Alice Hamilton’s article, “The Youth Who Are Hitler’s Strength,” reinforces the compelling influence of youth activism in Germany, a theme that is exposed in both Hitlerjunge Quex and Kuhle Wampe. She finds that such activism is fueled by an inherent sentiment of discontent plaguing a post-war generation that began their lives in an environment characterized by economic instability and social stratification. Thus, Hamilton connects the Communist and Nazi movements to a desire for change that is shared amongst the German youth.
Hitlerjunge Quex effectively propagates the strength of the Nazi movement through its overtly idealized portrayal of the Hitler Youth as leaders within the fascist revolution. Heini initially struggles with the pressure and expectation of becoming a Communist, but ultimately joins the Hitler Youth – a testament to his belief in the stability and strength in the Nazis. The older generation of Communists in Hitlerjunge Quex is symbolic of complacency and the failure to make progress in personal and national welfare. Hamilton’s article interestingly refers to the dichotomy between the German youth and their elders through her account of German university students who demanded the discharge of ‘liberal’ professors and ‘intellectuals’ who failed to promote the progress of the Nazi movement.
This generational division is also evident in Kuhle Wampe, which comments on the discontent of the Communist working class by revealing the hostile economic climate in Germany. Anni’s parents lack the motivation to improve their own welfare because they are dependent on their children to provide for their family. In the culmination of the film, it becomes clear that the youth are the ones who are committed to change.
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