Behind the enemy powers: the Jew

Propaganda was one of the most important instruments that the Nazis utilized to mold the ideas and attitudes of the German people. Nazi propaganda frequently depicted Jews as part of a plot to start a war. In this image, a stereotypical Jew plots behind the scenes to control the Allied powers, which are symbolized by the British, American, and Soviet flags. According to the caption, "Behind the enemy powers: the Jew." Circa 1942. Germans were reminded of their country's fight against foreign foes and Jewish subversion. During periods of administrative action against Jews, propaganda operations fostered a culture permissive of violence against Jews, notably between 1935 and 1938. In addition, propaganda presented the Nazi regime as intervening to "restore order," which in turn fostered apathy and acceptance of the planned actions against the Jewish people.