1) Support 10: The Nature and Size of the Disillusionment with the PARTY during the Second World War Flashcards
When wasn’t there much disillusionment with the party?
In the early years of the war which were very successful for Germany (1939-1941).
Despite many being weary as Hitler attacked Poland on the 1st of September 1939, why were the weary voices drowned out?
Because of the Wehrmacht’s successful Blitzkrieg which smashed Polish armies.
Within a few weeks, what had happened?
Within a few weeks, Poland had fallen into the hands of the Nazis without many losses.
When did this successful streak continue?
This successful streak continued through 1940, with Eastern Europe quickly falling into the Nazis’ hands.
By the end of 1940, where else was in Germany’s hands?
France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Norway were also in their hands.
More importantly, how was this achieved?
More importantly, this was achieved without any major losses, which meant there wasn’t negative public opinion.
However, what changed everything for the Nazis in 1941?
However, Operation Barbarossa in 1941 changed everything for the Nazis when Hitler attacked the Soviet Union.
What did this lead to?
This led to major poverty and hardship in Germany, and was when people began to become disillusioned with the Party.
However, what must we remember?
We must remember that people supported Hitler until the very end, despite everything, due to propaganda, fear and violence and the fear of Communism.
What other military failures led to disillusionment?
The military failure in El Alamein, and more importantly the large battle in Stalingrad in 1942.
How was support maintained?
Through the use of fear. Himmler used the SS, Gestapo and SD as weapons and used them to force people to follow Nazi orders during the war.
What did people see some members of the Party as?
They saw some members of the party as selfish people who lived above the strict rationing.
As things went awry for Germany, who got the blame?
The Party got the blame, but not Hitler.
What did the Party make use of?
The Party made use of the Volksgerichtshof (People’s Court) which was under the control of Roland Freisler.
What was used on anyone spreading bad news about the war or who accepted that Germany was losing the war?
The death penalty would be used on anyone who was spreading bad news about the war or who accepted that Germany was losing the war.
