newman_d_c

=Evaluation of Sources (250-400 words) Tips]=

SOURCE 1- this is the picture of the Konigsplatz in Munich, where the two 'honor temples' at the end were built in 1935 as a memorial for the 16 nazis who died during the 1923 Beer Hall Putsch.- [] (picture link:[])

These two 'honor temples' were meant to commemorate the loss of the 16 nazis during the failed Munich Putsch by Adolf Hitler. These memorials are designed in such as way as to glorify the nazi strugglem and to represent their 'fallen comrades' as martyrs for the National Socialist cause. The buildings are designed to look like Greek temples, as emphasized by the Columns, the steps leading to an alter, their side-by-side nature and use of white stone, as well as the use of the two poles topped by Eagles (one of the symbols used by the Nazis as representing Germany) to link the glory of their deaths, with the glory of Germany as a whole. The use of greek designs in their architecture, rather than having a more traditional graveyard, was in the purpose of trying make a comparison between the ancient Greek Gods such as Athena and the Nazi soldiers. That's the purpose in designing the temples to look like the Athens Acropolis (dedicated to Athena, god of war). Hitler was very much a fan of the fascist belief in a 'cult of personality', so by comparing the Nazis to God-like figures, he was essentially saying that he was like Zeus- master of them all.

__SOURCE 2- Section of the book 'Adolf Hitler: Pictures from the life of the Fuhrer' titled 'The Buildings of the Fuhrer'- this section was written by Albert Speer, Architect. Unless otherwise mentioned, the quotes are from that part of the book-__ encomium, Hermann Göring; foreword, Joseph Goebbels; text, Joseph Goebbels.. [et al.]; translated from the 1936 edition, Carl Underhill Quinn; introd. and commentary, Julius Rosenthal (1978). //Adolf Hitler, pictures from the life of the Führer, 1931-1935//. New York: Peebles Press (ISBN: 0856900656).

//(pg. 72) "The Fuhrer created this movement and came to power through its strength; and to this day he determines its ultimate structure, right down// //to the finest details. Therefore, unlike leaders of earlier centuries, he cannot build as a benevolent sponsor, and to an even lesser degree as a// //patron of the arts; he must build as a National Socialist."// On one hand, this book has a lot of value in it if one is keen to learn more about Adolf Hitler and the many aspects of his regime. The book covers not just Architecture and art, but also his developments in roadwork, industry, the army, youth culture, his work in politics and even his travels around Germany. What gives this book even more value is the fact that all the chapters are testimonies written by high-ranking Nazis and those closest to Hitler, such as Dr. Joseph Goebbels, Baldur von Schirach, Dr. Otto Dietrich, General Wilhelm Bruckner, and other such famous personages. This gives the book value to modern historians who wish to study both Hitler, the high-ranking Nazis around him, or even the changes that were made to Germany after Hitler's taking contol of the country. //("Building is not a frivolous pastime for the Fuhrer. It is a serious matter in which even stone material is intended to **give distinct expression to the will of the National Socialist Movement**.")//

On the other hand however, there are certain limitations we as historians must bear in mind when reading this book and studying the photographs. First of all, we must remember that the purpose of this book was intendes as a piece of propaganda and was highly disseminated throughout Nazi Germany. This means that it's purpose was for the average person, and was intended to glorify Hitler and what he and the Nazis had done. It does not cover certain negative aspects about life in Nazi Germany, such as the cruel treatment of minorities (Jews, Gays, Jehovah's Witnesses, Gypsies...) or any of the other negative aspects of life in Germany. //((pg.64) "Art transports them [men,people] from the darkness and sluggishness of everyday life **to a better world.**"-**Dr. Joseph Goebbels**)//

Secondly, we must bear in mind that although this book was written by those who were closest to Hitler, doesn't mean they would necessarily tell the truth, or tell it in an impartial way. In fact, we can be sure that BECAUSE the book was written by those closest to Hitler, it will be a glorification of Hitler. All the pictures and facts and tales in the book will be designed to make Hitler seem powerful and benevolent, always looking forward, and defending Germany loyally against all the foreign and domestic aggressors, and will omit any undesireable facts and figures. It may have been written at the time, but as a subjective and biased historical source.