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Sample: Nazi Propaganda
Notecard #1
Source Information
"Propaganda." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2019. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/propaganda/276549#206899.toc. Accessed 13 Apr. 2019.
Main Idea
Making propaganda into a business
Quote
"The Nazi government of Germany, from 1933 to 1945, was very adept at propaganda. In order to gain power, Adolf Hitler used his ability to tell each audience what it wanted to hear. He stirred fears of Communism when talking to businessmen, and he preached socialism when talking to the workers. After his party won office he installed Joseph Goebbels as head of the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. In this capacity Goebbels controlled the press, radio, theater, films, music, literature, and fine arts. He built support for war by drawing parallels with historical events and by emphasizing the Nazi concept of Germany’s destiny and racial superiority."
Paraphrase
During the Nazi regime, the government was very good at using propaganda. Adolf Hitler used propaganda to tell the people of Germany the messages they wanted to hear. Propaganda perpetuated public fears of communism and socialism. Joseph Goebbels was put in charge of Nazi propaganda under the title of Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. He essentially control all government communication, including newspapers, radio, films, music, literature, and fine arts. He used historic events to get the people to dream of Nazi important, the destiny of the regime, and their racial superiority to others.
My Ideas
1. (Opinion) Propaganda has always interested me. When learning about Nazi propaganda in High School it fascinated me how it controlled the public and made ordinary people think things they would not have normally thought. In college I took a course on the Holocaust and we talked briefly about the propaganda that they used to convince the public that anti-semitism was a good thing. In my opinion, government-supported propaganda is a very negative thing.
2. (Link to topic) This reminds me of our geography topic "interaction". People to people = Joseph Goebbbels talking with his people to create negative advertising. People to technology = the types of technology they controlled to spread this information.
3. (Cause and effect) I can see cause and effect being applied here. Propaganda perpetuated the power struggle in Germany. The more propaganda that the German government put out, the stronger it got; which then allowed it to put more propaganda out. It worries me about how much a government can lead the public to thinking certain things.
4. (Connections) This connects to an art museum I attended about Degenerate Art. This art was banned (and sometimes destroyed) for the public eye during the Nazi regime because it wasn't ideally "German".
Source Evaluation
1. This is a credible source because I found it on Libguides > Brittanica (Encyclopedia). This resources has already been vetted for me.
2. I'm not worried that this source does not have an author. I know that Encyclopedia Brittanica has been around for a while and has a good reputation for fair and unbias information.
3. According to the resource, it was updated on April 8th of 2019, which was only 5 days before I accessed the information. The is really up-to-date.
Further Research
1. I would like to know more about how they controlled music.
2. How does our government use propaganda?NOTECARD #2Source Information
"Propaganda." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 8 Apr. 2019. school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/propaganda/276549#206899.toc. Accessed 13 Apr. 2019.
Main Idea
Making propaganda into a business
Quote
"The Nazi government of Germany, from 1933 to 1945, was very adept at propaganda. In order to gain power, Adolf Hitler used his ability to tell each audience what it wanted to hear. He stirred fears of Communism when talking to businessmen, and he preached socialism when talking to the workers. After his party won office he installed Joseph Goebbels as head of the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. In this capacity Goebbels controlled the press, radio, theater, films, music, literature, and fine arts. He built support for war by drawing parallels with historical events and by emphasizing the Nazi concept of Germany’s destiny and racial superiority."
Paraphrase
During the Nazi regime, the government was very good at using propaganda. Adolf Hitler used propaganda to tell the people of Germany the messages they wanted to hear. Propaganda perpetuated public fears of communism and socialism. Joseph Goebbels was put in charge of Nazi propaganda under the title of Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda. He essentially control all government communication, including newspapers, radio, films, music, literature, and fine arts. He used historic events to get the people to dream of Nazi important, the destiny of the regime, and their racial superiority to others.
My Ideas
1. (Opinion) Propaganda has always interested me. When learning about Nazi propaganda in High School it fascinated me how it controlled the public and made ordinary people think things they would not have normally thought. In college I took a course on the Holocaust and we talked briefly about the propaganda that they used to convince the public that anti-semitism was a good thing. In my opinion, government-supported propaganda is a very negative thing.
