How did Nazi propaganda portray the theory of Social Darwinism?

Prepare for the iGCSE History Test on Germany. Study with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Nazi propaganda utilized the theory of Social Darwinism to justify its racial policies and the extreme measures of extermination that followed. Social Darwinism, which applied concepts from Darwinian evolution to human societies, was misappropriated by the Nazis to promote the idea of a racial hierarchy, with Aryans positioned as superior and other races, particularly Jews, as inferior. This pseudo-scientific rationale served to legitimize their ideology of racial purity and reinforced the belief that the elimination of perceived inferior races was necessary for the survival and advancement of the Aryan race. This portrayal found expression in various forms of propaganda, including films, posters, and speeches, emphasizing a struggle for survival that could only be won through the subjugation and annihilation of those deemed "unfit" or "undesirable." Such messaging created an environment where horrific actions, including the Holocaust, were seen as a necessary part of social evolution, supported by the regime's false interpretations of science and history.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy