How the Nazis Manipulated the Masses

German children read an anti-Jewish propaganda book for children titled Der Giftpilz (The Poisonous Mushroom). The girl on the left holds a companion volume, the translated title of which is Trust No Fox in His Green Meadow and No Jew on His Oath. Germany, 1938.

The Nazis adapted age-old antisemitic lies and stereotypes to dehumanize Jewish people and blame them for Germany’s ills. Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels shaped and deployed these messages everywhere, from film to radio, posters to press — even in children’s books.

This steady drumbeat of antisemitic propaganda reinforced the myth that Jews were dirty, deceitful, and dangerous. Some became fervent believers in the Nazi solution to the “Jewish problem” while most remained silent as their Jewish neighbors were persecuted. In this digital program, we discuss how the Nazis exploited preexisting hatred and how similar lies are being repackaged and spread around the world today with violent consequences.