Attraction and Power of (Self-) Mobilization: National Socialism in Germany and Europe, 1930s until 1945

Interpretations of the range and the dynamics of National Socialism have increasingly focussed on historical actors outside the ‘heights of command’. While analyses of socio-economic, political and/or ideological institutions and structures mapped a ‘polycratic’ figuration of rule (Martin Broszat) these more recent investigations explore forms of active cooperation and support of the ‘many’. It is central for understanding both the productive and the destructive drives of the Nazi-regime to explore those practices (and their sites) that stimulated the dynamics which people on all echelons developed and brought to bear to advance the ‘grand cause’. What were the means and forms action that brought forward such (self-) energizing impetus? Here, the issue shall be ‘work’ in both its symbolical representations and actual practices. State and party officials paid hommage to ‘German labor’ from the very beginning of Nazi rule. Perhaps more importantly, modern media as film and illustrated news (and their photography) boosted the prowess of ‘German labor’ for manufacturing seemingly unmatched ‘quality products’. Such lines and related icons resonated with longstanding claims of working people in industry but also in agricultural, clerical or service jobs. However, they had never been recognized by the socialist or, for that matter, christian labor movements prior to 1933. Now, saving waste could be as important for the ‘new Germany’ as putting in yet another night shift or sharing a device for changing tools with mates. Not merely cooperation with but active support for Nazism emerged – pursued if not intensified during WWII. When drafted or volunteering for the military many turned their energies to soldiering and tried to fulfil their respective tasks as efficiently and properly as possible. In their opinion most of them still performed ‘quality work’ if on or behind the killing fields.