Chapter 1+2 Flashcards
Q3. You need to be able to explain how events/laws/methods below helped Hitler/ Nazis strengthen their political position
Law for the Protection of People & the State passed by
Hindenburg after the fire – helped Hitler get political control as a Communist was blamed rightly or wrongly for the fire Hitler used this to play on Hindenburg’s fear of Communism to firstly get many Communists arrested therefore removing them as political opponents. He also got the President to sign the Law for the protection of people and the state by persuading him the fire was part of a bigger plot the Law helped him get political control because the decree nullified many of the key civil liberties of German citizens such as end of free speech, end of meeting in groups, right to expression of thought in newspapers, introduced protective custody. In this way opponents of Hitler couldn’t get their political message broadcast for the upcoming election in which he wanted to consolidate his power
The Enabling Act passed by the Reichstag helped Hitler get power legally because it was a 1933 Weimar Constitution amendment that gave Chancellor Hitler the power to enact laws without the permission of parliament or president. The act was for four years but was made permanent. He used the law to get Gleichschaltung, including preventing the establishment of any more political parties being formed and banning the Trade Unions thus helping him Consolidate his power by eliminating potential political threats
- Why did Hitler need to consolidate his power?/Why was Hitler’s position not secure when he became Chancellor in Jan 1933?
Firstly, When President Hindenburg finally agreed to make Hitler chancellor in January 1933, President Hindenburg & Von Papen the Vice Chancellor believed that they would be able to manipulate Hitler & treat him as a puppet and while this was not the case the truth was his position was quite precarious
Secondly the fact was that the President had the power to remove the Chancellor, the Nazis were part of a coalition government made up of only three Nazis, Hitler & Goering & Frick and therefore it would be difficult to get his way. As well as this he was continually under threat from other parties particularly the SPD who were extremely popular and the Communists. He had numerous political opponents and there was always the threat that came from the Parliaments in the Lander not implementing his will
Thirdly Hitler had been helped to come to power with the money of rich business men who were eager to continue to make money. Hitler had to get control of the Trade Unions so as to maximise economic output to to keep his rich friends happy. He also couldn’t run the risk of unions giving alternative messages or instructions which would compromise his already weak position. As well as that he couldn’t have striking workers interrupting his rearmament initiative which he knew he would need to implement to achieve his foreign policy aims
Lastly he faced threats from both the regular army and from his former friend Rohm the leader of the SA. The fact was that the SA had risen some suggest to two million. These thugs owed their loyalty to the leader Rohm not Hitler. Rohm and his SA were hated by the regular army. They for their part knew Rohm wanted to merge his SA with them with him at its head. Not what the ultra-conservative army leaders wanted at all. The army or the SA could always depose Hitler and Hitler wanted & needed the regular army on his side loyal & obedient for his future plans
Q4. How did Hitler consolidate his power in 1933?
Firstly as Chancellor Hitler called another election to try to get a majority in the Reichstag. He also made a law which was meant to guarantee free elections by parties alerting the police to upcoming meeting for their parties. In practise what it meant was that the police could break up the meeting thus hampering the election campaigns of other parties
Secondly, he was able to pass the law for the Protection of people & the State by using the Reichstag fire to his advantage. He could then arrest communists & stop political parties meeting expressing their ideas or printing their opinions in newspapers to curb their ability to be opponents. The law was also used to intimidate voters and arrest political opponents thus removing them as opponents for the upcoming March elections
Thirdly by minipulating the political situation in-order to obtain the Enabling Act. Gaining the Act meant Hitler could pass laws without the Reichsag or the President making him a dictator. However getting it passed in the Reichstag was not straigt forward. After the election results in March he joined with the nationalists to get majority he joined with the nationalists to get majority. He then did a deal with the Catholic Center Party promising to end the Law for the Protection of People & the State and guaranteeing the freedom of the Catholic shchools & Youth groups; promises he knew he wouldn’t keep. With the Communists banned this got him the two thirds majority needed to get Enabling Law passed & become dictator.
Lastly he used the Enabling law to achieve Gleichschaltung. Examples of this was the law passed was in ensured the July 1933 when the Law against the formation of Political parties Nazis were the only political party. Also banning the Trade Unions so as to maximise economic output with striking workers & to keep his rich friends happy who had sponsored his election but most importantly to ensure Trade Unions did not threaten his political power.
Q4. How did Hitler try and eliminate opposition from other political parties?
