Divizia Hitlerjugend: Ideologie și Etos
Hitlerjunged Division: Ideology and Ethos

Summary/Abstract: The „Hitlerjugend ethos” was a product of the Nazi ideology. It was the natural outcome of interplay of several factors: the precepts of social-Darwinism (the evolution through natural selection) and the precepts of Nazism (völkisch nationalism, the concept of Aryan race and the Aryan mysticism; see in this respect Bernd Wegner, Hitlers Politische Soldaten: Die Waffen-SS 1933-1945, Schöningh Verlag, 2006). Was ideology alone the main source of motivation that kept some soldiers fighting when all around them Hitlerjugend soldiers were surrendering or fleeing ? It would be likely that a significant number of soldiers belonging to the 12 th SS Pz. Div. „Hitlerjugend” fought out of loyalty towards their comrades in arms and not because of the Third Reich’s political masters. However, it is important to keep in mind that all the Hitlerjugend Division’s military achievements coupled with the Division’s renowned fighting spirit prolonged the war and postponed peace. Their warfare capabilities extended the duration of World War II and led to catastrophic consequences for all belligerents. To a great extent, National-Socialism succeeded in creating efficient, deep indoctrinated soldiers; it was a unique experiment that resulted in the creation of a powerful system of control which exerted its influence on believers and soldiers alike. This was made possible due to several factors such as education, military instruction and, most importantly, the propaganda apparatus.

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