Analysing Nazi Propaganda

     The image I chose for analysation was the poster of three flags and a man.  The caption reads, "Hinter den Feindmachten: der Jude.  This translates to "Behind Enemy Lines: the Jew".  The image depicts a large, ugly man partially hidden behind the Union Jack, the U.S. Flag, and the Communist flag. All three are threats and enemies to the Nazi Party, hinting that the large man is also an enemy. He is wearing a gold chain with a yellow Star of David, labelling him as a Jew. He is dressed in mainly black, and has dark hair/eyebrows and a prominent nose. This suggests how the Germans at this time view the Jews; as large, ugly, non-Aryan enemies.


The only clues I could find as to who created this image and when was the name "Hamil" and the date, 1945. 1945 is the year the U.K., U.S., France, and the Soviet troops entered Germany. Adolf Hitler committed suicide in 1945 also. However, this image couldn't have been created after/during these events. This poster was most likely created much earlier in the year, at the peak of Hitler's influence over Germany and its citizen's stereotypical thinking.


This image is a poster, and I believe the intended audience is the general population of Germany at this time. The intent of this propaganda piece was to dehumanize the Jewish population in Germany. This message may have caused German citizens at this time to view the Jews as an enemy of Germany; and the cause of economy problems due to the war. The Communists, U.K. and U.S. are also represented in this poster by their flags. This implies the need for the Nazi Party to blame others for the crises of Germany at this time.


Misleading information is definitely used in this poster. A man with a Jewish star is ported as large, ugly, and evil-looking. He is dressed in all black, including the large hat on his head. His expression is unhappy and he glares out from his hiding position behind three enemy flags (of the Nazis). This image is showing that Jews are ugly creatures, with enemy plots against Germany and an inhuman appearance/personality. This is the dehumanizing step prior to genocide; causing people to believe the Jews aren't human to make their actions acceptable.




http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/GERhitler.htm- This website was extremely helpful and has a wonderfully detailed account of Hitler's life and actions.