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This five-part series hears the testimonies of former members of the Hitler Youth and draws on unpublished archive material and chilling propaganda footage for the first comprehensive film portrayal of the young people of the Third Reich.
Streaming availability information not available
2000
Documentary looking at the experiences of German children during the Nazi regime and the methods used by the Nazis both to lure and then force children into joining the Hitler Youth. Looks at the attraction of comradeship, marches, singing and parades, and opportunities for sport, camping and trips, and at indoctrination, both subtle and unsubtle, that took place. Considers the effects of this in creating arrogance, a desire to conform, fear of being different, racism, and faith in the Party.
Documentary looking particularly at the BDM (Bund Deutscher Maedel), the position of girls and women in Nazi society, and the effects of propaganda and indoctrination. Includes interviews with former members of the BDM and archive footage (both colour and black and white). Covers the teaching of obedience, the sense of belonging, race and motherhood. Also, during the War when girls and young women helped out on farms, in arms factories and the signal auxiliary service, and also tended war graves. The program also touches on the Lebensborn and abuse and rape of German females by Soviet soldiers near the end of the War.
Looks at education in Germany during the Nazi period, particularly at the elite Adolf Hitler schools and the selection process, regime and curriculum there, with the aim of creating future leaders. Looks at the criteria for selecting likely youngsters from general schools and the Hitler Youth, the tough selection tests they went through and the emphasis on obedience and physical prowess or courage. Also at how they were encouraged to fight, the process of eradicating any "weaknesses" such as empathy or sympathy, and the boys' eagerness to both take part in the War and die for their country. Looks at teacher training and the curriculum in all schools, including the teaching of anti-Semitism and race theories. Includes interviews with those who were children at the time, many of whom attended an Adolf Hitler School, and archive footage.
Looks at how youngsters in the Hitler Youth were utilised on the home front and in combat during the Second World War, as firefighters, industry workers, and messengers, and ultimately as fighting units. Looks at how all the training and Nazi ideology instilled in them in previous years led to a mind-set of fierce loyalty, and romantic views of battle, glory and heroic death. Considers their exploitation and sinister attempts to desensitize and toughen them up through encouragement of cruelty to animals and ruthlessness. Veterans from all sides comment on the fanaticism and effectiveness of Hitler Youth regiments in the front line battles in France and Belgium.
Looks at the use of young boys from the Hitler Youth in front line action and the defense of Berlin near the end of World War II. Considers how they were conscripted and exploited, and also how, for many of them, the immersion in Nazi ideology and propaganda in previous years led them to hold strong beliefs about loyalty and dying for their Führer and country. Also shows instances of how they were involved in wartime atrocities, both willingly and unwillingly. Includes interviews with those who were boys at the time, who speak of their experiences, some of whom featured in newsreels being decorated by Hitler in his last days.
Christian Brückner
Narrator