What was the Hitler Youth?

The Hitler Youth was a Nazi organisation for boys aged 14 to 18 which was in existence from 1922 to 1945. Boys learnt Nazi ideology, exercised, and learnt military skills.

What was the purpose of the Hitler Youth?

The purpose of the Hitler Youth was to indoctrinate young people with Nazi ideology, promote physical fitness, and prepare members for life in the Nazi regime and for a future war.

What did Hitler promise in order to gain the support of German youth?

In order to gain the support of German youth, Adolf Hitler promised he would make Germany great again by eliminating unemployment, ridding society of its enemies, and recovering territory lost to Germany after WWI. The attraction of organisations like the Hitler Youth included a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and adventure.

Hitler Youth Timeline

Definition

The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend or HJ), named after the leader of the German Nazi Party Adolf Hitler (1889-1945), was designed to indoctrinate 14-18 year-old boys into the party's way of thinking. Its activities promoted physical exercise, team-building, and Nazi ideology. During the Second World War (1939-45), HJ members operated anti-aircraft guns and fought in the defence of Berlin.

More about: Hitler Youth

Timeline

1922
Foundation of the Hitler Youth.
1931 - 1940
Baldur von Schirach leads the Hitler Youth.
1933
The Hitler Youth is made an official state organisation.
1935
Hitler Youth members must demonstrate they have no Jewish ancestry.
1936
The German state bans all non-Nazi youth organisations.
Apr 1940
Membership of the Hitler Youth is made compulsory.
Aug 1940
Artur Axmann is appointed the new leader of the Hitler Youth.
1943
The Hitlerjugend Division, composed of Hitler Youth members, becomes part of the Waffen-SS.
1943
Hitler Youth members are used to operate anti-aircraft guns in the defence of Germany.
1945
Hitler Youth members fight in the defence of Berlin.