Firstly by calling for new election, despite becoming Chancellor, and the Nazis being the largest party in the Reichstag, Hitler knew that as he didn’t have an overall majority if the other parties joined to vote against the Nazis they would be unable to pass laws. He thus called elections to be held in March hoping the Nazis vote would eliminte the threat from
the other parties.
Secondly because of his position as Chancellor he now had control of the police and had a number of powers that he used to try to curb the ability of the other parties to campaign effectively in the upcoming March elections. He had a law passed which was said to be to guarantee free elections this law forbade newspapers & public meetings to criticise Hitler or the Nazis. This would elminate the ability of other parties to give their political views and agenda. By merging the SA with the Police in Prussia he ensured political gatherings from
other parties were broken up; thus again eliminating the ability of other parties to give their
political views and agenda
Thirdly he was able to use the Reichstag fire to his advantage which helped him deal with Communists & other political opponents. Hitler played on Hindenburg’s fear of Communism
& persuased him to pass the Law for the protection of People & the State. This helped in two ways; firstly he could then arrest Communists & stop political parties meeting expressing their ideas or printing their opinions in newspapers to curb their ability to be opponents. The law was also used to intimidate voters and arrest political opponents thus eliminating them as opponents.
Lastly he further elminated any opposition from other parties by getting his Enabling Act. This meant Hitler could pass laws without the Reichsag or the President making him a dictator. He used it to achieve Gleichschaltung. An example of a law passed was in July 1933 when the Law against the formation of Political parties ensured the Nazis were the only political party all opposition from other parties had been elminated & the chance of further opposition from parties in the past had also been elminated.
Q5. ‘Hitler achieved power in Germany by one means only- the use of terror .’ Do you agree?
Evidence to suggest that Hitler achieved consolidation of his power through force
Well it is certainly true that terror was used by the police to break up rival party meetings that the Government learned about through the Law to guarantee free elections. It is also true that the SA had been enrolled into the main police and used terror. Intimidation was also used at the polling booths just the Reichstag elections and there was also intimidation of delegates when he was trying to get the vote to achieve the Enabling Act. Terror was also used against the Jews during the period of Gleichschaltung in later 1933 and during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934
However there is evidence to contradict the argument that Hitler only used terror to achieve power. The argument could be made that while terror was an integral part of Hitler’s methods the fact was that he achieved his consolidation of power legally
He legally called for new elections, he legally forbade the newspapers from criticizing him. The law to protect free elections was legal. Despite rumours that The Nazis were involved in the Reichstag fire cannot be proven. It is true that Hitler played on Hindenburg’s fear of Communism to get him to pass the Law for the Protection of People and the state, however this was not using force as such and therefore again this was achieved legally. This act along with the Enabling Act again voted for legally gave him the power to not only reduce people’s personal freedoms but also introduce the laws that were part of Gleichschaltung.
Even if we look at the Night of the Long Knives when terror was obviously used these actions were ratified and made legal by the Reichstag two days later. Then finally merging the roles of Chancellor and President was again legal
Conclusion:- On balance it would appear that while terror was used in the main Hitler achieved his consolidation of power legally.
Q5. ‘Nazi attempts to create a dictatorship were largely successful between 1933 and 1934.’ Do you agree?/‘The Nazi’s attempts to extend their political control over Germany by the
end of 1933 were successful.’ Do you agree?
The argument could be made that by the end of 1933 (he had consolidated his power/ his attempts at dictatorship were largely successful) because he had taken a number of action to curb the power of his potential political enemies. The first thing he did was call another election to try to get majority. Then Hitler appointed Wilhelm Frick as Minister for the Interior with control over the police which assisted their extension of control. Then Josef Goebbels was named as Minister for Propaganda and Public Enlightenment in March 1933 and this too helped the Nazis gain control. In late February 1933 the Reichstag building burned down and this provided a golden opportunity for the Nazis to extend their control. They passed Decree for the Protection of the People and the State the next day and also as they were blamed for the fire
The decree gave the Nazis widespread powers to reduce individual liberties which assisted their control. Early in March 1933 there were elections to the Reichstag which witnessed widespread intimidation of the Nazis political opponents. The Nazis gained more seats but
not yet an overall majority. However, the Centre Party sided with them to get the majority and the Nazis extended their control. They held another election in November 1933 and then won 92% of the seats in the Reichstag.
