Nazi policies towards the young and the Chruch

• Nazi policies towards young people - boys:

  • Young Folk (ages 10-14) and Hitler Youth (ages 14-18)
  • Encouraged discipline, obedience, courage and physical fitness.
  • Military-style activities, which included; hiking, camping, map reading, mock battles and target practice.
  • Competitive sports were encouraged (e.g., swimming and boxing)
  • Regular propaganda talks were given.
  • Hitler's speeches were carefully studied.
• Nazi policies towards young people - girls:

  • Young Maidens (ages 10-14) and League of German Maidens (ages 14-18)
  • Encouraged physical fitness ready for motherhood.
  • Focus was on domestic life including childcare, nutrition, crafts and housework.
  • Propaganda talks were given.
• Nazi policies towards young people:

  Achievements in aims for young people:

  By 1936, Hitler Youth had 5.4million members, which increased further when joining became compulsory.

  82 per cent of German children and teens belonged to the Hitler Youth or League of German Maidens.
• Nazi policies towards young people:

  Failure in aims for young people:

  Even after joining the youth groups was made compulsory, many girls and boys still avoided it.

  Some young people joined unofficial groups (e.g. Edelweiss Pirates) and others showed defiance through their musical tastes and fashion choices.
• Nazi policies towards religion and the Churches:

  Majority of Germans were Christian. There were 40million Protestants and 22million Catholics. This made the Church the biggest non-Nazi organisation in Germany. Hitler wanted to remove Christianity's influence but couldn't afford to offend people's religious beliefs.
• Nazi policies towards religion and the Chruches:

  Protestants:

  A 'Reich Church' was set up. The slogan 'with a swastika on our chests and the cross in our hearts' combined Nazi symbols with Christian services.

  Many Jewish elements within Christianity were removed.
• Nazi policies towards religion and the Chruches:

  Protestant:

  Some pastors formed the 'Confessing Church' in opposition to the 'Reich Church' and openly criticised the Nazis. This was led by Martin Niemoller and Dietrich Bonhoffer.

  In 1937, the Nazis briefly arrested 700 pastors for disobeying government guidance.

  Niemoller and Bonhoffer were sent to concentration camps. Bonhoffer was executed in 1945.

  Despite this, the majority of Protestant pastors stayed out of politics and never openly criticised the Nazis.
• Nazi policies towards religion and the Chruches:

  Catholic:

  In 1933, Hitler signed the Concordat which allowed freedom of worship and meant Catholic youth groups and schools remained open. In return, the Pope agreed no Catholics would get involved in politics.

  Hitler soon broke this agreement. Crucifixes were removed from schools. Catholic newspapers were censored. In 1936, the youth groups and schools were closed.
• Nazi policies towards religion and the Churches:

  Catholic:

  A few priests criticised certain Nazi policies. In 1941, Cardinal Galen attacked the policy of killing people with physical and mental disabilities.

  Most Catholic priests and bishops remained quiet. The few who did speak out against the Nazis were sent to concentration camps. However, Galen wasn't arrested due to the fact he was too popular and high profile.