I intend to discuss this topic in two separate parts, beginning with the history, origin and development of the Nazi flag, and then on its effect on the people of Germany, and its subsequent associations and stigmatization.
As a result of the atrocities committed during World War II, the Nazi Flag has become a universally recognised symbol of hate and oppression. However, its origin and history were the complete antithesis of the modern day perception of the Nazi Flag and its anti-Semitic associations. In his 1925 autobiography, Mein Kampf, Adolf Hitler wrote: “I myself, meanwhile, after innumerable attempts, had laid down a final form; a flag with a red background, a white disk, and a black swastika in the middle. After long trials I also found a definite proportion between the size of the flag and the size of the white disk, as well as the shape and thickness of the swastika.” Adolf Hitler created the flag in this specific way for a number of reasons, and he explained this as follows: ‘those revered colours expressive of our homage to the glorious past and which once brought so much honour to the German nation.’ This is referencing the colours of the old German Empire. He continues by saying: ‘‘As National Socialists, we see our program in our flag. In red, we see the social idea of
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The flag was used as a tool to induce fear amongst the general public. If one didn’t display the flag outside of their homes or establishments, it was seen as an act of defiance. *(Don’t know if that’s accurate?). It was used to make the people conform to Hitler’s ideologies. As the Star of David was used, during this time, to oppress, subdue and segregate those of Jewish backgrounds, the Nazi Flag was used to manipulate and govern those loyal to the Third Reich. A potent symbol intended to elicit pride among Aryans, the swastika also struck terror into Jews and others deemed enemies of Nazi