On March 23rd and 24th the Enabling Law was passed and this law gave the Nazis power to pass laws without referring to the Reichstag. German parliamentary democracy was at an
end. This law more than any other gave the Nazis power to extend their influence. They banned the SPD and forced other parties to disband voluntarily and they also attacked the Trade Union organisations in early May 1933. They were replaced by a Nazi Organisation the German Labour Front (DAF) which gave the Nazis extended control in that area. It soon became illegal to form political parties and Germany was soon a one-party state. This was
supported in December 1933 with the Law for Unity of Party and State which effectively over Germany by late 1933 to a large extent
However one could argue that while his political position was certainly far more secure by the end of 1933 (he had not totally consolidated his position his attempts to establish a dictatorship was not successful). This was because political threats still existed from the President, Rohm with the SA and indeed the army. To deal with the threat from Rohm, the Nazis then turned their attention to internal opposition and in June 1934 carried out the Blood Purge or where Hitler removed threats from within the Nazi organisation notably the SA. Ernst Rohm who had built the SA into an organisation almost 3 million strong and had become a threat to the Nazi leader had to be controlled. Rohm was from the socialist wing of the Nazi Party and demanded a second revolution and the amalgamation of the SA and the army. The fact that was SA much larger than the German army owed their allegiance to Rohm & Hitler was not a huge threat. On June 30th 1934 Rohm and other SA leaders were eliminated and this assisted the Nazi leadership exert more political control. Thus dealing effectively with Rohm & the SA. Hitler also needed the loyalty of the regular army. By dealing with Rohm who the generals hated, this was more or less achieved but add to that the army oath of allegiance through which members of the army swore allegiance not to Germany or to a constitution, but explicitly to Adolf Hitler control was achieved. Finally the creation of the office of Fuhrer added greatly to the control the Nazis enjoyed by August 1934, then after the death of the ageing Hindenburg Hitler amalgamated the offices of Chancellor and
President into one singular office that of Fuhrer
To conclude I largely agree that Hitler’s political control of Germany was successful by the end of 1933/His attempts at establishing a Dictatorship were largely successful because although he still had to deal with Rohm, the SA & the army as well as merging the roles of Chancellor and president. The Enabling Law had enabled him to make Germany a one party state.
Q5 ‘The Reichstag Fire was the most important factor in Hitlers Consolidation of power’. How far do you agree?
The argument could be made that the Reichstag fire was the most important factor in this consolidation. The fact a Communist was found in the building and blamed for the fire allowed Hitler to play on Hindenburg’s fears of a communist takeover, so Hitler persuaded him to sign the Decree for Protection of people and the State. This helped Hitler consolidate his position for two reasons; the mass arrest of Communists but also the removal of a number of civil rights like meeting of public groups which would hamper the ability of opposing parties to organise and canvass for the upcoming March elections. Thus, the results of the fire meant it was a significant factor in his consolidation of power
However, a counter argument could be made that there were more important factors. Achieving the Enabling Act meant Hitler was a dictator, he could pass laws without parliament or president, he used this to achieve Gleichschaltung. The passing of laws dealing with political opponents, parliaments in the lander, the trade unions and the Reichstag or President banning the setting up of any new parties to mention a few. The Enabling Act had allowed Hitler to become dictator in a one-party state. A massive development in his bid to consolidate his power
The Night of the Long Knives saw a further step to consolidation. Rohm the leader of the SA was a threat as the SA were loyal directly to him not Hitler. Rohm’s wishes for a
second revolution & for merging the SA into the regular army made him and the SA a considerable threat. An action later made legal in the rubber-stamp Reichstag saw the murder of Röhm and many more key SA leaders and members as well as other political leaders perhaps 100-200 people were arrested and executed. The SA had
dissolved, the SS were directly loyal to Hitler & the Generals in the army were grateful. Hitler’s attempt at consolidation was once again strengthened
Last threat the fact the President could remove the Chancellor. So, the final action came a Day before Hindenburg’s death this merged the jobs of chancellor and president to become Führer-the all-powerful position. The army took an oath of loyalty to the Fuhrer rather than the German Constitution as had happened previously. Hitler’s power was total
To conclude one could agree that the Reichstag Fire was an important factor in Hitler’s consolidation of power it certainly was the trigger for the start of Hitler’s steppingstones to consolidation. The fire enabled, in short for the Emergency powers which gave Hitler his first taste of real, legal power. However, evidence suggests that there were more important events such as the abolishment of the threat from SA & Rohm & the position of President. The most important factor was the Enabling Act 1933 it made Hitler a dictator in a one-party state. Therefore I disagree with the statement
Q2. Describe two ways the Nazis used censorship & propaganda to control the German people between 1933 & 1939
To ensure that everyone could hear Hitler speak & hear propaganda, Goebbels organised the sale of cheap radios. these were called the “People’s Receiver” and they cost only 76 marks. A smaller version cost just 35 marks. Goebbels believed that if Hitler was to give speeches, the people should be able to hear him. Radios could only pick up Nazi broadcasts & Listening to foreign broadcasts was illegal. By 1939 70 % of German homes had a radio which helped the Nazis indoctrinate the people with propaganda. Loud speakers were put up in streets so that people could not avoid any speeches by the Fuhrer. Cafes and ensure that everybody could hear Hitler speak other such properties were ordered to play in public speeches by Hitler. Constant propaganda helped control the German people.
