What Living Under Hitler Was REALLY Like

Summary

This script offers a compelling glimpse into the daily life of a family living in Nazi Germany in 1939, highlighting the tensions and struggles of individuals navigating the rigid ideologies of the regime. It focuses on Walter, a journalist who fears his past criticisms of the Nazi Party might be exposed, and his family, including his wife Greta and their children Hans and Emma, who are deeply embedded in the Nazi Youth. Through their interactions, the script explores themes of loyalty, fear, and moral compromise in a society controlled by Adolf Hitler's regime. The characters' lives are shaped by the looming threat of war and the pressures of conforming to Nazi ideals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Walter's ordinary morning in Nazi Germany is juxtaposed with the heavy political tension and fear of being punished for past criticisms of the regime.
• 😀 Greta, Walter’s wife, sacrificed her teaching career for the supposed good of the nation but sometimes wonders if it was worth it.
• 😀 Children Emma and Hans are immersed in Nazi ideology, with Emma preparing for a presentation about the difference between Jews and Germans, while Hans faces the consequences of skipping a community service project.
• 😀 The Nazi control of education and media is evident, with Nazi propaganda filling the airwaves and teachers being purged if they don’t align with Nazi ideology.
• 😀 Hans faces punishment in the Hitler Youth for not participating in a community project, and this could affect his family’s reputation and Walter's career.
• 😀 The Nazi propaganda machine shapes everyday life, with Nazi-sponsored radio programs promoting Aryan culture and military achievements.
• 😀 Walter, a journalist, is awarded the Goebbels Prize for his pro-Nazi writings and will receive a column to promote Nazi green initiatives, showing the regime’s control over media and rewards for loyalty.
• 😀 Greta’s participation in the National Socialist Women’s Organization includes learning about Nazi health initiatives, including herbal remedies and physical examinations.
• 😀 The Nazi regime has eliminated homelessness through the use of labor camps, and Walter reflects on the forced relocation and legal persecution of Jews in Berlin.
• 😀 The family dinner conversation, while a moment of joy for Walter’s promotion, reveals underlying tensions, particularly with Hans, who is troubled by something he has yet to disclose.

Q & A

What is Walter's profession and what is his concern regarding the visit of a leading Nazi official?

Walter works as a journalist at the Berliner Morgenpost newspaper. He is concerned that his past criticisms of the Nazi Party may be discovered during the visit of the Nazi official, which could lead to repercussions for him.

How does Greta feel about the changes brought by the Nazi regime, particularly in her role as a woman?

Greta feels conflicted. On one hand, she acknowledges the improvements in life due to the Nazi policies, like low unemployment, but on the other hand, she questions whether giving up her career and role as a teacher was worth it, as she believes the sacrifices may have come at a high moral cost.

What is Hans' involvement in the Hitler Youth, and what consequences does he face for skipping a community service project?

Hans is an active member of the Hitler Youth, where he participates in training and ideological classes. He faces punishment for skipping a required community service project, and his transgression is brought to the attention of the District Leader, which may affect his family's status, particularly his father's job.

What lesson does Emma learn regarding reporting on the behavior of her parents or others?

Emma learns that under the Nazi regime, children are expected to report the wrongdoing of their parents or others. If someone fails to report a violation, they could face punishment, and even their families can be held accountable.

What subject does Hans' school focus on, and how does it relate to the Nazi regime's goals?

Hans' school focuses heavily on subjects like physical education, which is tied to the Nazi ideal of creating strong, fit Aryan men. The curriculum also includes subjects such as physics, where the students are taught to develop military technologies like rockets, aligning with the regime’s militaristic goals.

How does the Nazi-controlled media impact Walter's work, and what recognition does he receive?

Under Nazi control, all media is tightly regulated, and Walter's work is shaped by the Party’s ideology. Despite his past criticisms, Walter receives recognition for his article on the Nazi's 'Strength Through Joy' program, leading to a promotion, a Goebbels Prize, and the opportunity to write a national column on Nazi green initiatives.

How does Greta feel about the possibility of war breaking out, and how does it impact her thoughts on rationing?

Greta is concerned about the potential for war, fearing that it could lead to rationing and hardships for her family. She worries about the impact of the war on their survival and what the future holds in terms of limited resources.

What is the significance of the 'Volkswagen' car in Nazi Germany?

The Volkswagen car, under the Nazi regime, symbolizes the Nazis' goal of making modern goods accessible to all Germans, particularly the working class. It represents their aim to improve the standard of living for everyday citizens while promoting nationalistic pride.

What role does Nazi propaganda, particularly through the radio, play in daily life for the family?

Nazi propaganda plays a central role in daily life, particularly through the radio, where broadcasts of Nazi ideology, military accomplishments, and cultural achievements fill the airwaves. Greta regularly listens to the radio, which helps reinforce the regime’s ideas and strengthen the German spirit.

How does Walter justify his lack of resistance to the treatment of Jews and other 'undesirables' under the Nazi regime?

Walter justifies his lack of resistance to the persecution of Jews and other groups by focusing on his own personal gains from the Nazi regime. Although he feels uncomfortable about the treatment of Jews, he chooses not to interfere, as his life has improved and he benefits from the party’s programs.