Women Of Nazi Propaganda Love and Devotion of Women Fascinated by Hitler During the Third Reich

By Jim Colajuta

German women played an essential role in the Nazi movement that outweighed the Nazi Party's propaganda that a woman's position was solely in the home as mothers and child-bearers. Thirteen million of the projected forty million German women in the Reich were active in Nazi Party organizations that promoted the regime's goals of racial purity, imperial conquest, and global war. The Nazi party was about as male-centered as any political party in history. Its ideas on women and women's rightful responsibilities in society were novel and, at best, radical. Despite this, the Party received widespread and active support among women in Germany at the time.

This book investigates Magda Goebbels, Leni Riefenstahl, and Winifried Wagner and how they became enchanted by Hitler and obliged [his] Nazi philosophy. These three ladies were not ordinary Germans. Magda was hitched to Joseph Goebbels, the Reich Minister of Enlightenment and Propaganda and perhaps the most influential man of the Third Reich. An entertainer and famous movie chief, Leni was liable for a key publicity film. Winifred was hitched to author Richard Wagner's child and assumed responsibility for Wagner's inheritance.

Hitler was captivated by every one of the women and used them to add his longing to reestablish Germany to its past brilliance. The women concurred with Hitler's longing to renew Germany's significance and perceived that once he became Chancellor, they would benefit enormously. These women didn't act as indicated by the standards of the times. They got out of the endorsed jobs relegated to ladies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: vincenzo nappi
• Release date: Apr 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201966195

Book preview

Chapter One

Introduction

Adolf Hitler was one of, if not the, most well-known dictators in history, successfully persuading his fellow Germans that their wonderful country had been unfairly blamed for the devastation caused by World War I and that a German victory had been stolen by certain belligerent forces within Germany. Hitler stated that he discovered his destiny while serving in the Bavarian Army. He had projected grandeur for himself and, after the war, began on a course that would eventually bring him to the head of the NSDAP (The Nazi Party), Chancellor of Germany. Shortly after that, the undisputed ruler of his beloved Fatherland. Hitler aspired to power and was successful in obtaining it. Hitler was a superb public speaker who knew the power of persuasion and how to customize it to each crowd he encountered. He was keenly aware of the Weimar Republic's flaws, including its failure to handle war reparations and foreign and domestic affairs. He also reminded German voters that their government was not powerful enough to secure economic survival. Hitler knew that Germany could only restore its power with a government that provided its citizens what they wanted. He also realized that the upper class's support (including financial support) to achieve those goals would give the Nazi cause further power and legitimacy. It should be remembered that many women took Hitler under their wings, teaching him correct etiquette, lavishing him with expensive gifts, including a villa, and encouraging their husbands and other powerful people to support him. Hitler may have provided an interesting, intriguing, and novel method for these ladies to celebrate their oppressed country. They went out of their way to help. Hitler was a superb manipulator, and given his old-fashioned views, he may have used the old stereotype of the weak female to win adherents. The three gracious exceptions were Magda Goebbels, Leni Riefenstahl, and Winifred Wagner. They were strong-willed ladies who knew what they wanted and worked hard to get it. These women were enamored with Hitler, and he was probably aware of their strengths, which would be helpful.

By the early 1930s, the NSDAP had gained seats in the Reichstag, and Hitler had grown in power. Many Germans of all social groups were gradually backing the NSDAP, and Hitler was on the approach of realizing his ideal. By this point, his associates had realized that they were on their way to positions of power. When Hitler became Chancellor, Joseph Goebbels was appointed to head the newly-founded Ministry of Propaganda and Public Enlightenment. He cherished power over all channels of communication in Germany. His wife, Magda, was delighted with their new status. Still, she was incredibly ecstatic with her new position as First Lady of Germany. Like her husband and Hitler, Magda aspired to greatness and power, seizing any chance that came her way.