Control of the Arts through The Reich Chamber of Commerce. This was an organisation which dealt with literature, art, music, radio, film etc. To produce anything that was in these groups, you had to be a member of the Reich Chamber. The Nazi Party decided if you had the right credentials to be a member. Any person who was not admitted was not allowed to have any work published or performed. Jazz music was prohibited and the writings of 2500 authors were banned. In 1933 20,000 books were burned. Thus the German people only read, heard, saw material endorsed by the Nazis- their propaganda
Q3. Will name 2 propaganda methods the Nazis used to control people. You have to choose one
Production of Film & Radio broadcasts:- to ensure that everybody could hear Hitler speak & hear propaganda, Goebbels organised the sale of cheap radios. these were called the “People’s Receiver” and they cost only 76 marks. A smaller version cost just 35 marks. Goebbels believed that if Hitler was to give speeches, the people should be able to hear him. Radios could only pick up Nazi broadcasts & Listening to foreign broadcasts was illegal. By 1939 70 % of German homes had a radio which helped the Nazis indoctrinate the people with propaganda. Loud speakers were put up in streets so that people could not avoid any speeches by the Fuhrer. Cafes and other such properties were ordered to play in public speeches by Hitler. Constant propaganda helped control the German people. The Nazis used films as a way to control German people with propaganda. They controlled film production. Films released to the public concentrated on certain issues: the Jews; the
greatness of Hitler; the way of life for a true Nazi especially children. “The Eternal Jew” was a film that vilified the Jews. Even before the film would start there would be an information announcement you had to attend. All had a purpose of indoctrination & control.
Reich Chamber of Commerce controlling the Arts. :-This was an organisation which dealt with literature, art, music, radio, film etc. To produce anything that was in these groups, you had to be a member of the Reich Chamber. The Nazi Party decided if you had the right credentials to be a member. Any person who was not admitted was not allowed to have any work published or performed. Jazz music was prohibited and the writings of 2500 authors were banned. In 1933 20,000 books were burned. Thus the German people only read, heard, saw material endorsed by the Nazis- their propaganda again indoctrination leading to control
Rallies:- One of the most successful methods of Propaganda was the use of Rallies.
The most famous was the annual Nuremburg Rally. It is estimated that crowds up to half a
million would attend the rally and be inspired by the lights and sounds. The message portrayed was the strength of Germany. The cult of Hitler was also reinforced at this rally as well as regular smaller rallies around the world that celebrated events like Hitler’s birthday & Nazi anniversaries. The experience of live propaganda help indoctrinate & control the German people
Use of Print Media- The only print media that existed were those that promoted the Nazi message. To achieve this the writings of 2500 authors were banned and in 1933 20,000 books were burned. To get a new book published you needed the endorsement of the Reich Chamber of Commerce. Non Nazi newspapers were banned & most were bought up by Eher Verlag the Nazi publishers. The Nazis controlled 69 % of newspapers. Any Newspapers printing messages not sanctioned by the daily propaganda ministry briefing were closed down The editors law meant editors were held responsible for all journalist on their paper. As a result the German people only had access to pro Nazi news. Foreign newspapers were also banned. Censorship of print media ensured the German people had no alternative opinions this helped control the people
Q4. How did propaganda & Censorship help the Nazis control the people?
The first way the Nazis used Propaganda & Censorship to control the people was through The Reich Chamber of Commerce. This was an organisation which dealt with literature, art, music, radio, film etc. To produce anything that was in these groups, you had to be a member of the Reich Chamber. The Nazi Party decided if you had the right credentials to be a member. Any person who was not admitted was not allowed to have any work published or performed. Jazz music was prohibited and the writings of 2500 authors were banned. In 1933 20,000 books were burned. Thus the German people only read, heard, saw material endorsed by the Nazis- their propaganda which helped control the people.
