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Distinctive Dress of the Nazi Party
Author: Mark Gudgel
The history of World War II often overshadows that of almost any other period in time. It is one of the best-documented occurrences in the history of the world, features prominently in both American and world history courses, and also appears frequently in classes in English, philosophy, psychology, and other areas of study. Why World War II has commanded the attention of so many for so long undoubtedly has much to do with the fact that the Holocaust, the mass murder of nearly six million Jewish people and millions upon millions more “other victims” including gypsies, homosexuals, Poles, Slavs, political dissidents, disabled persons, blacks, and others at the hands of the Nazi regime and their collaborators, took place simultaneous to the rise and fall of the Third Reich, and under the guise of World War II.
Yet there may perhaps be another, slightly more superficial reason for the prominence of World War II in academia, literature, film, and virtually every other sphere of our culture in the early twenty-first century. What sets World War II and, more specifically, the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers’ Party or NSDAP)—the Nazi party—apart from others is undoubtedly, for better or worse, the near-perfect embodiment of the storybook villain that can be seen in the rise and fall of Hitler’s Germany. This concept is so prevalent in our society even to this day that political pundits, politicians, talk show hosts, and others are often quick to invoke the name of Hitler and the Nazis, the ultimate villains, in an attempt to discredit their opponents. Yet to the casual observer, moviegoer, or everyday student (as opposed to historian) what sets Hitler, his high command, and even the entire Nazi organization apart from other criminals has less to do with culture, dispensation, or deep-seated historical understandings than it does with mere chic; that is to say, the Nazis look like villains and this fascinates us and draws us to examine and study them, even in the twenty-first century. Their stark colors, unique appearance, prominent symbolism, and overall presentation was in some ways the perfect complement to their crimes; it is convenient when the “bad guys” adorn themselves with a skull and crossbones.
The Nazi party was founded shortly after World War I, punctuated for Germany by the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in France. Thus, the party itself existed for only a short matter of around twenty-five years. Hitler’s proclaimed “Thousand-Year Reich” lasted only twelve, from 1933 (when he was appointed Chancellor) to 1945 (when Russian and Allied forces ended the fighting in the European theater of war). Thus, the evolution of Nazi uniform and symbolism was necessarily quite brief. They drew on previous elements of German uniforms, utilizing the Iron Cross, the Totenkopf (skull and crossbones), oak branches, and other traditional German symbols. The Sturmabteilung (SA) or “Brownshirts” were the first uniformed branch of the Nazi party. Dr. Robert Ley, a chief of staff within the Nazi party organization, was primarily responsible for uniform design, as well as for the rank system that featured prominently on the lapels. Under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Ley, Nazi party uniforms in many ways embodied the fashion trends of the time. Baggy trousers were tucked into tall boots, and a double-breasted jacket was often worn by party officials and soldiers alike. The Waffenfrock (military tunic) had no lapels, but instead a high, buttoned collar upon which rank insignia was displayed. The left sleeve of any uniform could be counted on to bear an armband in red, featuring a swastika, a miniature version of Germany’s adopted flag under Nazism. Some variation of cap, largely dependent upon rank and, in many instances, a necktie would complete most uniforms of the era. Most of the functionaries of the Nazi party proudly sported such uniforms, which indicated their rank and position in the party. Dress and formal uniforms grew increasingly more elaborate the higher the wearer climbed in rank and order. Hitler himself most often was photographed in a rather plain and unimpressive uniform that did little to accentuate his status as the unchallenged Führer, or leader, of the Third Reich. Unlike his predecessor, President Paul von Hindenburg, who was often photographed in full military regalia, Hitler’s infamous voice and the speeches he made were generally much louder than anything he wore.
