Literature - The books that survived...

After the burning of the books ceremony, in Berlin, when 20,000 books; fiction and non fiction were burnt to cleanse Germany. many novelists such as Thomas Mann and Stefan Zweig went into exile. others stayed but were forbidden to publish and some were put into prison. Novelist were expected to promote Nazi ideology or be neutral in there writing styles and opinions. Favorited novels of the time included about comrades in the trenches, and the 'blood and soil' novels which stressed the traditions rural peasant values. 

Many children's books included stories about the 'dirty Jews' and how they were not to be trusted ect, these were taught in schools as well as for 'bedtime' reading. When you look at the grand scheme of things to do with education of the youth and the parental upbringing, of which of course wasn't going to go against the Nazis due to the fear of being taken away and killed; it shows how effective propaganda was in literature sense. Especially in the younger generations as they were bought up reading and following Nazi ideology, knowing no different.

The propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbles did not think a lot of the books however and didn't see why Hitler put up with some of the publications as they were so 'terrible'. For example; one children's book called the 'poisoned mushroom, or Der Giftpilz, which is the German word for toadstool. This publication was by Julius Streicher and his publication house. It was aimed at kids and sometimes used in schools. It's stories included; 'how to recognise a Jew' 'how Jewish traders cheat' 'are there any decent Jews?' and many more awful titles. 
To read some of the stories; click on the link below. 

Stories from the book 'the poisonous mushroom'

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.