The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend or HJ), named after the leader of the German Nazi Party Adolf Hitler (1889-1945), was designed to indoctrinate 14-18 year-old boys into the party's way of thinking. Its activities promoted physical exercise, team-building, and Nazi ideology. During the Second World War (1939-45), HJ members operated anti-aircraft guns and fought in the defence of Berlin.
More about: Hitler YouthDefinition
Timeline
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1922Foundation of the Hitler Youth.
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1931 - 1940Baldur von Schirach leads the Hitler Youth.
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1933The Hitler Youth is made an official state organisation.
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1935Hitler Youth members must demonstrate they have no Jewish ancestry.
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1936The German state bans all non-Nazi youth organisations.
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Apr 1940Membership of the Hitler Youth is made compulsory.
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Aug 1940Artur Axmann is appointed the new leader of the Hitler Youth.
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1943The Hitlerjugend Division, composed of Hitler Youth members, becomes part of the Waffen-SS.
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1943Hitler Youth members are used to operate anti-aircraft guns in the defence of Germany.
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1945Hitler Youth members fight in the defence of Berlin.