From: Golden Olive (Enrique.J.Perez@WILLIAMS.EDU)
Date: Sun Apr 25 1999 - 20:13:51 PDT
I am a sophomore at Williams College writing a research paper an giving an oral presentation about the HJ movement. I was hoping to solicit some comments regarding the Hitler Youth Movement--both HJ and BDM. Some of the first readings I completed left me interested in two things: 1) Exploring the generational conflict between children who joined the HJ (before it became compulsory, i.e. pre-'39) and their parents 2) How children felt about the consequences of having chosen the HJ over their parent's wishes I realize that not all children wanted to join, and that it became compulsory after several laws were passed. When I ask why children would join, I'm asking about the time period when there was no compulsory enrollment. I have not come up with a thesis to present in my paper/presentation, but I am leaning towards looking at the two prior points, along with answering some of these questions: -**What was the main attraction that the organization had?** -Why would children join? And if their parents were against it, which would the children choice? In cases where the HJ won out, why was the HJ chosen rather than parents? -Results and ramifications of those choices (joining HJ)? I have some thoughts of my own on this matter, but I won't spell them out yet because they may later influence answers. ANY information and thoughts would be extremely appreciated in the deepest sense. Thank you all very much for your time and attention. Take care, Ricky