbaum have argued that Hitler's "social revolution" was a fake perceived as being real due to the influence of Hitler's propaganda.
Hitler wanted Germany to be a classless society. He believed that if he made everyone equal, it would be easier to control them. He wanted them to unite and follow his orders. He believed that the peasants were the 'blood and soil' of Germany and presented them as the 'back bone' …show more content…
The DAF spread nazi propaganda tremendously and it was at its peak in the 1930s. Workers enjoyed a slight raise in wages, however people were working longer hours which meant that accidents and illnesses rose 150% from 1933-39. They worked on average 16 hours a week more. Many people mistrusted state propaganda and resented the increased regimentation. Reports from the SPD granted that strength through joy was very popular. Hitler claimed in 1939 that "(he) had broken down classes to make way for the German people as a whole". However, schemes like the strength through joy 'gave the illusion that the Nazi regime was achieving a 'social revolution'' As the historian Geoff Layton suggests, 'the framework of the existing class structure was not altered; and the concept of the volksgemeinschaft was little more that an effective propaganda ploy.' The 'Hitler myth' was a carefully cultivated image which evidence suggests was widely believed. Hitler was portrayed as someone who; understood the German people and defended Germany against its enemies among other things. Ian Kershaw suggests the Hitler myth gained credence as it was a reaction to the divisions and weaknesses of the old Weimar system. It also satisfied people's emotional need for strong government. It was enhanced by propaganda. The myth contributed to Hitler's popularity. By the late 1930s, 90% of Germans admired
Hitler wanted Germany to be a classless society. He believed that if he made everyone equal, it would be easier to control them. He wanted them to unite and follow his orders. He believed that the peasants were the 'blood and soil' of Germany and presented them as the 'back bone' …show more content…
The DAF spread nazi propaganda tremendously and it was at its peak in the 1930s. Workers enjoyed a slight raise in wages, however people were working longer hours which meant that accidents and illnesses rose 150% from 1933-39. They worked on average 16 hours a week more. Many people mistrusted state propaganda and resented the increased regimentation. Reports from the SPD granted that strength through joy was very popular. Hitler claimed in 1939 that "(he) had broken down classes to make way for the German people as a whole". However, schemes like the strength through joy 'gave the illusion that the Nazi regime was achieving a 'social revolution'' As the historian Geoff Layton suggests, 'the framework of the existing class structure was not altered; and the concept of the volksgemeinschaft was little more that an effective propaganda ploy.' The 'Hitler myth' was a carefully cultivated image which evidence suggests was widely believed. Hitler was portrayed as someone who; understood the German people and defended Germany against its enemies among other things. Ian Kershaw suggests the Hitler myth gained credence as it was a reaction to the divisions and weaknesses of the old Weimar system. It also satisfied people's emotional need for strong government. It was enhanced by propaganda. The myth contributed to Hitler's popularity. By the late 1930s, 90% of Germans admired