The Nature and Purpose of the Hitler Youth Movement

The Nature and Purpose of the Hitler Youth Movement

There were many purposes for the Hitler Youth Movement and the nature

of it was strict and disciplined so that the youth of the time became

accustomed to it as part of their everyday life.

One of the main purposes of the Hitler Youth Movement was to turn the

young people of Germany into loyal Nazis. By starting them off at a

young age (6), these children would be so indoctrinated by the Nazi

regime and beliefs that being a loyal Nazi would be the only option,

any other would be unthinkable. From a young age the youth were

lectured to be loyal Nazis, so much so that pre-school children were

taught to love their Fuhrer Hitler and from the moment a 10 year old

boy was enrolled into the Hitler Youth, their life belonged to the

Fuhrer. This was all part of Hitler’s ideal – the ‘Cradle to Grave’

indoctrination.

Part of being a loyal Nazi would be going on parade marches and

carrying the Nazi flag. Carrying the flag was very important for the

Youth because it symbolized a new era which was part of what these

youngsters were. Also any other German person, irrespective of their

age, was expected to salute when the Hitler Youth flag passed them.

The children became so accustomed to these ideals that any other

behaviour would be looked upon as unusual; by indoctrinating them in

this way, it made sure they became loyal Nazis quite naturally.

As well as having lectures on the importance of Germany and being a

loyal Nazi, they were also given political and cultural studies to

really understand the importance of these things. In such classes, the

older children were taught messages such as “The Jews are our

misfortune.” And they believed it. Indoctrination in this way was just

a regular occurrence so the children really did believe all they were

being told and taught whilst being in the Hitler Youth Movement.

As indoctrination was the Nazis main aim, they made sure the Hitler