| − | Members of the Hitler Youth were taught the official Nazi far left, racist and anti-Semitic doctrines. Prior to 1935 the Hitler Youth focused on outdoor activities, such as, camping and sports. With the re-introduction of military conscription in 1935, the training and events changed to mainly focus on military training. The future most encouraged was service in the [[Wehrmacht]], the German Army. Thus most Hitler Youth activities were based on working as a team, fitness and strength, instead of intelligence. Younger boys in the Hitler Youth were occasionally physically abused by older boys; this was unofficially tolerated by the adult leaders who felt it toughened the mettle of the boys.<ref>McNab, Chris, (2009)</ref> | + | Members of the Hitler Youth were taught the official Nazi far left, racist and anti-Semitic doctrines. Prior to 1935 the Hitler Youth focused on outdoor activities, such as, camping and sports. With the re-introduction of military conscription in 1935, the training and events changed to mainly focus on military training. The future most encouraged was service in the German armed forces (''[[Wehrmacht]]''); especially the German Army (''Heer''). Thus most Hitler Youth activities were based on working as a team, fitness and strength, instead of intelligence. Younger boys in the Hitler Youth were occasionally physically abused by older boys; this was unofficially tolerated by the adult leaders who felt it toughened the mettle of the boys.<ref>McNab, Chris, (2009)</ref> |
| − | In 1936, membership in the Hitler Youth became compulsory for boys aged 10 to 18. In August 1940, Artur Axmann replaced Baldur von Schirach as ''Reichsjugendführer'' (National youth leader). Axman held that position until the end of the war. In March 1942, boys 16 to 18 had to undergo a three-week training course prior to their military conscription. By the end of the war Hitler Youth members were being used as soldiers; compelled to act as front line troops and stretcher bearers.<ref>McNab, Chris, (2009)</ref> | + | In 1936, membership in the Hitler Youth became compulsory for boys aged 10 to 18. In August 1940, Artur Axmann replaced Baldur von Schirach as National youth leader (''Reichsjugendführer''). Axman held that position until the end of the war. In March 1942, boys 16 to 18 had to undergo a three-week training course prior to their military conscription. By the end of the war Hitler Youth members were being used as soldiers; compelled to act as front line troops and stretcher bearers.<ref>McNab, Chris, (2009)</ref> |