Watch Hitler Youth

Hitler Youth is a documentary series produced by National Geographic Channel in 2017 that dives into the subject of the indoctrination and training of young Germans under the Nazi regime. Across three hour-long episodes, the show explores how the Hitler Youth movement was used to create a new generation of loyal Nazi soldiers, preparing them to fight for their country and their Führer.

The series is led by historian and youth education expert Dr. David Kehoe, who uncovers the inner workings of the Hitler Youth movement, including the methods of indoctrination used on children as young as six years old. Combining contemporary interviews with historians, experts, and former Hitler Youth members, with archival footage and reenactments, the show offers a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and political tactics used by the Nazi party to shape the minds of young people.

Episode One, titled "Indoctrination," explores the roots of the Hitler Youth movement, tracing its origins to the early years of the Nazi party and the establishment of the Hitlerjugend, a youth wing dedicated to disseminating Nazi ideology. The episode examines how the Nazi party created a youth culture focused on self-discipline, militarism, and National Socialism, using propaganda films, books, and speeches to create a sense of unity and purpose among young Germans.

In Episode Two, "Militarization," the series delves into how the Hitler Youth movement was transformed into a militaristic organization dedicated to preparing young Germans for war. The episode follows the recruitment and training process, shedding light on how children were taught skills crucial to fighting on the battlefield, such as marksmanship, marching, and hand-to-hand combat. It also highlights how the Nazi party used this militarization process to create a sense of comradeship and to strengthen the bond between young Germans and the Nazi regime.

The final episode, "Total War," focuses on how the Hitler Youth movement was instrumental in the Nazi regime's push towards total war. The show examines how the indoctrination and militarization of young Germans, combined with their willingness to sacrifice themselves for their country, became a crucial part of the Nazi war machine. The episode also explores the aftermath of the war, revealing how many former Hitler Youth members struggled to come to terms with their past and integrate back into society.

Overall, Hitler Youth is a thought-provoking documentary series that offers a detailed and nuanced exploration of one of the most notorious youth movements in history. By combining archival footage with expert analysis and contemporary interviews, the show invites viewers to question how young people can be shaped by political ideologies and propaganda, and the role that education and indoctrination play in shaping society as a whole.

Hitler Youth is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between April 17, 2018 and on National Geographic Channel