In 2011, Hugo Boss, an internationally renowned clothing designer and manufacturer named for founder Hugo Ferdinand Boss, commissioned a book dedicated to the firm’s role as manufacturers of uniforms for the Third Reich. The company does not deny its role in outfitting the Nazis, and it is important to realize that Hugo Boss was but one of many hundreds of clothiers manufacturing uniforms that were utilized by the Nazis. More scurrilous than the mere manufacture of uniforms, however, may be the company’s knowing and willful exploitation of prisoners of war as slave labor for the purpose of the aforementioned manufacturing duties. It is estimated that Hugo Boss himself oversaw nearly two hundred workers. However, though this is undeniably a blemish on the legacy of a German company, it is anything but unique. Many German companies benefited from Nazi practices and laws, especially after the outbreak of war on 1 September 1939, and it would be inaccurate to suggest that Hugo Boss, or any other designer or clothing manufacturer in Germany for that matter, was more guilty of exploiting slave labor and benefiting from unjust Nazi policies than were chemical companies, automobile manufacturers, or any number of other assorted businesses of the time. In addition, it is well known that many foreign companies, notably America’s IBM, had close business relations with the Nazi party. In short, while Hugo Boss’s work with the Nazis is admittedly regrettable, it places them closer to the norm of the day than to anomaly.
The centerpiece of the Nazi look is of course the Hakenkreutz (crooked cross), better known as the swastika. In truth, this now notorious emblem originated as a religious symbol in numerous cultures from the East, perhaps originally in Hinduism, and was only adopted by the Nazi party in comparatively recent history. However, like a number of other symbols, actions, and ideas to be adopted as their own by National Socialism, the swastika in the early twenty-first century is for most people in the West difficult if not impossible to view outside the context of racial hatred and murderous anti-Semitism. At first merely the symbol of the Nazi political party, it was quickly adapted to be the national symbol of Hitler’s Germany, replacing the flag and featuring prominently on currency, postage, and other important aspects of society, perhaps most notably dress.
A Schutzstaffel (SS) officer of the rank of untersturmfuehrer, or junior assault leader, as indicated by his collar badge. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The mutterkreuz, the mother’s cross, was worn by those who dutifully and ideologically supplied Germany with “aryan” offspring. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Countless other pins, medals, and much more were awarded at different times for different reasons within the twelve years of the Third Reich, as well as prior to and during the rise of the Nazis as a political entity. In many ways, the complex hierarchies and ideologies of the Third Reich are embodied in the uniforms they wore, and the accoutrements that adorned them. In the early twenty-first century, such items intrigue collectors the world over, and can be found on display in museums worldwide.
The uniforms of the Schutzstaffel (SS) were ominous and distinct. Note the totenkopf, the skull and crossbones, centered on the hat. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Having begun as a small organization, the SS quickly ballooned, taking over the Sicherheitsdienst or SD (Security Service), the Geheime Staatspolizei (Gestapo or secret state police), and many other police units, both specialized and general. Further, the SS was accountable not to civilian courts, but only to its own court system, in essence placing it above the law. The SS also had its own powerful military arm, the Waffen SS (Weapon SS), and the SS Totenkopfverbande (SS-TV or Death’s Head Units) were also singularly responsible for running the infamous system of concentration camps, including labor camps, internment camps, and death camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka, Sobibor, and others. Perhaps for this reason more than any other it is the organization most closely associated with the Holocaust.
In addition to uniquely dark-colored uniforms, the SS was famous for other distinctions in appearance, both subtle and otherwise. Most notable may be what is often referred to as the “runic” insignia—a pair of the letter “S” that appears as lightning bolts. This appeared on helmets, pins, patches, and others aspects of dress worn by SS membership.
The infamous Totenkopf or death’s head, the skull and crossbones that appeared primarily on hats, but also on rings and occasionally other items, was first implemented a few hundred years ago by Frederick the Great, and had been in use in Germany between his rule and that of Adolf Hitler. However, like so many other things, the death’s head emblem was adopted for use by the Nazis and has since ceased to be associated by laymen with other aspects of German history.
Another quite telling aspect of SS dress comes in their unique belt buckles. While the German army or Wehrmacht, an entity that contained some Nazi party members but certainly not a high percentage, wore a belt buckle emblazoned with a traditional slogan: Gott mit uns (God with us), the exclusively Nazi SS who had pledged their allegiance neither to God nor to Germany but to Hitler himself wore a belt buckle that bore the message Meine ehre heisst treue (My honor is loyalty). In this way, the SS again distinguished themselves visually, their dress becoming the perfect complement to their collective persona.
