The effectiveness of Nazi propaganda

Nazi propaganda was effective for various reasons, one reason was that it was powerful because it enjoyed a state monopoly, therefore was skilfully deployed to often reinforced popular prejudices.

Propaganda was also effective in securing the consolidation of the dictatorship, demonstrating state paternalism and reinforcing Nazi ideas for the family and young people, as there was no escape from the various posters, ideology in books and education, painting and many more. Many forms of Propaganda also encouraged a growing sense of Nationalism and the marginalisation of the Jews; showing a growing hatred towards them. It was successful though because for many Germans, propaganda dulled their senses and lulled them into a sense of security or helplessness; and when fear is involved, people tend to stick to what others are doing. 

There were, however, limits to the success of propaganda. The Germans were a highly educated and cultured nation and propaganda failed when it was crude or oppressive. As many didn't agree with the way other parties and people were treated.

Advantages of Posters...

Posters were a backbone of the Nazi propaganda effort, aimed both at Germany itself and occupied territories. 

It's advantages included;

• The visual effect; as by being striking,  it would reach the viewer easily and catch their attention.
• Posters were also, unlike other forms of propaganda such as film and other media sources, difficult to avoid. This was because forms of posters were put up everywhere.
• Imagery frequently drew on heroic realism; for example the Nazi youth and the SS were depicted monumentally, with lighting posed to portray grandeur.. this therefore influenced others to want to get involved and be seen in the same way.

Hans Schweitzer produced many Nazi propaganda posters.

Posters...

Posters were an important propaganda tool for the Nazis as the manipulated images helped to plant ideas in the public's mind.

The posters were to promote;

• Germany's greatness
• The happiness the 'policies' were meant to bring
• That the Jews were as bad as the communists.
• That Hitler was a 'God' and 'savior' of Germany
• The youths were a part of the future and it was mandatory.
• To promote films; The 'Eternal Jew' for example... which you can watch via the YouTube clip attached!

Nazi poster propaganda was based on using a range of symbols, slogans, repetition, emotion and most importantly: Fear. simple enough to be subtle but effective, also so that the common man was able to understand it.

Fear was well used by the Nazis because when people sense uncertainty and the worst; they are influenced into action to protect their own. While repetition meant that more people saw it as the norm' they two would follow suit. symbols like the swastika was commonly used in the posters along with the face of Hitler; 'the fuhrer'.