The swastika has become one of the most infamous and easily-recognisable symbols on earth. That process didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen by chance. Now, a new series of photographs gives us a glimpse into how the symbol was systematically jammed into the minds of millions.

The actual symbol, of course, means many things to many cultures, from Hinduism to Greco-Roman architecture to Ireland’s great 8th-century illuminated Book of Kells. But one cannot look at a swastika without being reminded of one of humanities’ darkest periods.

In this gallery, LIFE.com examines the subtleties of the Third Reich’s propaganda machinery. From the simple swastika itself, to the massive celebrations that marked Hitler’s 50th birthday – the design and implementation of the swastika bears many resemblances to modern day brand marketing.

Through the swastika, the Reich was able to condense the values and ideals of Hitler’s Germany into a single, easily-recognisable image.

[Source : TIME]