Adolf Hitler (right) dons the simple brown uniform, complete with Nazi armband, which he was most commonly seen in. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of SS appearance was borne by the Waffen SS, and was known as a Blutgruppentatowierung, or blood group tattoo. Generally applied some 8 in. (20 cm) above the elbow, the tattoo indicated the bearer’s blood type. Though these tattoos were not applied to all SS members—and while there are some documented instances in which non-SS had the blood group tattoo applied in SS hospitals—the tattoo was nevertheless utilized at the end of the war by Russian and Allied forces as a means of identifying members of the SS and, in many instances, led to arrest and later prosecution.
From dark colors to the skull and crossbones, Himmler’s protection unit and all of its many distinct entities did nothing to shy away from an almost mafia-like appearance. The sheer brutality of their actions and their willingness to look the part bolstered and supported the reputation of the SS in Nazi Germany. Though the organization ceased to exist in any serious capacity with the fall of the Third Reich, its horrible reputation remains well known to this day.
The Bund Deutscher Mädel, the League of German Girls, was the female counterpart of the Hitler Youth. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The Hitler Youth is commonly used as a blanket term, but can effectively be broken down into four separate entities. For the youngest, aged ten to fourteen, there was the Deutches Jungvolk (DJ, or German Youth). This was an exclusively male entity, with a female equivalent known and the Jung Maedel (JM, or Young Girls). After that, the boys graduated to the Hitler-Jugend (HJ, or Hitler Youth), and the girls to the Bund Deutscher Maedel (BDM, or League of German Girls). Both the Hitler-Jugend and the Bund Deutscher Maedel consisted of members aged fourteen to eighteen.
Each of these groups had a variety of uniforms, varying from summer uniforms to winter uniforms, special uniforms for leaders, and even a wide array of sports uniforms. Sports uniforms were quite diverse, and included specific ski jackets and even swim caps bearing the symbol of the larger entity, the HJ, a black swastika emblazoned within a diamond, checkered in red and white. A common accessory of most uniforms was the neckerchief. Winter uniforms were naturally heavier and included overcoats, while summer uniforms were, of course, lighter.
The standard uniforms of the DJ were simple and bore a striking resemblance to that of other Nazi entities, perhaps most closely that of the Hitler Youth and SA. Black shorts or pants, tan shirts, and a neckerchief were the standard. On the sleeve of a shirt would be a patch denoting the symbol of the DJ, a white “Sieg” or single lightning bolt “S” with a black background.
The uniform of the HJ was similarly tailored to look like that of a soldier, and more specifically that of a Nazi, complete with the brown shirt and pants, the cap, and, of course, the Hakenkreutz. Membership in the Hitler Youth expanded rapidly from their conception through the rise of Nazism. Founded in 1923, they originally boasted around a thousand members, all based in and around Munich. Ten years later, when Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, membership had grown to nearly 2.3 million all around the Reich. By 1940, the organization would boast some eight million members. Over the course of the twelve-year rule of the Third Reich, this organization turned out zealots at an alarming pace, many of whom were destined for service in the SS or other Nazi organizations.
One of the less subtle aspects of the uniform was that members of the HJ were allowed to carry a dagger with the Nazi swastika emblazoned across the handle, a symbolic weapon more than a practical one, not unlike that worn by members of other Nazi paramilitary organizations, including the SA, which the HJ emulated from their conception. This was the weapon coveted by young Peter Feigl. These weapons were either awarded to, or purchased by, their owners. In fact, a key purpose of the HJ was to raise young men into soldiers, though this practice was not wholly limited to Nazi organizations like the Hitler Youth. According to Dr. Will Meineke of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, during the rise of the Third Reich, the amount of time dedicated to physical education in public school systems expanded greatly from the time Hitler came to power to the German invasion of Poland, often at the expense of foreign languages and other studies. In hindsight, it only makes sense that the future warriors of the German military forces would be raised from youth in the uniform of a soldier.
