Introduction and Chapter 1 Summary and Analysis

Introduction: On January 24, 1932, a fifteen-year-old teenager named Herbert Norkus left his home to join other members of the Hitlerjugend, or Hitler Youth, an organization of young people dedicated to Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party in Germany. His mother had not wanted him to join the Hitler Youth, but Mrs. Norkus had died the year before, and Mr. Norkus gave his son permission.

At this time, the Hitler Youth often had violent encounters with Communist "Reds" on the streets of Berlin, as the Nazis and Communists were vying for control of Germany. Herbert was tasked with passing out Nazi propaganda flyers at homes throughout Berlin. While doing so, Herbert was attacked by a group of Communist youths. He was stabbed six times and killed.

The Nazis used Herbert Norkus' death for political advantage in the elections of...