Activity 1

You have read about the importance and power of propaganda in the Nazi state. Now consider some examples. Read a brief article on the work of propagandists written by a Nazi journalist. When you have finished, examine the following posters on themes ranging from charitable giving to anti-Semitism to military might: Storm Trooper Competition, National Socialist People's Charity, Buy German, Military Will to Military Strength, "Eternal Jew", "The Jew", Smash Enemies, Victory at Any Cost, Infantry Recruiting Poster. What types of imagery do these posters employ? How would you characterize the essential goal of these posters? How do these posters represent the German people and their capacities? How do the enemies of the Volk appear in these posters? To what extent do these images illustrate the principles discussed in the article on the work of propagandists?

Activity 2

As you have read, the totalitarian regime will go to any lengths, use all means at its disposal to ensure ideological unity and obedience. Let's take a look at some examples of this effort in Stalinist Russia. First, consider the case of Trotskyism, a version of Marxism developed by Lenin's lieutenant, Leon Trotsky. Read Stalin's remarks concerning Trotskyism and Leninism (1924). What, according to Stalin, is the difference between these two versions of Marxism? What is the problem with Trotskyism, and why should it be renounced? Why do you think Stalin felt the need to single out "Trotskyism" as an ideological enemy? Twelve years after delivering this statement, Stalin began his ruthless purges of the communist party. Read the official explanation for the purges of 1936. What role do Trotskyism and Trotskyites play in this explanation? What have they done? Now consider the example of the effort to collectivize agriculture. Read an excerpt from Dizzy With Success: Concerning Questions of the Collective Farm Movement, an article that appeared in the March 2, 1930 issue of Pravda, the communist party newspaper. Who, according to the article, may become "dizzy with success," and why is such euphoria a potential danger? To what extent does this article represent Stalin's ideological goals? Finally, read this 1932 Memorandum on the Grain Problem. What exactly is the problem? How has the party resolved to deal with the problem? How does this response represent Stalin's totalitarian aims?