The uniforms of the BDM, like their mission, varied greatly from that of the HJ. Young women wore dresses, most often navy, along with a white blouse, and were instructed primarily on the importance and virtues of perpetuating the German race and their perceived role in the future of German society. In all, these organizations served to indoctrinate young people into the Nazi way of thinking, familiarizing them with ideology and teaching them of their own superiority as a race. In the early twenty-first century, the Germans remain invested in their youth and teach at length about World War II and the Holocaust, though as a means of learning from a horrible past and not in glorification of their crimes.
www.BDMhistory.comMark Gudgel
Date of Publication: October 2012
Author: Mark Gudgel
The history of World War II often overshadows that of almost any other period in time. It is one of the best-documented occurrences in the history of the world, features prominently in both American and world history courses, and also appears frequently in classes in English, philosophy, psychology, and other areas of study. Why World War II has commanded the attention of so many for so long undoubtedly has much to do with the fact that the Holocaust, the mass murder of nearly six million Jewish people and millions upon millions more “other victims” including gypsies, homosexuals, Poles, Slavs, political dissidents, disabled persons, blacks, and others at the hands of the Nazi regime and their collaborators, took place simultaneous to the rise and fall of the Third Reich, and under the guise of World War II.
Yet there may perhaps be another, slightly more superficial reason for the prominence of World War II in academia, literature, film, and virtually every other sphere of our culture in the early twenty-first century. What sets World War II and, more specifically, the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National Socialist German Workers’ Party or NSDAP)—the Nazi party—apart from others is undoubtedly, for better or worse, the near-perfect embodiment of the storybook villain that can be seen in the rise and fall of Hitler’s Germany. This concept is so prevalent in our society even to this day that political pundits, politicians, talk show hosts, and others are often quick to invoke the name of Hitler and the Nazis, the ultimate villains, in an attempt to discredit their opponents. Yet to the casual observer, moviegoer, or everyday student (as opposed to historian) what sets Hitler, his high command, and even the entire Nazi organization apart from other criminals has less to do with culture, dispensation, or deep-seated historical understandings than it does with mere chic; that is to say, the Nazis look like villains and this fascinates us and draws us to examine and study them, even in the twenty-first century. Their stark colors, unique appearance, prominent symbolism, and overall presentation was in some ways the perfect complement to their crimes; it is convenient when the “bad guys” adorn themselves with a skull and crossbones.
The Nazi party was founded shortly after World War I, punctuated for Germany by the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in France. Thus, the party itself existed for only a short matter of around twenty-five years. Hitler’s proclaimed “Thousand-Year Reich” lasted only twelve, from 1933 (when he was appointed Chancellor) to 1945 (when Russian and Allied forces ended the fighting in the European theater of war). Thus, the evolution of Nazi uniform and symbolism was necessarily quite brief. They drew on previous elements of German uniforms, utilizing the Iron Cross, the Totenkopf (skull and crossbones), oak branches, and other traditional German symbols. The Sturmabteilung (SA) or “Brownshirts” were the first uniformed branch of the Nazi party. Dr. Robert Ley, a chief of staff within the Nazi party organization, was primarily responsible for uniform design, as well as for the rank system that featured prominently on the lapels. Under the guidance and supervision of Dr. Ley, Nazi party uniforms in many ways embodied the fashion trends of the time. Baggy trousers were tucked into tall boots, and a double-breasted jacket was often worn by party officials and soldiers alike. The Waffenfrock (military tunic) had no lapels, but instead a high, buttoned collar upon which rank insignia was displayed. The left sleeve of any uniform could be counted on to bear an armband in red, featuring a swastika, a miniature version of Germany’s adopted flag under Nazism. Some variation of cap, largely dependent upon rank and, in many instances, a necktie would complete most uniforms of the era. Most of the functionaries of the Nazi party proudly sported such uniforms, which indicated their rank and position in the party. Dress and formal uniforms grew increasingly more elaborate the higher the wearer climbed in rank and order. Hitler himself most often was photographed in a rather plain and unimpressive uniform that did little to accentuate his status as the unchallenged Führer, or leader, of the Third Reich. Unlike his predecessor, President Paul von Hindenburg, who was often photographed in full military regalia, Hitler’s infamous voice and the speeches he made were generally much louder than anything he wore.
