Introduction
In the years leading up to World War II the Nazi Party assumed power in Germany. Chancellor Adolf Hitler created the Ministry of Propaganda and Enlightenment. It was given control over radio, press, cinema, and theater and was led by Dr. Josef Goebbels.
How did Hitler use propaganda to promote his message and convince a country to rally behind his message of hate and anti-Semitism? He used a systematic method of propaganda to sell his message to the people of Germany. His message consisted of several themes throughout his reign of terror.
Task
You are part of a group of historians who are studying Hitler's propaganda techniques to make sure that history does not repeat itself.
Take a tour of the Holocaust Museum's virtual exhibit called Propaganda. Choose a theme and explore the many resources and links available, such as video footage, pictures, and summaries.
After you complete your Internet research, you will draw conclusions as a group and create a product that reflects what you learned about the topic of propaganda and bias.
Process
As a historian who works for the Center for Anti-Bias and Fairness, each member will research one of the propaganda themes from Hitler's campaign.
Study the themes from the website:
Theme 1: Selling Nazism: https://exhibitions.ushmm.org/propaganda/1918-1933/hitler-nazi-propaganda
Theme 2: Weapons of Dictatorship: https://exhibitions.ushmm.org/propaganda/1933-1939-dictatorship
Theme 3: Propaganda in Wartime: https://exhibitions.ushmm.org/propaganda/1939-1945-war
Theme 4: Purging Germany of Nazi Propaganda: https://exhibitions.ushmm.org/propaganda/1945-present
Each group member should choose one theme. Once you choose a theme, proceed through the information using the arrow and squares in the bottom left corner.
As you scroll through the different pages, follow the "learn more" link at least twice and read the related article and summarize. You can also watch video clips and explore other links available on the page.
Take notes for your theme: Use the note taking guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17m6_Bc0ZSDTu-SEtHejfQs8iPm-yzTky/view?usp=sharing
What types of persuasion techniques were evident in your theme?
What can be learned from these examples?
Your assignment:
Write an editorial to the newspaper as a representative of the Center for Anti-Bias and Fairness. Your editorial should include information about Hitler's propaganda techniques and the need to stand up to any form of discrimination. Focus on how the media must remain separate to the government and not promote any bias or stereotypes. Feel free to add in current events that you may be aware of that fit this topic.
Evaluation
Evaluation
Your grade will be determined by:
Quality of your Internet research notes
4 - Carefully researched your theme and paraphrased accurate information
3- Mostly researched your theme and paraphrased accurate information
2- Partially researched your theme and paraphrased accurate information
1- Did not research your theme and paraphrased accurate information
Effectively shared your information with the group
4- Clearly and accurately shared important details with your group related to your theme
3- Mostly shared accurate and important details with your group related to your theme
2. Partially shared important details with your group related to your theme
1- Did not share important details with your group related to your theme
The level of detail in your editorial to discuss propaganda and bias and bring together connections from Hitler's propaganda campaign and possibly topics from current events.
4- Wrote an effective and compelling letter that synthesized ideas related to propaganda and bias that incorporated ideas from your research
3- Wrote an effective letter that synthesized ideas related to propaganda and bias that incorporated ideas from your research
2- Wrote a somewhat effective letter that synthesized ideas related to propaganda and bias that incorporated ideas from your research
1 Did not write a letter that synthesized ideas related to propaganda and bias that incorporated ideas from your research
Conclusion
Conclusion
Never again is a phrase that reflects the sentiments of those who experienced or studied the events of the Holocaust. Use the information you learned studying propaganda to be a more thoughtful student of information and guard against bias and stereotypes in the media.