Episode 8: Goebbels and the Führer: Unpacking the Mechanics of Hate

In this episode, we delve into the propaganda machine crafted by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, which normalized his hateful rhetoric on the global stage. This manipulation was so effective that it earned Hitler the title of Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1938.

We look in-depth at the newly released film: "Goebbels and the Führer," available on Amazon Prime. This compelling film features gripping performances and serves as a vital reminder of the atrocities, masterfully illustrating how the Nazi regime manipulated the media to control public perception—with devastating consequences.

We are honored to welcome our esteemed guest, Professor Thomas Weber, the film's official historian. A prolific author and expert on Adolf Hitler’s life in politics, Professor Weber’s research investigates how propaganda shapes public perception during pivotal historical moments, including the rise of Nazi Germany. His insights are especially relevant in today’s era of heightened political polarization and rampant misinformation.

In our conversation, Professor Weber noted that "it wasn’t just the cult of personality; Hitler managed to create a persona that allowed different people to project their hopes and aspirations onto him. This ambiguity created a platform for Hitler to pursue policies that diverged from why many supporters believed they were backing him."

Join us for this enlightening discussion with Professor Thomas Weber!

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Goebbels and the Führer

• IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30467885/
• Trailor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIqeLlET_LQ
• Screening: https://ces.fas.harvard.edu/events/2024/10/goebbels-and-the-fuehrer

 

Professor Thomas Weber:

University of Aberdeen

 https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/t.weber

 

Publications:

Hitler's First War

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hitlers-first-war-thomas-weber/1100156053?ean=9780199226382

 

Becoming Hitler: The Making of a Nazi

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-hitler-thomas-weber/1125896143?ean=9780465032686

 

Our Friend "The Enemy"

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-friend-the-enemy-thomas-weber/1112772802?ean=9780804700146

 

Henryk Ross: Lodz Ghetto Album

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memory-unearthed-bernice-eisenstein/1128695311?ean=9780300264111