Yesterday I wrote a thread on how the Nazis co-opted academia and universities to ensure their hold over the German people. I was asked how they worked with schools to achieve the same ends. This was a much, much more important project. 1/ 
Before I really begin, it's important to realize that the Nazis knew that there would have to be a dedicated program of bringing all elements of society together under the regime - this was called 'gleichschaltung', which means 'co-ordination' or 'synchronizing'. 2/
As the first generation to inherit the new world that the Nazis envisioned, the regime knew that they had to be indoctrinated both at home *and* at school - a place away from the influence of family. /3
As with the universities, the Civil Service Law that was introduced in 1933 forbade Jews, and members of communist organizations from serving in teaching positions. Those who were already employed were dismissed, and replaced with those likely to swear loyalty oaths. /4
Textbooks, the norm in German schools at the time, were replaced from top to bottom - from basic readers to high school texts. Everything was rewritten to emphasis the regime's view of race, community and German history. /5
To give you a flavour of the agenda that Nazi school textbooks were pushing, here is an excerpt from a maths textbook that shows students how much 'hereditary defectives' cost over a period of time. /6
The curriculum was soon rewritten almost completely. Subjects like maths and science fell by the wayside. Subjects like history were emphazised. New subjects, addressing the (discredited) science of eugenics were introduced - students were taught to spot 'racial archetypes'. /7
With every child supposed to be a member of a youth organization such as the Hitler Youth (boys) and Union of German Girls (girls), students were encouraged to front up to school in their uniform - a process that sped up over time. 8/
Students were also compelled to begin classes with a Hitler salute and 'Heil Hitler'. At the start of the day, or again in certain classes, a song was sung. Repetition and shaming of those who didn't take part were a subtle, but effective means of indoctrination. /9
With almost every student a member of a youth organization too, they were encouraged to report any deviation from, or criticism of Nazi ideology from their teachers, to their leaders. There are accounts of teachers begging students not to report them over an idle joke. /10
Physical education took on a huge role in schools - kids were supposed to be 'as hard as Krupp steel'. Anybody showing particular strengths or grit - in particular, boys - were sent to special schools to learn leadership and martial skills. /11
After a time, girls had their own subjects, segregated from boys. These classes were designed to impart home skills - cooking, crafts, caring for family. There was a heavy emphasis on domesticity. /12
This focus on physical ability, and domestic skills for girls, all served the Nazis' stated goal - reclaiming 'lebensraum', or 'living space', via a steady stream of soldiers emerging from schools. At home would be women ready to produce the next generation to repopulate it. /13
The Nazi education system was so successful in indoctrinating children that it was producing young adults ready to die for the Reich as the Allies closed in on Berlin. Those who were educated in Nazi Germany still hold significantly more racist views. /14 dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ar…
This is just a skim of schools in Nazi Germany, but hopefully it gives you a flavour of what it entailed, and how 'getting them young' was so very successful in shaping the Nazi generation. There's a lot more to be said, and hopefully I can answer any questions you have! /FIN
