The Complexity of Forbidden Books: Nazis' Censorship in Germany and the USA

Social and cultural censorship played a significant role during the reign of the Nazi regime. This article delves into the details of the books that were burned and banned by the Nazis in Germany, as well as those that faced similar fates in the United States. Additionally, it explores the complexity of the Nazi censorship system and its impact on literature and art.

Books Burned in Germany

On May 10, 1933, the infamous book burning took place in Germany. The burning of twelve titles by the Nazis was more than just a display of power; it was a strategic move to suppress and control the narrative. The books that were burned included:

The burning of these books was not just a burning of culture; it was an attempt to reshape the national identity and suppress opposing views.

Books Banned in the USA

Interestingly, some of the books that faced similar fates in the United States were on the list of banned books. These included:

The American literary censorship landscape was influenced by public outcry and legal challenges rather than government decree, leading to some interesting overlaps with the German censorship models.

Complicated Nazi Censorship System

The book burning in 1933 was more than an unofficial act; it was part of a larger, more complex system of control. The Nazis initially shocked the world with this act, but they also attempted to operate within a more formal system of censorship. This system was marked by overlapping and conflicting authority between different agencies of the Nazi government.

Joachim von Ribbentrop's role - The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joachim von Ribbentrop, was in charge of overseeing censorship. His role was to ensure that the actions of the Nazi Party align with international relations and public opinion.

Reich Minister of Propaganda: Joseph Goebbels - Goebbels wanted complete control over censorship but Hitler refused to give that much power to one man. Therefore, the censorship system became tumultuous and confusing, with various agencies vying for control.

Hierarchies and priorities - Hitler’s priorities often shifted, and literature censorship was not always at the top of his agenda. This created a system where publishers faced a dual challenge: complying with censorship laws and navigating the often conflicting directives from different branches of the Nazi Party.

Impact on the Publishing Industry

The publishing industry in Germany faced significant challenges during this period. While some books were banned outright, others were subject to excessive caution and self-censorship. Publishers resorted to self-censorship, ensuring that their works did not deviate from the expected norms.

The Nazi Party released a list of specific guidelines for different types of books. Scientific works, for instance, were not banned even if they were authored by Jews. However, the lack of clear and consistent rules made it extremely difficult to navigate the censorship landscape. The only part that worked relatively efficiently was the vetting of works about the Nazi Party and Nazi ideology, which were controlled by a capable and efficient agency.

Conclusion

The complexity of the Nazi censorship system is often overshadowed by the dramatic and symbolic act of the book burning. However, it was a multi-layered process that involved overlapping authorities, conflicting directives, and a patchwork of rules that were difficult to enforce. The censorship system had a profound impact on literature and art, shaping the narrative and suppressing opposing views. Understanding this history is crucial for comprehending the full extent of the Nazi regime's control over culture and information.