Introduction of the Volksempfänger Radio
August 18th, 1933
August 18th, 1933

How Long Ago?
91 years, 6 months, 25 days ago
Location
Berlin, Germany
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Joseph Goebbels
Links & References
Tags
Introduction of the Volksempfänger Radio
The Volksempfänger, a mass-produced radio, was presented to the German public at a radio exhibition in Berlin. Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Minister of Propaganda, delivered a speech emphasizing the significance of radio as a new medium of influence, referring to it as the ‘eighth great power’. The Volksempfänger was designed to be affordable and accessible, promoting Nazi propaganda to a wider audience.
The Volksempfänger aimed for mass accessibility.
Goebbels called radio the ‘eighth great power’.
The radio was pivotal for Nazi propaganda.
Designed to unite the German public under ideology.
What Happened?
In August 1933, the German public was introduced to the Volksempfänger, a radio receiver designed to reach the masses. This initiative emerged from the Nazi regime's realization of the potential of radio broadcasting as a powerful tool for communication and propaganda. The unveiling at a radio exhibition in Berlin was marked by an influential speech from Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, who heralded the medium's ability to unite the nation under a single narrative. Goebbels proclaimed that the radio would serve as a conduit for the government's messages, fostering a sense of community and shared ideology among Germans.
The Volksempfänger aimed to provide every household with a means to access state-sponsored news and entertainment. Priced affordably by the government, the radio was part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nazi messages were disseminated widely across the country, countering unfavorable reports from foreign media. The radio's simple design and ease of use facilitated its penetration into everyday life, marking it as an essential element of the Nazi propaganda machine.
Goebbels emphasized that radio was not merely a technological innovation but an instrument for shaping public opinion and sentiment. This public debut emphasized the Nazi regime’s commitment to controlling information, highlighting how media could sway emotions and perceptions on a national scale. With the launch of the Volksempfänger, the government sought to represent itself as the guardian of the German people, leveraging the medium to galvanize support and suppress dissent.
Why Does it Matter?
The introduction of the Volksempfänger marked a pivotal moment in media history and propaganda techniques. It demonstrated how authoritarian regimes could exploit communication technologies to manipulate public perception and enforce control. The widespread distribution of the Volksempfänger helped entrench the Nazis' political ideologies in the minds of the populace, laying the groundwork for the pervasive use of media in political contexts worldwide.
Discover More Historic Events from August 18th
Funeral for the Melting Okjökull Glacier
A group of one hundred activists, officials, and citizens gathered in Iceland to hold a symbolic funeral for the Okjökull glacier, which has completely melted. Once covering six square miles, the glacier was a significant part of Iceland's landscape. This event took place to raise awareness about climate change and its devastating impact on natural resources. Participants mourned the loss of the glacier, reflecting on the urgent need for action against environmental degradation.
Continue ReadingFinland's First Terrorist Attack Sentenced as Crime
A knife attack in Turku, Finland, resulted in the death of two individuals and left eight others injured. The perpetrator, Abderrahman Mechkah, was apprehended by police shortly after the attack occurred. The assault took place in a popular pedestrian area during the early evening, raising concerns about security in Finland. This incident marked a significant moment in Finnish history as it was categorized as the first terrorist attack sentenced as a crime in the country, drawing international attention.
Continue ReadingAttack on Highway 12 Near Egyptian Border
A terrorist attack occurred on Israel's Highway 12, resulting in 16 fatalities and 40 injuries. Coordinated by militants, the assault targeted a civilian bus, while additional attacks involved military personnel as they responded to the crisis. The location near the Egyptian border highlighted concerns over security and cross-border militant activities.
Continue ReadingAmbush in Uzbin Valley Affects NATO Forces
In August 2008, a significant ambush occurred in the Uzbin Valley, Afghanistan, targeting a French logistics convoy. Taleban forces, estimated at around 150 fighters, launched a coordinated attack on the convoy, resulting in numerous casualties. The French troops were conducting operations aimed at securing the area and supporting the Afghan National Army when they were caught off guard. The ambush lasted several hours, and despite air support, the situation escalated quickly, showcasing the vulnerability of NATO forces in the region amid increasing Taliban resistance.
Continue ReadingPervez Musharraf Resigns as President of Pakistan
Pervez Musharraf announced his resignation as President of Pakistan, facing imminent impeachment threats due to his controversial actions. He cited a desire to ensure democracy and stability in the nation, and his resignation took place at the President's House in Islamabad. His tenure was marked by significant political turmoil and military rule, and the decision came as part of a broader political shift in the country.
Continue ReadingMassive Power Blackout Strikes Java Island
A severe power blackout affected nearly 100 million people on the Indonesian island of Java, marking one of the largest outages in history. The incident was caused by an unexpected failure in the power grid, which led to massive disruptions in everyday life. Residents were left without electricity, impacting everything from household appliances to public transportation systems. The blackout extended across many cities including Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, illustrating the vulnerability of the energy infrastructure in such a densely populated region.
Continue Reading