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The Man Behind Hitler
 
Homefront Propaganda in Germany and the U.S.A.: Patriotic Activities

Posters in both nations promoted patriotism to special segments of the population. In Germany, boys were made to join the Hitler Youth. In America, citizens were encouraged to use public library resources on African American history and culture.

Germany U.S.A. A German poster calls for all 10 year olds to join Hitler Youth An American poster asks citizens to read about diverse American cultures

U.S.A.

Hitler Youth, 1940

Youth Serves the Führer. All 10-year-olds into the Hitler Youth.

By the time this poster was issued, membership in this organization had been mandatory for four years.

Books are Weapons, 1941-1943

Books are weapons. Read about... The Negro in National Defense. Africa and the War. Negro History and Culture. At the Schomburg Collection of the New York Public Library.

This poster refers obliquely to Nazi book-burnings by promoting the importance of knowledge. The Nazis' racist ideology viewed non-Aryans, including African Americans, as inferior.

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The Man Behind Hitler American Experience

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