Magda was an outspoken supporter of Hitler and his message. She was also well-spoken and well-versed in social affairs; it would be foolish not to use her skills and nuances to establish a power base and improve one's image. Magda and Hitler understood one other: they desired glory and would go to any length to attain it. Magda was the ideal person to help Hitler with his chosen objective of governing Germany; she was attractive, intellectual, and knew how to feed off the energy of a crowd and direct it toward Hitler. Magda would go on to play her part flawlessly and thoroughly enjoy her new crucial role. She also had Hitler's ear and would offer comments to him about various circumstances. Hitler didn't usually listen to women's advice, but Magda and Hitler were on the same wavelength, and he respected her. Magda was so loyal that she and her husband would sooner die with Hitler than live in a world hostile to high-ranking Nazis without him. Leni Riefenstahl was a renowned filmmaker who began her career as a dancer before becoming an actor. She, like Magda, was not content to settle into an average and boring life; Leni saw her life as an active adventure and aspired high- she did not sit idle. She discovered her calling as a filmmaker, which led her to Hitler. Leni was highly particular about her films and poured her heart and soul into each one. Hitler regarded Leni's filmmaking abilities as a chance to contribute to Germany's continued grandeur. After hearing Hitler speak at a rally, Leni thought he was a magical orator. She was astounded by his ability to attract a crowd. Before enlisting Leni's assistance in creating Triumph of the Will, Hitler demanded that she film another movie, probably to ensure that she fully understood the magnitude of the task. Leni was not a member of the Nazi party and claimed she was not involved in politics. Still, she was anxious to please Hitler. She was overjoyed when she was picked to direct significant films for the Fatherland. Hitler admired Leni's image of a strong woman onscreen and knew she was the same in real life. Both would benefit from each other: Leni would gain even more respect and praise as a director, while Hitler and Germany would be elevated to nearly God-like status. Leni's prospects would decrease after the war began because she protested about civilian massacres she witnessed while making a documentary during the blitzkrieg in Poland. After her denial, she was not requested to lend her abilities, so she focused on other film projects. Goebbels and the Ministry of Propaganda did not back Leni. Leni was jailed after the war for her cinematic contributions to the Third Reich; she vehemently denied any connection with the Nazi regime, but to no avail. Leni's cinematic career ended, but she persisted and sought new ways to express her interests and talents.

Hitler's admiration for composer Richard Wagner's works led him to another influential woman, Winifred, the composer's daughter-in-law. Winifred was another strong and outspoken lady who drew close to Hitler. She was immensely proud of her part in preserving the Wagner tradition and was willing to help Hitler, or Wolf (as she so named him). Hitler's concept of nationalistic pride was shared by Winifred. She was incredibly grateful for his financial and public support for the Bayreuth festival. Winifred met Hitler in the early 1920s, not long after he rose to the leadership of the Nazi party. She was smitten by his charm and energy, sharing his view that Germany was on its way back to greatness. Wahnfried, Winifred always pushed Hitler to visit the Wagner residence, and he almost always accepted. Although their friendship was platonic, rumors abounded. Winifred would accompany Hitler on election tours and serve as a phony aide; it is unknown whether he ever used her advice. They needed and utilized each other for motives that would increase their notoriety. In the aftermath of the war, Winifred's image suffered when she was barred from supervising the Bayreuth festival (not surprising). Her children assumed her responsibilities in her absence. Until the end of her life, Winifred expressed her admiration for Hitler. Magda, Leni, and Winifred had their own motivations for wanting more. They may have sought Hitler out to elevate their individual statuses and legitimate their ambitions. Hitler was exceptionally skilled at selecting people who could aid his ascent and seizure of power as Germany's leader. These three women possessed attributes that he valued.

Chapter two

The Women of the Third Reich

Many materials on the male perpetrators of the Holocaust, such as Hitler, Himmler, Goebbels, Eichmann, and others, abound when we research the Holocaust. There are only a few ladies who are identifiable as Third Reich women. As a result, there aren't many sources regarding them; however, the available information is