Secondly to ensure everyone could speak & hear propaganda, Goebbels organised the sale of cheap radios. these were called the “People’s Receiver” and they cost only 76 marks. A smaller version cost just 35 marks. Goebbels believed that if Hitler was to give speeches, the people should be able to hear him. Radios could only pick up Nazi broadcasts and Listening to foreign broadcasts was illegal. By 1939 70 % of German homes had a radio which helped the Nazis indoctrinate the people with propaganda. Loud speakers were put up in streets so that people could not avoid any speeches by the Fuhrer. Cafes and other such properties were ordered to play in public speeches by Hitler. Constant propaganda helped control the German people
Thirdly the Nazis used films as a way to control people with propaganda. They controlled film production. Films released to the public concentrated on certain issues : the Jews; the greatness of Hitler; the way of life for a true Nazi especially children. “The Eternal Jew” was a film that vilified the Jews.. Even before the film would start there would be an information announcement you had to attend if not you could be punished. An estimated 250 million visits to the cinema. All films had a purpose of indoctrination & control.
Lastly One of the most successful methods of Propaganda was the use of Rallies. The most famous was the annual Nuremburg Rally. It is estimated that crowds up to half a million would attend the rally and be inspired by the lights and sounds. The message portrayed was the strength of Germany. The cult of Hitler was also reinforced at this rally as well as regular smaller rallies around the world that celebrated events like Hitlers birthday & Nazi anniversaries. The experience of live propaganda help indoctrinate & control the German people.
By only seeing and hearing Nazi messages constantly this would lead to indoctrination
which would help the Nazis get control of the German people.
Q4. How were the Germany people affected by propaganda?
Firstly to ensure that everybody thought in the correct manner, Goebbels set up the Reich Chamber of Commerce in 1933. This organisation dealt with literature, art, music, radio, film, newspapers etc. To produce anything that was in these groups, you had to be a
member of the Reich Chamber. The Nazi Party decided if you had the right credentials to be a member. Any person who was not admitted was not allowed to have any work published or performed. Disobedience brought with it severe punishments. Thus the German people only read, heard, saw material endorsed by the Nazis- their propaganda
Secondly as a result of this policy, Nazi Germany introduced a system of censorship. You could only read, see and hear what the Nazis wanted you to read, see and hear. The effect on the public was the loss of books, music, films and alternative opinions. For example the
music of famous musicians Thomas Mann & Berolt were lost. Indeed Goebbels organised the infamous book burning episodes. “Where one burns books, one eventually burns people” commented the author Brecht.
Thirdly the same approach was used in films. The Nazis controlled film production. Films released to the public concentrated on certain issues : the Jews; the greatness of Hitler; the way of life for a true Nazi especially children, and as World War Two approached, how badly Germans who lived in countries in Eastern Europe were treated. Another film “The Eternal Jew” was a film that vilified the Jews – comparing the Jews in Europe to a hoard of rats, spreading disease etc. “Tarzan” films were banned because the Nazis frowned on so little clothing being worn especially by women. One film that celebrated the might of the German Navy was not screened as it showed a drunken German sailor. However, the cinemas were not full of serious films with a political message. Goebbels ordered that many comedies should be made to give Germany a ‘lighter’ look. Therefore, the public benefited from having a vast amount of films to go and see in their pass times with 250 million visiting the cinema. However, the films always had a purpose of indoctrination.
Lastly to ensure that everybody could hear Hitler speak, Goebbels organised the sale of cheap radios. these were called the “People’s Receiver” and they cost only 76 marks. A smaller version cost just 35 marks. Goebbels believed that if Hitler was to give speeches, the people should be able to hear him. Radios could only pick up Nazi broadcasts and foreign broadcasts were not allowed. By 1939 70 % of German homes had a radio which helped the Nazis indoctrinate the people with propaganda. Loud speakers were put up in streets so that people could not avoid any speeches by the Fuhrer. Cafes and other such properties were ordered to play in public speeches by Hitler. Thus the public benefited from having access to cheap radios but you couldn’t listen to foreign broadcasts and the loud speakers meant you were constantly bombarded with propaganda.
By only seeing and hearing Nazi messages constantly this would lead to indoctrination which would help the Nazis get control
Q2. Describe 2 ways the police state helped Hitler control the German people between 1933 & 1939?
