Permeating the human psyche : the role of emotions in Nazi propaganda

Abstract

Society is infiltrated with propaganda and its ability to permeate one's psyche has culminated in profound emotional manipulation. While there is a plethora of existing literature in political science and history regarding the compelling influence of propaganda, the nexus between political propaganda and the history of emotions has not been extensively explored. This project investigates the role of emotions in propaganda manipulation through a historical case study of the National Socialist German Worker's Party (Nazi) campaign. This was achieved by an analysis of Third Reich propaganda such as film, speeches, education and Hitler Youth alongside a biopsychological approach to the emotional responses of German audiences, as described by first-person and eye-witness accounts. This project focuses specifically on targeted audiences such as those who were disillusioned Germany's instability following WWI; those who had fought in WWI and experienced the sense of humiliation in loss; the politically nai¨ve, anti-Semites and German youth, who were more susceptible to emotional manipulation. By triggering emotions of fear, hatred, national esteem, belonging, humiliation and loss, the Nazi Party were able to garner ardent devotion to the Regime.

Date of Award	2021
Original language	English