Adolf Hitler plunged the world into the most disastrous of all the wars that have devastated the planet, H. R. Cowie, (1992:182).
Adolf Hitler (1889 - 1945) was one of the most hypnotising and persistent fascist dictators of all time. The Nazi regime surfaced at a time of depression in Germany, where many were losing hope. This was Hitler's chance for power and eventually, a totalitarian state. For Hitler to achieve this totalitarian state, he needed the obedience of the German race, and especially young Germans to maintain his power. It is hard to believe that many Germans, especially the youth began to follow Hitler and the Nazis. Young men and women became followers for a number of reasons, whether political, social, or economic.
Adolf Hitler dreamt that his Third Reich would last for a thousand years. While he had won the support of the majority of Germans, he knew that the future of his Reich depended on the younger generation. Hitler and the Nazis set about indoctrinating the minds of German children.
In an address to the Hitler Youth in September 1935, Hitler stated:.
' German youth of the future must be slim and slender, swift as the greyhound, tough as leather, and hard as Krupp steel.' Hoepper, Henderson, Gray, Hennessey and Lewis (1996:112).
Hitler knew that the future of his powerful Third Reich in Germany lay with the young people of Germany. In order to capture the minds of the youth, Hitler pushed his nationalistic propaganda through schools, books, radio, press and mass meetings. He was aware that investing in the young people of Germany would pay future dividends in his control of the state. These young people would eventually become workers, soldiers, or even members of the SA, or SS, contributing to the German machine. Hitler knew the value of winning the hearts and minds of young people. The education system was therefore an important resource for all his future plans.