Investigations by the secret police the Gestapo. They were part of the SS, & were notorious for using intimidation, torture and extra-legal killing it was run by Hermann Goering. Its function was to investigate and remove major threats to the state. Gestapo law of 1936 put the Gestapo above the law. Bloc leaders would report suspicions of people in their designated area to the Gestapo. The Gestapo was given wide-ranging powers and could operate ‘outside’ the courts: it could search without warrant, interrogate without restraint and detain without trial. People were terrified of the Gestapo & thus people learned to ‘speak through a flower’ & only say positive things about the Government, thus control was achieved.
Protective custody in concentration camps. The Decree for protection of People & The State allowed for opponents to be placed in protective custody in concentration camps such as Dachau. Run by death head units of SS prisoners endured extremely harsh conditions. The fact that over a quarter of a million Germans had been imprisoned meant every German person knew or had heard of the fate of an enemy of the state. This helped control the German people as people were afraid to show opposition even if they did not support the regime.
Q3. Will name 2 ways the Nazis used the police state to control people. You have to choose one
Nazis used the police state to deal with opposition was by having a significant number of law enforcement and investigative agencies. Organisations, like the Gestapo, were notorious for using intimidation, torture and extra-legal killing it was run by Hermann Goering in April 1933, Its function was to investigate and remove major threats to the state. The Gestapo law of 1936 put it above the law. The SD which was also part of the Police State was used to deal with opposition. It was a uniformed division of the SS, responsible for gathering intelligence for the SS and the Nazis used the police state to deal with opposition was by having a significant number of law enforcement and investigative agencies.VNSDAP at large. Formed in 1931, it was later commanded by Reinhard Heydrich. The main function of the SD was to identify and deal with opponents of the regime, so it often worked closely with the Gestapo. Bloc leaders would report suspicions of people in their designated area to the Gestapo. The Gestapo was given wide-ranging powers and could operate ‘outside’ the courts: it could search without warrant, interrogate without restraint and detain without trial. People were terrified of the Gestapo & thus people learned to ‘speak through a flower’ & only say positive things about the Government.
Fear of concentration camps & protective custody also helped control the people. The Decree for protection of People & The State allowed for opponents to be placed in protective custody in concentration camps such as Dachau. Run by death head units of SS prisoners endured extremely harsh conditions. The fact that over a quarter of a million Germans had been imprisoned meant every German person knew or had heard of the fate of an enemy of the state. This helped control the German people as people were afraid to show opposition even if they did not support the regime.
Q5. The main opposition to the Nazi’s 1933- 1939 came from the Church do you agree?
There is a case to be made that the main opposition in the years 1933-1939 came from the Church. The fact was that by 1934 with Consolidation of his power Hitler had complete Political power so no opposition there. Using propaganda & the Police State also most Germany people either didn’t want to oppose the Nazis or were two scared too.
The fact was Hitler feared the Church’s power, he knew they could give messages that were in direct contradiction to Nazi messages he also knew he couldn’t destroy the Church but he could limit it’s power and influence.
So were the Churches a successful opposition? The truth is that while Hitler was unable to get complete control of the Churches they were not the opposition they could have been.
The Catholic Church initially made a deal with the Nazis a concordat in 1933 that they would not involve themselves in politics in return for the Nazis allowing them to run their own services & schools. Later in that Hitler was now going back on his agreement to let the Catholic Youth groups be independent did criticise and therefore this was opposition of a type but this did not come to any effective opposition.
The Protestant Lutheran Church split over its attitude to Nazism. The Pro-Nazi Lutherans under Muller certainly were not opposition to the Nazis however most Lutheran pastors actually followed Pastor Niemoller & Bonhoeffer who spoke out again the Nazis they failed to join the Reich Church instead joining the anti-Nazi confessional church. Neimoller was actually arrested in 1938. So some opposition but mainly just lack of support for the Nazis. There is also evidence to suggest however that the main opposition 1933-39 came from the young. Despite the fact that Nazis had great success indoctrinating the youth not all of the young did as they were expected and didn’t join the Hitler Youth movement despite it becoming compulsory in 1936
The Edelweiss Pirates were working class kids who rebelled against the Nazis & refused to join Hitler youth and beat up members of the Hitler youth instead. It is estimated that as many as maybe 1 million young people simple didn’t attend the Nazi youth groups & therefore can be viewed as opposition. Other opposition came from many working class Germans or the unemployed who never totally accepted Nazi ideas but again they did not amount to any real organised opposition.
However on balance one could say that prior to 1939 the main opposition did come from the
Churches but this was only to the extent that the Nazis couldn’t control them.
