First of all, Hitler used propaganda throughout literature and media to promote the sense of German nationalism. The Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda headed by Joseph Goebbels was established to …show more content…
For example, the Nazi government issued the, Law for the Prevention of Progeny with Hereditary Diseases, which would force sterilization of physically or mentally impaired individuals. In order to promote the concepts of sterilization, the Nazi government used propaganda movies to show the public that those who were hereditary ill were dangerous to the health of the nation. The “Sterilization Law” introduced in January 1934 allowed the forced sterilization of anyone suffering from terminal or hereditary illnesses. Hitler used propaganda once again to justify his action. Popular films such, “Das Erbe” build public support by highlighting the cost of care of the mentally ill and handicapped. (Forced Sterilization) Before World War 2 began, the Nazi doctors sterilized 400, 000 people that were described as “beings of lesser worth” and “life unworthy of life.” (The Nazi Eugenics Programs) Additionally, the “Law for the Protection of German Blood and Honor” forbid marriage and sexual relationships between Jews and Germans. (Nuremburg Race Laws) This law was introduced to prevent the German superiority from being weakened with intermarriages. In 1939 Hitler approved the Aktion T-4 program, which permitted doctors to carry out “mercy deaths” of the physically and mentally disabled patients. (Euthanasia program) At first, the program was initiated for the eradication of deformed children. Children were given lethal injections or starved to death. However, this program soon expanded to “undesirable” adults. German sterilization and euthanasia were implemented to support Hitler’s vision of a utopian society. By targeting the “abnormal” individuals, Hitler was able to create an idealistic outlook that supported his vision of the master race. These individuals did not fit Hitler’s proposed “Aryan race,” instead they unknowingly created a sense of opposition.