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Loading... Through Innocent Eyes: The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youthby Cynthia A Sandor
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 “It is unconditionally understood that this book “THROUGH INNOCENT EYES: The Chosen Girls of The Hitler Youth,” will be the foundation of countless WWII era research studies, articles, publications and discussions worldwide. History professors and students alike will benefit from the personal photos, letters and information this publication has to offer. For decades, Western culture was only aware of The Anne Frank Diary - now there is another diary for mankind to consider.”
The National Socialistic upbringing in the League of German Girls uses paramilitary like disciplinary measures to build their loyalty and moral character. Coupled with neo-pagan rituals, songs, and folklore, "Through Innocent Eyes" captures the self-actualization of ten-year-old Gertrude as she progresses from childhood and living in poverty to adolescence and becoming "one" with her country. By age fourteen, Gertrude is chosen for Country Service Camp, called "Landjahr." Here, she will receive the very best rural education, for the Reich only wants the healthiest and strongest girls. In 1941, there are twenty-six thousand girls in Landjahr, and Gertrude Kerschner is one of them. "This is the most authentic book I have read about the girls in the Hitler Youth. You capture the essence in detail." Irmgard M. Nagengast "To be alive today and see a book written about our time in Landjahr Lager Seidorf brings back wonderful memories." Eleanor (Nelly) Mohler Landjahr Madel "What a beautiful tribute to your mother. I will always remember our time together in Landjahr as if it were yesterday." Steffi Pucks Landjahr Madel "Your book gives an intimate accounting of the Hitler Youth girls as seen through a child's eyes. This book takes me right back in time." Ellie Musial Landjahr Madel" No library descriptions found. |
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 Google Books — Loading...GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)943.086History and Geography Europe Germany and central Europe Historical periods of Germany Germany 1866- Third Reich 1933-1945LC ClassificationRatingAverage: (4.5)
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Wikipedia in English
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For the past two years, the book publishing industry has issued numerous novels about World War II subjects. This would be my first narrative about the training of Hitler Youth, in particular the Bund Deutscher Madel (BDM), the League of German Girls.
The German Youth Movement started in 1896 as a cultural and educational movement and by the 1930’s; nine hundred local groups in Germany were given the formal title of the Bund Deutscher Madel (BDM), the League of German Girls in the Hitler Youth.
When the author’s mother was dying from cancer, she found her mother’s handwritten diary and began this story about training her mother received in Austria beginning in 1938 when she was an impoverished 10 year old girl.
It was mandatory that Gertrude join The Young Girls’ League where she faced paramilitary like disciplinary measures and uniforms to develop her loyalty, character, and dedication; all in the effort to becoming a future pure blood German mother and carry on the noble German Race.
By athletic competition, vocalizing, hiking, working on farms, performing parade marches, and neo-pagan rituals, these young girls learn to follow orders and want to be outstanding citizens. Gertrude moves through the various groups and by 1941 is chosen to participate in Landjahr Lager in Seidorf, Niederschlesien, Germany.
After Landjahr, Gertrude returned home to discover her two older brothers were serving at the Russian front and her younger brother was in Hitler Youth. Together with her sister and a friend, she travels to Mariazell, Austria to work as a waitress. But when the Russians attack, they flee under the hail of bullets and get to the American Zone in Linz, Austria.
The novel does have a happy ending so you will have to read the book to learn how Gertrude gets to America.
I feel this book was thoroughly researched and detailed so many aspects of the indoctrination of these young girls. It is frightening how a whole generation of girls and boys were lead into following Hitler’s dreams. Read the book and learn about one of “The Chosen Girls of the Hitler Youth”. (