In 2011, Hugo Boss, an internationally renowned clothing designer and manufacturer named for founder Hugo Ferdinand Boss, commissioned a book dedicated to the firm’s role as manufacturers of uniforms for the Third Reich. The company does not deny its role in outfitting the Nazis, and it is important to realize that Hugo Boss was but one of many hundreds of clothiers manufacturing uniforms that were utilized by the Nazis. More scurrilous than the mere manufacture of uniforms, however, may be the company’s knowing and willful exploitation of prisoners of war as slave labor for the purpose of the aforementioned manufacturing duties. It is estimated that Hugo Boss himself oversaw nearly two hundred workers. However, though this is undeniably a blemish on the legacy of a German company, it is anything but unique. Many German companies benefited from Nazi practices and laws, especially after the outbreak of war on 1 September 1939, and it would be inaccurate to suggest that Hugo Boss, or any other designer or clothing manufacturer in Germany for that matter, was more guilty of exploiting slave labor and benefiting from unjust Nazi policies than were chemical companies, automobile manufacturers, or any number of other assorted businesses of the time. In addition, it is well known that many foreign companies, notably America’s IBM, had close business relations with the Nazi party. In short, while Hugo Boss’s work with the Nazis is admittedly regrettable, it places them closer to the norm of the day than to anomaly.
The centerpiece of the Nazi look is of course the Hakenkreutz (crooked cross), better known as the swastika. In truth, this now notorious emblem originated as a religious symbol in numerous cultures from the East, perhaps originally in Hinduism, and was only adopted by the Nazi party in comparatively recent history. However, like a number of other symbols, actions, and ideas to be adopted as their own by National Socialism, the swastika in the early twenty-first century is for most people in the West difficult if not impossible to view outside the context of racial hatred and murderous anti-Semitism. At first merely the symbol of the Nazi political party, it was quickly adapted to be the national symbol of Hitler’s Germany, replacing the flag and featuring prominently on currency, postage, and other important aspects of society, perhaps most notably dress.
A Schutzstaffel (SS) officer of the rank of untersturmfuehrer, or junior assault leader, as indicated by his collar badge. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The mutterkreuz, the mother’s cross, was worn by those who dutifully and ideologically supplied Germany with “aryan” offspring. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Countless other pins, medals, and much more were awarded at different times for different reasons within the twelve years of the Third Reich, as well as prior to and during the rise of the Nazis as a political entity. In many ways, the complex hierarchies and ideologies of the Third Reich are embodied in the uniforms they wore, and the accoutrements that adorned them. In the early twenty-first century, such items intrigue collectors the world over, and can be found on display in museums worldwide.
The uniforms of the Schutzstaffel (SS) were ominous and distinct. Note the totenkopf, the skull and crossbones, centered on the hat. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Having begun as a small organization, the SS quickly ballooned, taking over the Sicherheitsdienst or SD (Security Service), the Geheime Staatspolizei (Gestapo or secret state police), and many other police units, both specialized and general. Further, the SS was accountable not to civilian courts, but only to its own court system, in essence placing it above the law. The SS also had its own powerful military arm, the Waffen SS (Weapon SS), and the SS Totenkopfverbande (SS-TV or Death’s Head Units) were also singularly responsible for running the infamous system of concentration camps, including labor camps, internment camps, and death camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, Treblinka, Sobibor, and others. Perhaps for this reason more than any other it is the organization most closely associated with the Holocaust.
In addition to uniquely dark-colored uniforms, the SS was famous for other distinctions in appearance, both subtle and otherwise. Most notable may be what is often referred to as the “runic” insignia—a pair of the letter “S” that appears as lightning bolts. This appeared on helmets, pins, patches, and others aspects of dress worn by SS membership.
The infamous Totenkopf or death’s head, the skull and crossbones that appeared primarily on hats, but also on rings and occasionally other items, was first implemented a few hundred years ago by Frederick the Great, and had been in use in Germany between his rule and that of Adolf Hitler. However, like so many other things, the death’s head emblem was adopted for use by the Nazis and has since ceased to be associated by laymen with other aspects of German history.
Another quite telling aspect of SS dress comes in their unique belt buckles. While the German army or Wehrmacht, an entity that contained some Nazi party members but certainly not a high percentage, wore a belt buckle emblazoned with a traditional slogan: Gott mit uns (God with us), the exclusively Nazi SS who had pledged their allegiance neither to God nor to Germany but to Hitler himself wore a belt buckle that bore the message Meine ehre heisst treue (My honor is loyalty). In this way, the SS again distinguished themselves visually, their dress becoming the perfect complement to their collective persona.
