Nazi Germany: Policies towards the Youth

This modern history lesson plan focuses on the Nazi policies towards the German youth during the interwar years and the rule of Hitler. The lesson provides an overview of the education and youth groups targeted by the Nazis in their efforts to indoctrinate the younger generation.

The Nazi Party recognised the importance of moulding the minds of the youth to create a generation loyal to their cause. They implemented policies that aimed to control the education system, youth organisations, and extracurricular activities to ensure they aligned with Nazi ideology. This involved the establishment of the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls, which were mandatory organisations for young people to join.

The Hitler Youth was primarily for boys and aimed to instil Nazi values such as loyalty, discipline, and obedience. The League of German Girls, on the other hand, was for girls and focused on preparing them for motherhood and domestic duties. The education system was also overhauled to promote Nazi ideology and indoctrination, with teachers required to be members of the Nazi Party.

The PowerPoint includes various student activities, including source analysis, a short film, and a mini-research task. The source analysis activity involves analysing primary sources such as speeches and propaganda materials to understand how the Nazis promoted their ideology to the youth. The short film provides a visual representation of life in Nazi Germany for the child, highlighting the indoctrination and control they faced from the American perspective.

The mini-research task requires students to research and present a specific aspect of Nazi policies towards the youth. This could include the establishment of youth organisations, the role of education in promoting Nazi ideology, or the impact of these policies on the lives of young people.

This lesson plan on Nazi policies towards the German youth during the interwar years and the rule of Hitler is a comprehensive overview of the indoctrination and control that the Nazis exerted on the younger generation. The focus on education and youth groups provides insight into the mechanisms the Nazi Party used to promote their ideology and create a loyal following. The student activities in the lesson plan allow for an engaging and interactive learning experience, enabling students to understand this period of history more deeply.

**Total Slides: 13
Teaching Duration: 3 hours