Were They Anti-Nazi Resisters or Juvenile Delinquents?
The “Edelweiss Pirates” rebelled against life in Nazi Germany
Long before coming to power in Germany, the Nazis recognized the importance of indoctrination. Although its predecessor first met in May 1922, more than a decade before Adolf Hitler became German chancellor, the Nazis founded the Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) in 1926. The Nazis used the Hitler Youth to instill Nazi principles, regimentation, and discipline. Some rebelled, forming groups that would be known as “Edelweiss Pirates” (Edelweißpiraten). Debate remains on whether these were resistance organizations or gangs of disaffected teens.
After Hitler became chancellor in 1933, the Nazis took control of the education system. Soon, student instruction emphasized love for Hitler, obedience to state authority, militarism, and antisemitism. The Nazis reached into extracurricular activities too. It began dissolving youth organizations, and a December 1, 1936, law mandated membership in the Hitler Youth mandatory, making it the country’s only youth organization. The Hitler Youth had four divisions for 10- to -18-year-old boys and girls. By the beginning of 1939, there were more than 7.2 million members.
Initially, the Hitler Youth focused on outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, sports, and games. It…
