The National Community and the Festival

Cheering visitors, closely packed, saluting Hitler, (Hitlergruß) undated (probably 1935).

Hanover Historical Museum, Photo Archives, Photographer: Hans Pusen

In his speech at the Bückeberg, Hitler spoke of “powerful educational work”, which National Socialism had to perform on the German Nation. Using the rituals of the festival, the masses were formed and disciplined according to the NS values; NS-compliant behaviour was rehearsed. The goal was the shaping of a person who was characterised by obedience, heroism and willingness to make sacrifices.

The mass festival should contribute towards the forming of such a Volksgemeinschaft (national community).

Important factors were

• The communal journey there

Many used the specially chartered trains, which the Bückeberg travellers had to decorate themselves. Many hiked there in groups, taking several days to reach the Bückeberg.

• The Aufmarsch (parade) of hundreds of thousands in powerful Marschsäulen (marching columns of people) which should communicate the force and unity of the Bewegung (movement).

“The German Nation is coming near to finally finding their lifestyle. It is the style of a marching column”. (Alfred Rosenberg, 1935, in Ders., Gestaltung der Idee, Munich 1936, Page 303).

Collective singing, with the military orchestra and mass choir consisting of thousands of participants, including the musical directors, undated (probably 1935).

Hanover Historical Museum, Photo Archives, Photographer: Hans Pusen

• The joint waiting, singing and cheering.

• The sound of marching music to encourage the participants to become enthusiastic , rhythmic and in tune with the military .

• The sight of marching Kolonnen (columns) , who were walking up and down the Mittelweg (central pathway).

The emotional monopolisation of the participants was the agenda. They formed a Feiergemeinde (celebratory community). Also the initially more distanced spectators should become participants of a magnificent spectacle, and whose emotions were released at the end in collective cries of joy.