The 12-year Reich: A Social History of Nazi Germany, 1933–1945

How did people talk during the Third Reich? What films could they see? What political jokes did they tell? Did Nazi ranting about the role of women (no make-up, smoking, or dieting) correspond with reality? What was the effect of the regime on family life (where fathers were encouraged to inform on sons, and children on parents)? When the country embraced National Socialism in 1933, how did that acceptance impact the churches, the civil service, farmers, housewives, businessmen, health care, sports, education, "justice," the army, the arts, and the Jews? Using examples that range from the horrifying to the absurd, Grunberger captures vividly the nightmarish texture of the times and reveals how Nazis effectively permeated the everyday lives of German citizens. The result is a brilliant, terrifying glimpse of the people who dwelt along the edges of an abyss—often disappearing into it. 1. Weimar 1 2. The Third Reich 20 3. Folk Community: A General Study 48 4. The Party 61 5. Ritual and Führer Worship 79 6. Corruption 99 7. Denunciation 118 8. Justice 127 9. The Civil Service 140 10. The Army 149 11. The Land 166 12. Business 184 13. The Workers 203 14. Consumption 222 15. Health 240 16. The Family 255 17. Women 275 18. Youth 293 19. Education 313 20. The Universities 334 21. Nazi Speech 356 22. Humour 364 23. Literature 376 24. The Theatre 399 25. The Cinema 415 26. Press and Radio 431 27. Music 449 28. Art 465 29. Religion 481 30. The Jews 502 Glossary 521 Suggested Further Reading 522 References 523 Index 574 Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer. In this brilliant history of the Hitler era, Richard Grunberger reveals what life was like for an average citizen. The persuasive influence of the Nazi regime reached into every corner of everyday life in Germany. Censorship prevailed, education was undermined, family life was idealized, but children were encouraged to turn in disloyal parents. "Volk" festivals, party rallies, awards, uniforms, pageantry all played a part in the massive effort to shape the mind of a nation. - Back cover.