How did the Nazis view the role of education?

The Nazis viewed the role of education primarily as a means to promote Nazi ideology. This perspective was rooted in their desire to instill their beliefs and values in young Germans in order to shape future generations. The education system under Nazi rule was designed to ensure that students were not only knowledgeable but also indoctrinated with the principles of racial purity, loyalty to the Führer, and anti-Semitism.

Curricula were significantly altered to focus on subjects that aligned with these ideologies, and textbooks were rewritten to reflect Nazi values. Teachers were required to adhere strictly to party lines, and those who opposed the regime were often removed from the educational system. This emphasis on ideology over critical thinking, creativity, or the arts underscores the Nazis' intention to create a homogeneous society that would support their totalitarian regime, showing how education was directly tied to their broader political aims.