Nazi Propaganda (RLE Nazi Germany & Holocaust): The Power and the Limitations

by David Welch (Editor)

Based on a detailed examination of specific aspects of Nazi propaganda, this book (originally published in 1983) enhances the understanding of National Socialism by revealing both its power and its limitations. The work tackles aspects of Nazi propaganda which had been neglected in the past, but together they demonstrate the disproportionate role assigned to propaganda in one of the most highly politicised societies in contemporary European history.

Genres: History

238 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Douglas Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book was somewhat useful in my studying the Nazi regime, it gets a mediocre mark because it is not the most fun read. The book is a collection of essays written by other academics as well, so there's no real flow or throughline that unites the content aside from the fact that they are all about different aspects of Nazi propaganda.

I did appreciate seeing how the Nazis and their audiences viewed their own propaganda and its efficacy. Contrary to mainstream narratives, Nazi propaganda wasn't all powerful and controlling, while propaganda was effective during the 1930s when Hitler was able to deliver on his promises about Versailles and annexing territory without bloodshed, the German public quickly soured on the regime and its propaganda as soon as the Nazis went to actual war, particularly against the Soviets.

Analyzing the propaganda of the Nazis, it's not hard to find parallels between how it portrayed Jews and how America portrays E Asians, particularly the Chinese, due to China's growing presence as a communist power.

[Bob Ladwig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Explains how state propaganda works and how it was applied in the Nazi regime.