Hitler Youth Movement Essay Example

Alfons Heck, approximately 90% of genetically pure children in Germany were part of the Nazi's youth group by 1939. Eligibility for joining the HJ was open to boys and girls from all over Germany who could demonstrate good health and true Aryan heritage. Even physically disabled, blind, and deaf children were permitted to join the HJ.

The Hitler Youth (HJ) only accepted individuals who met the racial criteria and were not mentally challenged or Jewish. However, a small number of Jews managed to secretly join the HJ, living in constant fear of being discovered. Hitler believed that the younger generation of Germans was crucial for the success of the nation. In various speeches mentioned in Richard Grunberger's book "The 12-year Reich; a social history of Nazi Germany, 1933-1945," he expressed his belief that the older generation was tired and worried, while praising the potential of the youth.

Are there any finer ones anywhere in the world? Take a look at these young men and boys. What incredible material! With them, I have the power to create a brand new world…An overwhelmingly active, dominating, fearless, and brutal youth—that is what I desire. Youth must possess all those qualities. It must be unaffected by pain. There should be no sign of weakness or tenderness in them. I want to once again witness in their eyes the shining pride and independence of a predatory beast…I am determined to have a physically fit youth—that is my primary goal… I will not engage them in intellectual training. Knowledge destroys my young men (Grunberger 277).

Boys aged 6-10, known as Pimpf or Little Fellows, participated in activities like

camping, hiking, swimming, and singing. From ages 11-16, they were called Deutshe Jungvolk (German Young People) and learned military music, preparation, weapon training, assault courses, and strategies needed for serving as soldiers under Hitler. The final age group was referred to as Hitler Jugend (Hitler's Youth), encompassing boys aged 17-21 who received comprehensive soldier training.

During the preparation, there were fights and wrestling among the boys resulting in injuries such as bruises, cuts, scrapes, and broken bones. After completing their training, the young boys received an HJ dagger with the inscription "Blood and Honor". Meanwhile, German girls had three main roles according to Military History. Their first role was to support men. Secondly, they were responsible for bearing children and raising them in accordance with Nazi principles. Lastly, their duty was to be dedicated homemakers. Hitler believed it was crucial for girls to understand the importance of continuing the Aryan race for the future.

German girls aged 10 to 14 were trained as Jungmadel (Young Maidens), focusing on physical fitness, health, preparation for motherhood, and understanding of Nazi views on racial purity and anti-Semitism. From ages 15 to 21, these girls became members of the Bund Deutscher Madel (League of German Maidens) or BMD. During this stage, they participated in activities like singing songs, doing arts and crafts, cooking, and joining marches and parades. The BMD girls also learned about future motherhood, health, domestic responsibilities, and childcare. They were indoctrinated with a sense of "racial pride" and were forbidden from associating with Jewish individuals.

In Nazi Concentration camps, certain girls received training to become SS Guards. During their training, they were taught

the significance of obedience, duty, self-sacrifice, and discipline. They also witnessed and acquired knowledge about the harsh treatment inflicted upon inmates. Additionally, these female SS Guards engaged in promiscuous relationships with male SS Guards. As other youth groups and programs became prohibited under the rising movement, children felt compelled to join Hitler's Youth as it remained their only available option. Consequently, a majority of children willingly became members of the HJ.

During 1936, it was mandatory for all German children aged 10 and above to join Hitler's Youth. Certain parents declined this requirement, leading to their imprisonment while their children faced brutal beatings from fellow members of the organization. These HJ children developed intense animosity towards anyone who did not embrace Nazi beliefs, including their own relatives. They even insisted that their parents engage in Nazi parties and adhere to the principles of Nazi ideology.

The children would blackmail their parents if they didn't comply, causing the parents to live in perpetual fear. German parents who opposed the Nazis were typically sent to either re-education camps or concentration camps to experience life on the other side. However, there were some opposition groups that emerged. The White Rose, Edelweiss Pirates, and The Jazz/Swing Youth were the main groups that resisted Hitler. The White Rose movement, in particular, advocated for non-violent resistance.

The majority of the group comprised Philosophy professors and students from the University of Munich. Six individuals from the group were apprehended by the Gestapo, found guilty, and subsequently executed in 1943. Brother and sister, Sophie and Hans Scholl, were also part of the White Rose movement. On February 18, 1943, their campaign was

discovered. As part of this campaign, they would bring suitcases filled with leaflets to the university and distribute stacks of copies in the deserted hallways. After repeating this operation for a few days, the authorities were finally notified and the Scholls were arrested by the Gestapo.

Shortly afterwards, additional members were arrested and brought in for questioning. During the people’s court session on February 21, 1943, Han was noted as saying, “Someone had to take the first step. Many others also share our beliefs and thoughts. They simply lack the courage to express themselves as openly as we did.” As a result, they garnered numerous supporters and significant attention. The Edelweiss Pirates emerged as a rebellion group during the late 1930s, primarily consisting of boys aged 12 to 18. Their sole desire was to attain freedom and they defiantly went against the demands of the Nazis.

Hitler enforced a strict dress code and hairstyle for the children of the youth movement. The Edelweiss Pirates, in contrast, purposefully wore dark shorts, checker shirts, white jumpers, socks, and scarfs. They also embraced long hair, styling it in various ways. To express their opposition to the Hitler Youth, they defaced walls with graffiti that proclaimed "Eternal War on the Hitler Youth." Despite being forbidden, they defiantly embarked on camping trips during wartime. They used these occasions to sing songs and crack jokes about Hitler's Youth. Another group known as the Jazz/Swing Youth demonstrated their fondness for English and American Jazz as well as the Jitterbug dance.

The Swing kids would gather in various locations such as parties, bars, cafes, parks, railway stations, and even their

own homes. The Hitler youth would monitor these different groups and report any instances of excessively provocative dancing. Swing clubs were permitted until 1940 when a gathering in Hamburg drew over 500 kids and Jazz became hidden. On February 1, 1942, Himmler announced that "Leaders of the swing movement would be sent to concentration camps with beatings and forced labor." All the anti-Nazi groups simply desired to express themselves and enjoy freedom while the Hitler Youth were completely obedient.

The anti-Nazi groups initially desired to enjoy their lives and have fun, just like regular kids. At the inception of the Hitler movement, there was widespread enthusiasm, leading many to want to participate. However, some of the kids eventually learned the true nature of the movement and chose to disengage. On the contrary, there were those who remained in the movement and faithfully followed instructions. These children were subjected to brainwashing and manipulation, compelled to engage in various actions. Hitler was determined to ensure that the youth of Germany adored him, their country, and Nazism. Throughout his rule, Hitler demonstrated disregard for children, focusing solely on consolidating his power and achieving success.

This text discusses the experiences of the youth during the movement, the lessons they were taught, the reasons for joining or protesting against it. The youth faced significant hardships that left lasting impacts. Those in the HJ fought and died for their beliefs, while many anti-Nazi youth suffered brutal treatment in camps or met their demise in gas chambers. Hitler, despite his evil actions, managed to revitalize Germany as a leader.