TOK

Prompt- What counts as good evidence for a claim.

Object:

This image was published by the Nazis after Anschluss (Austria-Germany union), showing that
most Austrians supported the Nazi annexation. I chose it because it’s a sophisticated example of
how Goebbels used only evidence that suited the Nazi narrative to shape global, domestic, and
individual perceptions (through knowledge) of the party. This photograph is regarded as one of
the main pieces of evidence that Austrians welcomed the Nazis, a (first-order) claim that Adolf
Hitler tried very hard to make. The evidence for this claim includes that the people are all
smiling and waving banners, leaning forward and eager to greet the army (in Vienna). Moreover,
the large crowd shows mass civilian support for Anschluss. Since this photo is one of the most
cited evidence that Austrians were in favour of Anschluss, it is historically relevant and supports
the claim that photographs of the masses are good evidence of public opinion.

This is good evidence as it was taken before image editing software was developed, making it
harder to fabricate than a spoken testimony or a newspaper report. Hence, it’s a more credible
source than press /statesmen’s statements which are influenced by values (whether Germany and
Austria belonged together). Further, It was taken in public, with many witnesses- therefore it’d
be hard to “choreograph” the reaction of so many people.

Contrarily, this source may not be good evidence, since it was influenced by power. Opponents
of Anschluss were likely too afraid of the power of the terror state (Gestapo, SS) to come out in
disagreement with the army. Also, the people who came out to support the Nazis appear
enthusiastic because they were likely Nazi supporters- those who hated or were neutral on the
Nazi takeover wouldn’t have bothered to come out. Since here, we only see the perspective of
those who’re rejoicing, not those silently grieving at home, this object may not be good evidence
for this claim.
This image, published by the Nazis after Anschluss (Austria-Germany union), illustrates
widespread Austrian support for the Nazi annexation. I selected it as its a sophisticated
example of Goebbels' (minister for propaganda and enlightenment) manipulation of evidence to
shape global, domestic, and individual perceptions (through knowledge) of the Nazis. This
photograph is pivotal evidence that Austrians welcomed the Nazis, a (first order)claim Adolf
Hitler vigorously promoted. It shows people enthusiastically waving banners, eager to greet the
army in Vienna, indicating mass civilian support for Anschluss. This photo is historically
relevant, since it's one of the main pieces of evidence on the question of whether Anschluss
was supported- enforcing the idea that mass crowd photographs reflect public opinion.

This evidence was taken much before image editing software, making it less susceptible to
fabrication than spoken testimony or newspaper reports. Thus, it's a more credible source than
the biased press or Nazi statements influenced by their values on wether Anschluss was
morally right Furthermore, it was taken in a public setting with numerous witnesses, making it
challenging to choreograph the reactions of the crowd.
However, this source may be tainted by its association with power. Opponents of Anschluss
likely feared the Gestapo and SS, making them unlikely to come out to oppose the army.
Additionally, those who supported the Nazis in the photo may have been enthusiastic
supporters, while those who opposed or were neutral on the annexation likely stayed home.
Consequently, this image provides a one-sided perspective of rejoicing individuals, failing to
represent those silently grieving at home. Thus, it may not be conclusive evidence for this claim.