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The Third Reich: Politics and Propaganda
Published in the year 1994, The Third Reich is a valuable contribution to the field of History.
264 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 31, 2015
A summary taken largely from secondary sources. Less detail than I would have liked.
Did provide an organizational chart of Goebbels' propaganda empire.
an excellent observation ... Goebbels power was founded in the issue of work permits in every area under his control … nobody could work in newspapers, film, radio, theater, literature, etc without a work permit … there was no need for a formal system of censorship ... with such total control over the livelihood of every person who communicated with the German people ... offending artists had either been purged or would exercise self-censorship for fear of losing their livelihood
a chilling quote ... judgment of art work in the National Socialist State can be made only on the basis of the national Socialist viewpoint of culture … only the Party and the State are in a position to determine artistic values
Did provide an organizational chart of Goebbels' propaganda empire.
an excellent observation ... Goebbels power was founded in the issue of work permits in every area under his control … nobody could work in newspapers, film, radio, theater, literature, etc without a work permit … there was no need for a formal system of censorship ... with such total control over the livelihood of every person who communicated with the German people ... offending artists had either been purged or would exercise self-censorship for fear of losing their livelihood
a chilling quote ... judgment of art work in the National Socialist State can be made only on the basis of the national Socialist viewpoint of culture … only the Party and the State are in a position to determine artistic values
December 15, 2018
A bit light, but ultimately quite readable, and doesn't get bogged down. Not super deep tho.
July 26, 2020
It is an interesting read. It tells you a different picture of Nazi Germany with its practicalities in contrast with our subconscious imagination of that part of the world. The most reveling chapter was how modern society trying to come to terms with the fascist past, they are unable to exit from their past in so many circles and most people try to save the embarrassment, notable some historians who are altering their interpretations of the past.
July 12, 2025
level headed and to the point, with just enough context for non experts. great read.
October 15, 2023
I can see why my tutor recommended David Welch.
As a history student studying Third Reich and the propaganda orchestrated by Joseph Goebbels and the Reich Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda (RMVP), this book has provided me a superb overview to exactly how Goebbels took two powerful ideas - Hitler as the ultimate ruler and indestructible saviour of Germany (Fuhrerprinzip) and the desire for the German people to be united in a single 'People's Community' (Volksgemeinschaft) - and shaped them into a fantasy that the Germans bought as reality because it was founded on a certain half-truth present beneath the surface.
Admittedly, a fair few ideas in the book I have encountered in other reads or through documentaries (even, in places, film) but Welch's expression was clear, concise and certainly proved (still proving) useful in my course. Further, the novel provides what documentaries can't; the historian's in-depth perspective (rather than quick soundbites) especially one that's far removed from immediate reactions post-WW2 but has recent historiography to go on (as recent as a pre-21st century book can of course.) I'm certain someone with only casual knowledge about Nazi Germany, not least propaganda, can read this book and learn much from it.
Not only that but I found the chapter regarding the Nazis propaganda at war especially fascinating (not least because that period is my favourite in history), particularly their efforts to convince their people that the war could still be won by Germany even after the Allies landed two severe blows to Germany's military 'indestructibility' (first Stalingrad and then D-Day). Normally, such defeats would crush any fighter's belief in a chance for victory but Goebbels' propaganda willed the Germans on (at least, enough of them) that Germany continued fighting for a further 10 months (June, 1944 - April, 1945) before finally conceding in absolute defeat.
Such goes to show propaganda's power: it doesn't matter if the means to fight are vastly out-numbered and over-powered if the people's will remains firm, so firm they can't believe the truth, that they will never surrender.
'Propaganda is not inherently evil, despite us getting that association from Goebbels and his Ministry. No, propaganda can also be a force for good. Propaganda is morally neutral. It is the propagandist who determines the works moral sway.'
A superb read and one I recommend to anyone wanting to check out Third Reich Propaganda.
As a history student studying Third Reich and the propaganda orchestrated by Joseph Goebbels and the Reich Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda (RMVP), this book has provided me a superb overview to exactly how Goebbels took two powerful ideas - Hitler as the ultimate ruler and indestructible saviour of Germany (Fuhrerprinzip) and the desire for the German people to be united in a single 'People's Community' (Volksgemeinschaft) - and shaped them into a fantasy that the Germans bought as reality because it was founded on a certain half-truth present beneath the surface.
Admittedly, a fair few ideas in the book I have encountered in other reads or through documentaries (even, in places, film) but Welch's expression was clear, concise and certainly proved (still proving) useful in my course. Further, the novel provides what documentaries can't; the historian's in-depth perspective (rather than quick soundbites) especially one that's far removed from immediate reactions post-WW2 but has recent historiography to go on (as recent as a pre-21st century book can of course.) I'm certain someone with only casual knowledge about Nazi Germany, not least propaganda, can read this book and learn much from it.
Not only that but I found the chapter regarding the Nazis propaganda at war especially fascinating (not least because that period is my favourite in history), particularly their efforts to convince their people that the war could still be won by Germany even after the Allies landed two severe blows to Germany's military 'indestructibility' (first Stalingrad and then D-Day). Normally, such defeats would crush any fighter's belief in a chance for victory but Goebbels' propaganda willed the Germans on (at least, enough of them) that Germany continued fighting for a further 10 months (June, 1944 - April, 1945) before finally conceding in absolute defeat.
Such goes to show propaganda's power: it doesn't matter if the means to fight are vastly out-numbered and over-powered if the people's will remains firm, so firm they can't believe the truth, that they will never surrender.
'Propaganda is not inherently evil, despite us getting that association from Goebbels and his Ministry. No, propaganda can also be a force for good. Propaganda is morally neutral. It is the propagandist who determines the works moral sway.'
A superb read and one I recommend to anyone wanting to check out Third Reich Propaganda.
March 2, 2012
Velšs tiek uzskatīts par autoritāti nacistu propagandā UK - man tā nešķiet! Bet raksta viņš ļoti labi!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews