Hitler Youth members had lives outside of school. They went home to families where they were not only Hitler Youth members or students but also sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and grandchildren. In this context there were different expectations. Parents expected their children to obey, to do chores, to grow into adulthood. Members also had social lives that included activities, friendships, and dating. Their membership in the Hitler Youth, as well as their existence in the Nazi state, greatly influenced these relationships since the Nazi leadership intervened in family life to such a great degree that it even told parents what to buy their children for birthdays.

The Hitler Youth vs. Parents

Although the National Socialists spent a great deal of time talking about their respect for the "holy bond" of the family, this was true only if the parents believed in the National Socialist...