Life Under Nazi Rule
The Nazis wanted to control every aspect of German life, especially the youth who represented the future. Boys joined the Hitler Youth at 14 for military training and political indoctrination, whilst girls joined the League of German Maidens to learn housewife skills.
Women's roles were strictly defined by the "Three Ks" - Kinder, Küche, Kirche (Children, Kitchen, Church). They were banned from many professions and encouraged to have large families through the Lebensborn breeding programme. Medals were awarded to mothers with more than four children.
Nazi culture promoted "pure" German art whilst banning "degenerate" works by artists like Picasso. Jazz and blues were forbidden as "un-German," though some teenagers in the Swing Movement secretly listened to American music anyway.
Resistance did exist despite the risks. The White Rose group distributed anti-Nazi leaflets, Edelweiss Pirates attacked Hitler Youth members, and some Catholics spoke out against Nazi policies. However, most resisters were quickly caught and executed.
Brave Truth: Even in a totalitarian state, some Germans risked everything to oppose the Nazis - though sadly, very few succeeded.