How the Nazis Brainwashed the Girls of Germany

Breeding the next generation of racists

A photograph of three members of the League of German Girls by Georg Pahl, 1935 (Wikimedia Commons)

The Nazis believed the Third Reich would last for a thousand years. From their perspective, the Nazification of Germany in the 1930s was just the beginning, and it was vital that the next generation continued their work.

They could only achieve this by brainwashing Germany’s youth. Girls across the country were forced to take part in the Nazis’ youth programs and absorb the rhetoric of the most twisted party in human history.

Far from feeling uncomfortable, many girls actually enjoyed their time inside the Nazi indoctrination machine.

Wives and Children

In 1932, the Nazi Party created the League of German Girls. At first, joining this organization wasn’t compulsory, but as time went on, parents were forced to comply with the Nazis’ wishes or face imprisonment.

The League of German Girls — like much of Nazi Germany — focused on manipulation. The leaders of the organization stressed the importance of fertility, health, national pride, and companionship.

Giving birth and looking after children were paramount. It was the responsibility of young girls to keep themselves healthy so they could look after their husbands and raise the next…