The Hitler Youth (German: Hitlerjugend [ˈhɪtlɐˌjuːɡn̩t] (listen), often abbreviated as HJ, [haːˈjɔt] (listen)) was the youth organisation of the Nazi Party in Germany. Its origins date back to 1922 and it received the name Hitler-Jugend, Bund deutscher Arbeiterjugend ("Hitler Youth, League of German Worker Youth") in July 1926. From 1936 until 1945, it was the sole official boys' youth organisation in Germany and it was partially a paramilitary organisation. It was composed of the Hitler Youth proper for male youths aged 14 to 18, and the German Youngsters in the Hitler Youth (Deutsches Jungvolk in der Hitler Jugend or "DJ", also "DJV") for younger boys aged 10 to 14.
With the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945, the organisation de facto ceased to exist. On 10 October 1945, the Hitler Youth and its subordinate units were outlawed by the Allied Control Council along with other Nazi Party organisations. Under Section 86 of the Criminal Code of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Hitler Youth is an "unconstitutional organisation" and the distribution or public use of its symbols, except for educational or research purposes, is illegal.
HJ Members Were Thought To Ensure The Future Of Nazi Germany
Certain Corps Were Maintained To Develop Future Officers Of The Wehrmacht Armed Forces
They Were Indoctrinated In Nazi Ideology, Including Racism
Partially Paramilitary, It Was Germany's Sole Official Youth Organization
Members Were Motivated To Fight Faithfully For Nazi Germany
In 1940, The HJ Began To Perform War Duties
By 1945, The Volkssturm Militia Was Regularly Drafting 12-Year-Olds Into Its Ranks
When The Nazis Came To Power In 1933, Membership Reached 2.3 Million Members
By 1930, The Organization Enlisted Over 25,000 Boys
They Were Organized Into Corps Under Adult Leadership
The Hitler Youth Found Camaraderie And Brotherhood In A Common Cause
The Hitlerjugend (Hitler Youth) Was The Youth Organization Of The Nazi Party
HJ Members Were Trained In Weapons, Assault, And Basic Tactics
It Emphasized Physical Fitness Over Academic Study
Known As The HJ, The Hitlerjugend Was Made Up Of Male Youths Aged 14 To 18
A Junior Branch (Deutches Jungvolk Or DJ) Admitted Boys As Young As 10
Over Time, Focus Shifted To Military Training
Young Boys Around Germany Were Valued As Members Of The Reich
The HJ Became A Source Of Manpower In The Wake Of Military Losses
Early Activities Included Camping And Hiking
Regional Leaders Held Rallies And Field Exercises For Surrounding Communities
#Germany
#Hitlerjugend
#Nazi
