updated outline

Marilee Akland

Thesis Outline/Proposal

1. Hypothesis/Introduction
   A comparison of the Nuremberg Rally of 1934 and the Nuremberg Rally of 1935 offer a clear vision of the evolution of Nazi ideology, particularly in its official and unofficial stances toward Christianity. Whereas the 1934 Rally was preoccupied with religious symbolism, the 1935 Rally was preoccupied by preparation for war. Underlying both Rallies were themes of both religion and race, which provided ideological justification for war.

2. Hitler and the Church

A. Christianity in Germany in the late nineteenth/early twentieth centuries

B. Christianity in the Nazi Party

1. anticonfessionalism with Protestant bias as the framework through which to understand Party policy in regard to the Churches

2. Rosenberg as ideological/religious representation of the Party?

3. Goebbels & Hitler – Catholicism vs. Protestantism within the party leadership

C. Protestantism in Nazi Germany

1. Positive Christianity – complex relationship between German Christian movement and Nazi leadership. To what extent can the German Christians and the Nazi Party be considered working toward the same goals?

a. German Christian views of National Socialism

b. Party views of German Christians

2. The Confessing Church

D. Catholicism in Nazi Germany
E. Christian themes in the planning, implementation, and representation of Nuremberg Rallies of '34 and '35.

1. Catholic/Protestant tension at the rallies - did one win out over the other in terms of symbolism?

2. German Christians at the Rallies (???)

3. The Cult of Hitler
   A. In this section I would like to explore the obvious attempt on the part of Hitler to emulate a messianic figure. Was this exploitation of the religious? An attempt to replace religion? Is it possible that Hitler had Christian sensibilities in his approach to leading Germany?
   B. Response of masses to Hitler (as exemplified at the Rallies). This section will also include more general theory on the subject of mass enthusiasm.

4. Symbolism at the Rallies
   A. Leni Riefenstahl's representation vs. reality

B. Swastika

C. Religious symbolism – emphasis at '34 Rally.

1. German Christians at the Rally

D. War symbolism – emphasis at '35 Rally.

1. link between religion and war – German Christianity as “manly”

2. more clear departure from traditional Christianity?

5. Conclusion