The document discusses three photos from different historical periods - (1) German Hitler Youth during WWII, (2) US soldiers in Vietnam, and (3) celebration after the end of Prohibition. The Hitler Youth photo shows boys enjoying leisure time but was also Nazi propaganda. Soldiers in Vietnam grew close despite the divisive war. The end of Prohibition brought public celebration and more tax revenue for the government.

1. These photos are representative of different feelings within the construct of
varying cultures around the world. The first photo seems to be a reflection of the
German Hitler Youth during World War II. The second photo shows a unit of soldiers
in the Vietnam War. The third photo is the fanfare after the end of Prohibition.
Riding along the countryside in the springtime, the leisure and depiction of
relaxation is a prime example of World War II propaganda. The Nazi party was
always very skilled at churning out effective propaganda and the public depiction of
the Hitler Youth was one of the most deceptive. Although it was more than likely
used as propaganda, that doesn’t mean that it was entirely staged. Pure Germans
within the Nazi Party, especially the younger ones who were going to be the future
soldiers, were given a good life. The German children in the photo were having a
good time and the Nazi lifestyle was the only one that they knew.
The Vietnam War was a divisive political move in the United States and
onlooking countries. While some people chose to go to war, a great number of
unwilling were drafted. Like with most wars though, whether or not the individual
chose to go or not, they usually grow to view their squad or battalion as family. War
was also one of the earliest places where segregated people came together and
grew to understand and accept the difference of color. And even in times of great
turmoil such as war, especially if you are against the the political and social aspects
of a war, comradery becomes a major element for the acceptance of the things that
you are told to do.
Alcohol has been a major part of life for a very long time. Wine is referenced
all throughout history, especially in the Bible. There have always been drunkards and
disorderly conduct, but it wasn’t until the early 1900’s that the American Prohibition
started. Under the guise of controlling alcoholism, gambling problems and domestic

2. disturbances, the government enacted the law. And even though all of those are very
understandable reasons and absolutely valid, the main reason for the government to
putting it into place is the inability and misunderstanding of how to tax the sale of
alcohol. Anyone can make have the facility to make alcohol, even on a small scale,
and this was the concern for the government. When Prohibition ended, there was
widespread celebration throughout the states. With the end of the Prohibition, the
people were happy, and in turn, the government also ended up generating a lot of
tax revenue.
These photos, though unassuming and without exposition, speak many
words. The young boys on the bikes, riding through a quaint countryside looks as if
they were normal boys, just as any other around the world. The defining factor
however, is the obvious Hitler salute. From a young age these boys were taught to
obey and know who is in charge. The group of men kneeling, with half smiles and a
sense of despair shows the reality of war time. Though they are in a bad situation,
they find solace in the bonds they have formed in the camps and on the battlefield.
Prohibition was polarizing in public opinion, with good arguments on both sides. The
end brought joy and fear, but more importantly for the government, more money
back into their pockets.