Hitler And The Power Of Aesthetics.

Frederic Spotts

Physical

In Circulation

Hitler's aim was the Aryan super-state, but it was to be expressed as much in Nazi art as in politics. Culture was not only the end, to which power should aspire, but the means of achieving it. This reassessment of Hitler's aims and motivations examines his perverse obsessions and shows how his artistry - expressed in spectacles, festivities, parades, rallies and political dramas, as well as in architecture, painting and music - destroyed any sense of individuality and linked the German people with his own drives. In a wide-ranging argument which covers topics as varied as Wagner's operas and the German Autobahn system, Spotts provides a key to the understanding of the Third Reich which has hitherto been missing in more straightforwardly political and military studies.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Propaganda Machinery: Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime were adept at using propaganda as a tool to shape public opinion. This involved manipulating visuals, symbols, and cultural elements to create a specific narrative.

  2. Cult of Personality: Hitler's image was carefully crafted to portray him as a charismatic and powerful leader. The use of aesthetics played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining the cult of personality around him.

  3. Architectural Projects: The Nazis undertook ambitious architectural projects to reshape German cities. Buildings like the Reich Chancellery and the planned Volkshalle were designed to reflect the grandiose vision of the Third Reich.

  4. Symbolism and Imagery: The Nazis employed powerful symbols and imagery to convey their ideology. The swastika, the salute, and other visual elements were used to create a sense of unity and identity among the German people.

  5. Control of Artistic Expression: The Nazi regime sought to control artistic expression, promoting what they considered "Aryan" art and suppressing forms they deemed degenerate or culturally subversive.

  6. Mass Rallies: Large-scale events, such as the Nuremberg Rallies, were meticulously staged to create a sense of unity and awe among the German population. These events were carefully choreographed to enhance the aesthetic impact.

  7. Film Propaganda: The Nazis used cinema as a powerful medium for propaganda. Films like Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will" were crafted to glorify the regime and promote its ideology.

  8. Cultural Control: The Nazis sought to control not only political and economic aspects but also cultural life. This included literature, music, and other forms of artistic expression.

  9. Racial Ideology in Art: The Nazi regime propagated a specific racial ideology through art, promoting depictions that aligned with their views on Aryan superiority and the denigration of other races.

  10. Legacy of Aesthetic Manipulation: The book may explore how Hitler's use of aesthetics has left a lasting impact on the study of propaganda, political communication, and the intersection of politics and visual culture.

Language English
ISBN-10 0091793947
ISBN-13 9780091793944
No of pages 488
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Hutchinson
Published Date 01 Nov 2002

About Author

Author : Frederic Spotts

2 Books

Related Books