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Joseph Goebbels

Write an account of the role of Joseph Goebbels in the NSDAP [15]
  • 1924
    • Goebbels becomes interested in nationalist and anti-communist ideas after World War I and the economic problems of the Weimar Republic.
    • He reads Hitler’s ideas and is impressed by his leadership.
  • 1926
    • Joins the NSDAP and quickly rises in the party due to his talent for public speaking and writing.
    • Hitler appoints him Gauleiter (regional party leader) of Berlin, where he works to strengthen Nazi support in the capital.
  • 1927–1930
    • Goebbels organises large Nazi rallies and uses propaganda, posters, leaflets, and radio to win support.
    • Becomes editor of the Nazi newspaper Der Angriff (The Attack).
    • He helps create the image of Hitler as Germany’s strong, heroic saviour.
  • 1930
    • Appointed Propaganda Leader of the Nazi Party.
    • Masterminds Nazi election campaigns using modern techniques, emotional appeals, slogans, and mass media.
    • Plays a key role in increasing Nazi support during the Great Depression.
  • 1933
    • After Hitler becomes Chancellor, Goebbels is appointed Minister of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda.
    • Controls newspapers, films, books, music, radio, and the arts.
    • He ensures that all media glorifies Hitler, spreads Nazi beliefs (e.g., anti-Semitism), and censors anything critical of the regime.
  • 1934–1939
    • Goebbels strengthens the cult of personality around Hitler.
    • Organises mass rallies like the Nuremberg Rallies and events such as Book Burnings to remove “un-German” ideas.
    • Promotes traditional German values, Nazi ideology, and loyalty to Hitler.
    • Uses propaganda to turn the public against Jews and other groups.
  • 1939–1945 (World War II)
    • Continues to control all information in Nazi Germany.
    • Promotes unity, sacrifice, and total war through radio broadcasts, posters, and film.
    • As the war turns against Germany, Goebbels encourages the people to fight on and blame Germany’s problems on Jews and traitors.
    • In 1943, he delivers the famous “Total War” speech, urging Germans to devote everything to the war effort.
  • April 1945
    • As the Allies close in on Berlin and Hitler’s defeat is certain, Goebbels remains loyal.
    • After Hitler's suicide, Goebbels is Chancellor for one day.
    • On May 1, 1945, he and his wife poison their six children and then commit suicide in Hitler’s bunker.