Adolf Hitler (right) dons the simple brown uniform, complete with Nazi armband, which he was most commonly seen in. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of SS appearance was borne by the Waffen SS, and was known as a Blutgruppentatowierung, or blood group tattoo. Generally applied some 8 in. (20 cm) above the elbow, the tattoo indicated the bearer’s blood type. Though these tattoos were not applied to all SS members—and while there are some documented instances in which non-SS had the blood group tattoo applied in SS hospitals—the tattoo was nevertheless utilized at the end of the war by Russian and Allied forces as a means of identifying members of the SS and, in many instances, led to arrest and later prosecution.
From dark colors to the skull and crossbones, Himmler’s protection unit and all of its many distinct entities did nothing to shy away from an almost mafia-like appearance. The sheer brutality of their actions and their willingness to look the part bolstered and supported the reputation of the SS in Nazi Germany. Though the organization ceased to exist in any serious capacity with the fall of the Third Reich, its horrible reputation remains well known to this day.
The Bund Deutscher Mädel, the League of German Girls, was the female counterpart of the Hitler Youth. © United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The Hitler Youth is commonly used as a blanket term, but can effectively be broken down into four separate entities. For the youngest, aged ten to fourteen, there was the Deutches Jungvolk (DJ, or German Youth). This was an exclusively male entity, with a female equivalent known and the Jung Maedel (JM, or Young Girls). After that, the boys graduated to the Hitler-Jugend (HJ, or Hitler Youth), and the girls to the Bund Deutscher Maedel (BDM, or League of German Girls). Both the Hitler-Jugend and the Bund Deutscher Maedel consisted of members aged fourteen to eighteen.
Each of these groups had a variety of uniforms, varying from summer uniforms to winter uniforms, special uniforms for leaders, and even a wide array of sports uniforms. Sports uniforms were quite diverse, and included specific ski jackets and even swim caps bearing the symbol of the larger entity, the HJ, a black swastika emblazoned within a diamond, checkered in red and white. A common accessory of most uniforms was the neckerchief. Winter uniforms were naturally heavier and included overcoats, while summer uniforms were, of course, lighter.
The standard uniforms of the DJ were simple and bore a striking resemblance to that of other Nazi entities, perhaps most closely that of the Hitler Youth and SA. Black shorts or pants, tan shirts, and a neckerchief were the standard. On the sleeve of a shirt would be a patch denoting the symbol of the DJ, a white “Sieg” or single lightning bolt “S” with a black background.
The uniform of the HJ was similarly tailored to look like that of a soldier, and more specifically that of a Nazi, complete with the brown shirt and pants, the cap, and, of course, the Hakenkreutz. Membership in the Hitler Youth expanded rapidly from their conception through the rise of Nazism. Founded in 1923, they originally boasted around a thousand members, all based in and around Munich. Ten years later, when Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in 1933, membership had grown to nearly 2.3 million all around the Reich. By 1940, the organization would boast some eight million members. Over the course of the twelve-year rule of the Third Reich, this organization turned out zealots at an alarming pace, many of whom were destined for service in the SS or other Nazi organizations.
One of the less subtle aspects of the uniform was that members of the HJ were allowed to carry a dagger with the Nazi swastika emblazoned across the handle, a symbolic weapon more than a practical one, not unlike that worn by members of other Nazi paramilitary organizations, including the SA, which the HJ emulated from their conception. This was the weapon coveted by young Peter Feigl. These weapons were either awarded to, or purchased by, their owners. In fact, a key purpose of the HJ was to raise young men into soldiers, though this practice was not wholly limited to Nazi organizations like the Hitler Youth. According to Dr. Will Meineke of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, during the rise of the Third Reich, the amount of time dedicated to physical education in public school systems expanded greatly from the time Hitler came to power to the German invasion of Poland, often at the expense of foreign languages and other studies. In hindsight, it only makes sense that the future warriors of the German military forces would be raised from youth in the uniform of a soldier.
The uniforms of the BDM, like their mission, varied greatly from that of the HJ. Young women wore dresses, most often navy, along with a white blouse, and were instructed primarily on the importance and virtues of perpetuating the German race and their perceived role in the future of German society. In all, these organizations served to indoctrinate young people into the Nazi way of thinking, familiarizing them with ideology and teaching them of their own superiority as a race. In the early twenty-first century, the Germans remain invested in their youth and teach at length about World War II and the Holocaust, though as a means of learning from a horrible past and not in glorification of their crimes.
www.BDMhistory.comMark Gudgel
Date of Publication: October 2012