2. (Link to topic) This reminds me of our geography topic "interaction". People to people = Joseph Goebbbels talking with his people to create negative advertising. People to technology = the types of technology they controlled to spread this information.
3. (Cause and effect) I can see cause and effect being applied here. Propaganda perpetuated the power struggle in Germany. The more propaganda that the German government put out, the stronger it got; which then allowed it to put more propaganda out. It worries me about how much a government can lead the public to thinking certain things.
4. (Connections) This connects to an art museum I attended about Degenerate Art. This art was banned (and sometimes destroyed) for the public eye during the Nazi regime because it wasn't ideally "German".
Source Evaluation
1. This is a credible source because I found it on Libguides > Brittanica (Encyclopedia). This resources has already been vetted for me.
2. I'm not worried that this source does not have an author. I know that Encyclopedia Brittanica has been around for a while and has a good reputation for fair and unbias information.
3. According to the resource, it was updated on April 8th of 2019, which was only 5 days before I accessed the information. The is really up-to-date.
Further Research
1. I would like to know more about how they controlled music.
2. How does our government use propaganda?NOTECARD #2Source Information
Notecard #2
Source Information
Nelson, Roger B. "Hitler's Propaganda Machine." Government, Politics, and Protest: Essential Primary Sources, edited by K. Lee Lerner, et al., Gale, 2006, pp. 264-270. Global Issues in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX2687500109/GIC?u=penn63709&sid=GIC&xid=af888c5c. Accessed 13 Apr. 2019.
Main Idea
Impact of WWI on Nazi power and propaganda
Quote
"The effectiveness of the Nazi propaganda program can only be understood in the context of the utter demoralization of the German people that resulted from their defeat in World War I, the humiliating peace terms, and the effects of the Depression. In fact, the Depression was already lifting in many nations, and it is likely that Germany's fortunes would have improved in the 1930s even if the Nazis had not been in power. Instead, the Nazis were able to incite in the German people the belief that it was right to punish the groups who they believed were to blame for their troubles. This led directly to World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust and cost the lives of many millions of people worldwide."
Paraphrase
Nazi propaganda was only successful because of the demoralized German public. They had been destroyed physically and economically by the treaty of World War I. An economic depression in the 1930s lay heavy on the government and people; however, the country was slowly recovering. Nevertheless, the Nazis used this opportunity to blame this meek situation on their enemies. As a result, this led to the Nazi parties popular growth, their overtaking of the government, and the atrocities of the Holocaust.
My Ideas
1. (Opinion) It worries me what morals people let go of when they are in a dire situation. It makes me wonder how strongly I hold onto the good things I have been taught. How bad of a situation was it that the German people followed Hitler and believed that Jews or Communists were to blame for their economic woes. I can compare it to our currently government issues with party loyalties. How far will you follow a leader of a political party before you recognize that is not how you feel about the situation?
2. (Viewpoint) I'm skeptical about governments. I think being a historian has led me to be weary of power because I have seen it be used very poorly and to the detriment of popular opinion and want. I think governments should have to answer to the people and that people should never become too comfortable with their leaders. I think long-term standing government officials is negative.
3. (Cause and Effect) The direct cause and effect is that if the World War I treaty had not been so harsh then it is possible that World War II would not have happened. I never like making blanket statements like this but historical events that rise out of post-Treaty Germany is quite striking.
4. (Why) Out of all of the evidence in the article, I picked these sentence because they really drive home what I emphasize about the historical events surrounding the World War I treaty and it's long-term effects on the world.
Source Evaluation
1. After reading this article I realized I'm interested more about the content of the propaganda. Rather than the general information about "who" and "what". I need to look up more specific primary source documents that show what the propaganda looked like and what it said.
2. This resource had me look up information about other countries that have used propaganda to sway the public's opinion. This searched led me to a list of countries that practice self-censorship because of violence against the media. This led me to an organization called "Committee to Protect Journalists"
3. After reading this article I realized I needed to look up more information about Nazi propaganda because this article only had one section about the topic and it was mostly generalized information.
Further Research
1. What did Nazi propaganda look like?
2. Why are countries still hiding from governments and outside organizations? Why is the press still not "free"?
Nelson, Roger B. "Hitler's Propaganda Machine." Government, Politics, and Protest: Essential Primary Sources, edited by K. Lee Lerner, et al., Gale, 2006, pp. 264-270. Global Issues in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CX2687500109/GIC?u=penn63709&sid=GIC&xid=af888c5c. Accessed 13 Apr. 2019.
