Wer war Joseph Goebbels? - Der Lautsprecher des Dritten Reichs | SPIEGEL TV

DER SPIEGEL16 minutes read

Josef Göbbels, a key figure in the Third Reich, was a skilled propagandist who played a crucial role in shaping public perception during World War II, maintaining a close bond with Hitler but ultimately sacrificing himself and his family by committing suicide as the regime collapsed in May 1945.

Insights

  • Josef Göbbels, a skilled propagandist, played a pivotal role in shaping public perception during World War II, utilizing various mediums to promote National Socialist ideology and control media and cultural institutions.
  • Despite his close emotional bond with Hitler and dedication to the Nazi Party, Göbbels ultimately sacrificed himself, his family, and his beliefs by committing suicide in the final days of the Third Reich, highlighting the extreme measures individuals may take in times of defeat and desperation.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Josef Göbbels?

    A skilled Nazi propagandist and demagogue.

  • What was Göbbels' role during World War II?

    Shaping public perception through propaganda.

  • How did Göbbels contribute to the Nazi Party?

    By organizing radicalism and inciting street battles.

  • What led to Göbbels' suicide in 1945?

    Intensified propaganda efforts and unwavering perseverance.

  • How did Göbbels influence public opinion?

    Through control of media and cultural institutions.

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Summary

00:00

Josef Göbbels: Nazi Propagandist and Demagogue

  • At the end of 1944, Josef Göbbels sends the last contingent of the Third Reich into war against the Red Army, including civilians and children.
  • Göbbels, known as a demagogue and creator of the cult of the Führer, was a skilled orator and propagandist who paved the way for the National Socialists.
  • Growing up in a modest Catholic family, Göbbels excelled academically to compensate for a physical handicap, eventually becoming the best high school graduate.
  • In 1922, Göbbels received his doctorate in philosophy, worked briefly at a bank, but left to pursue his identity as an artist and writer.
  • Meeting Hitler in 1925, Göbbels saw him as the next dictator and dedicated himself to the Nazi Party, becoming a Gauleiter in Berlin in 1926.
  • Göbbels organized the NSDAP in Berlin, founded the party newspaper "The Attack," and incited radicalism and street battles to discredit democracy.
  • In 1933, Göbbels became Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, orchestrating the Nazi regime's actions to control media and society.
  • Utilizing radio and film, Göbbels propagated National Socialist ideology, organizing book burnings and enforcing Nazi control over cultural institutions.
  • Göbbels maintained a close emotional bond with Hitler, seeking his approval and support, but faced a setback due to an affair with a Czech actress.
  • During World War II, Göbbels played a crucial role in shaping public perception of the war through propaganda, staging victories and concealing defeats.

17:46

Göbbels: From Cover-Up to Sacrifice

  • Göbbels' role shifted from covering up Hitler's physical and mental decline to becoming the dictator's representative, especially during the defeat at Stalingrad in January 1943.
  • In February 1943, Göbbels took the initiative to deliver a speech at the Berlin Sports Palace, rallying the German people for total war despite the impending defeat, emphasizing the need for individual contribution to the larger cause.
  • As the Third Reich neared its end, Göbbels intensified his propaganda efforts, promoting total war and unwavering perseverance, ultimately sacrificing himself, his family, and his beliefs by committing suicide with cyanide in the bunker under the Reich Chancellery in May 1945.
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