Main Idea
Impact of WWI on Nazi power and propaganda
Quote
"The effectiveness of the Nazi propaganda program can only be understood in the context of the utter demoralization of the German people that resulted from their defeat in World War I, the humiliating peace terms, and the effects of the Depression. In fact, the Depression was already lifting in many nations, and it is likely that Germany's fortunes would have improved in the 1930s even if the Nazis had not been in power. Instead, the Nazis were able to incite in the German people the belief that it was right to punish the groups who they believed were to blame for their troubles. This led directly to World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust and cost the lives of many millions of people worldwide."
Paraphrase
Nazi propaganda was only successful because of the demoralized German public. They had been destroyed physically and economically by the treaty of World War I. An economic depression in the 1930s lay heavy on the government and people; however, the country was slowly recovering. Nevertheless, the Nazis used this opportunity to blame this meek situation on their enemies. As a result, this led to the Nazi parties popular growth, their overtaking of the government, and the atrocities of the Holocaust.
My Ideas
1. (Opinion) It worries me what morals people let go of when they are in a dire situation. It makes me wonder how strongly I hold onto the good things I have been taught. How bad of a situation was it that the German people followed Hitler and believed that Jews or Communists were to blame for their economic woes. I can compare it to our currently government issues with party loyalties. How far will you follow a leader of a political party before you recognize that is not how you feel about the situation?
2. (Viewpoint) I'm skeptical about governments. I think being a historian has led me to be weary of power because I have seen it be used very poorly and to the detriment of popular opinion and want. I think governments should have to answer to the people and that people should never become too comfortable with their leaders. I think long-term standing government officials is negative.
3. (Cause and Effect) The direct cause and effect is that if the World War I treaty had not been so harsh then it is possible that World War II would not have happened. I never like making blanket statements like this but historical events that rise out of post-Treaty Germany is quite striking.
4. (Why) Out of all of the evidence in the article, I picked these sentence because they really drive home what I emphasize about the historical events surrounding the World War I treaty and it's long-term effects on the world.
Source Evaluation
1. After reading this article I realized I'm interested more about the content of the propaganda. Rather than the general information about "who" and "what". I need to look up more specific primary source documents that show what the propaganda looked like and what it said.
2. This resource had me look up information about other countries that have used propaganda to sway the public's opinion. This searched led me to a list of countries that practice self-censorship because of violence against the media. This led me to an organization called "Committee to Protect Journalists"
3. After reading this article I realized I needed to look up more information about Nazi propaganda because this article only had one section about the topic and it was mostly generalized information.
Further Research
1. What did Nazi propaganda look like?
2. Why are countries still hiding from governments and outside organizations? Why is the press still not "free"?
Notecard #3
Source Information
"Joseph Goebbels." World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO, 2019, worldhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/317144. Accessed 13 Apr. 2019.
Main Idea
Goebbels ran propaganda machine
Quote
"In 1928, Goebbels became the party's head of propaganda. Over the next several years, he masterminded the party's electoral strategy, organizing a propaganda campaign that ultimately resulted in a major Nazi victory in the elections of 1933. Once in power, Hitler selected Goebbels to run a new Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda. Here, Goebbels exhibited a genius for propaganda. Under his control, the ministry employed a variety of modern media—including motion pictures, radio, and the press—to build a cult around Hitler and disseminate the Nazi message abroad."
Paraphrase
Joesph Goebbels was put in control of Nazi communications in 1928. Since that time, he used his power to control how the Nazi gained power in the government which eventually led to them winning power in 1933. Once in power, Hitler appointed Goebbels to run the motion picture, radio, and press under the new regime. The goal was to create a strong following for Hitler both at home and abroad.
My Ideas
1. (Opinion) 1928 is well before the Nazi government was able process and exterminate millions of people. It's interesting how these roots of hatred in the German government started way before the atrocities of the Holocaust. The Holocaust took years of planning and convincing. Turning citizens into willing accomplices. In my opinion, it scares me to see government misuse power like this.
2. (Link to class) This reminds me of our topic under "Assimilation", "Xenophobia" (the fear of foreigners). I wonder how much xenophobia existed before the Nazis took over, and how much they had to convince the public that outsiders, like the communists and socialists, were to blame for the economic and social problems of Germany.
3. (Analysis) I don't think this is the strongest quote I have found; however, it does offer historical context that I could use in a summary. It supports my topic, but doesn't provide insight on "why" or "how". Instead, it answers "who" and "when". I would need to look up a speech of Goebbels to see how he was able to "to build a cult around Hitler and disseminate the Nazi message abroad".
4. (Why) I think Hitler realized the power of branding and getting popular support for his political machine. As a result, he created a powerful communications department that would turn out information that would drum up support for his power. I think this was one of the most important, if not the most important department, within the Nazi government. Without a strong communications department the Nazis would not be able to get the support of the people.
Source Evaluation
1. This source is credible because I found it on a Libguides > World History (database) which has already been vetted for me.
2. This source clarified that Goebbels was in charge of getting support from aboard, which I did not know before.
3. This source led me to another topic which is "foreign support for Nazis abroad". When I quickly Googled that it led me to the Wikipedia article, "Foreign Relations of Nazi Germany". With a quick glance I saw nations in South America, the Middle East, Africa, and India. I would have to find more information from a reputable source, but at least I know a little bit more about their influence and government networking.
Further Research
1. How did Goebbels try to get foreign governments to support the Nazi party?
2. What motion pictures were banned under the Nazi rules?
"Joseph Goebbels." World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO, 2019, worldhistory.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/317144. Accessed 13 Apr. 2019.
Main Idea
Goebbels ran propaganda machine
Quote
"In 1928, Goebbels became the party's head of propaganda. Over the next several years, he masterminded the party's electoral strategy, organizing a propaganda campaign that ultimately resulted in a major Nazi victory in the elections of 1933. Once in power, Hitler selected Goebbels to run a new Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda. Here, Goebbels exhibited a genius for propaganda. Under his control, the ministry employed a variety of modern media—including motion pictures, radio, and the press—to build a cult around Hitler and disseminate the Nazi message abroad."
Paraphrase
Joesph Goebbels was put in control of Nazi communications in 1928. Since that time, he used his power to control how the Nazi gained power in the government which eventually led to them winning power in 1933. Once in power, Hitler appointed Goebbels to run the motion picture, radio, and press under the new regime. The goal was to create a strong following for Hitler both at home and abroad.
My Ideas
1. (Opinion) 1928 is well before the Nazi government was able process and exterminate millions of people. It's interesting how these roots of hatred in the German government started way before the atrocities of the Holocaust. The Holocaust took years of planning and convincing. Turning citizens into willing accomplices. In my opinion, it scares me to see government misuse power like this.
2. (Link to class) This reminds me of our topic under "Assimilation", "Xenophobia" (the fear of foreigners). I wonder how much xenophobia existed before the Nazis took over, and how much they had to convince the public that outsiders, like the communists and socialists, were to blame for the economic and social problems of Germany.
3. (Analysis) I don't think this is the strongest quote I have found; however, it does offer historical context that I could use in a summary. It supports my topic, but doesn't provide insight on "why" or "how". Instead, it answers "who" and "when". I would need to look up a speech of Goebbels to see how he was able to "to build a cult around Hitler and disseminate the Nazi message abroad".
4. (Why) I think Hitler realized the power of branding and getting popular support for his political machine. As a result, he created a powerful communications department that would turn out information that would drum up support for his power. I think this was one of the most important, if not the most important department, within the Nazi government. Without a strong communications department the Nazis would not be able to get the support of the people.
Source Evaluation
1. This source is credible because I found it on a Libguides > World History (database) which has already been vetted for me.
2. This source clarified that Goebbels was in charge of getting support from aboard, which I did not know before.
3. This source led me to another topic which is "foreign support for Nazis abroad". When I quickly Googled that it led me to the Wikipedia article, "Foreign Relations of Nazi Germany". With a quick glance I saw nations in South America, the Middle East, Africa, and India. I would have to find more information from a reputable source, but at least I know a little bit more about their influence and government networking.
Further Research
1. How did Goebbels try to get foreign governments to support the Nazi party?
2. What motion pictures were banned under the Nazi rules?