Hitler's Dictatorship Flashcards
When were the SS set up?
1925
Who were the SS
Hitler's personal bodyguard. Run by Heinrich Himmler. Nazis' private police force. Put in charge of all other state security services. Carried out racial purification and ran concentration camps. Made Nazis seem intimidating. Controlled people's lives. Promoted Aryan Germany.
When did Heinrich Himmler take over the SS?
1929
How did SS membership grow during the 1930s?
To 50,000 men.
What did the SS have to be?
Aryan
They were expected to marry ‘racially pure’ women so they promoted the Aryan race.
They were loyal to Hitler in case other groups turned against him.
Who were the Gestapo?
Non-uniformed secret police.
When were the Gestapo set up and by who?
1933
By Hermann Goering
When were the Gestapo placed under the control of the SS?
1936
Why were the Gestapo particularly feared?
They were non-uniformed so could not be told apart from other members of the public.
What did the Gestapo do?
Arrested those who spoke out against Nazi ideas.
Ensured that most of Germany supported the Nazis.
What could both the SS and Gestapo do?
Arrest people and not be responsible to anyone but their commanders and Hitler.
When and where was the first concentration camp set up?
1933 in Dachau
Where were concentration camps located?
In isolated areas outside cities and away from the public eye.
Key features of concentration camps
Inmates were usually minorities and people of whom the Nazis disapproved.
Used for forced labour.
Later used for mass murder of minorities such as Jews.
When was Hitler Youth set up?
In the 1920s
What did Hitler Youth do?
Turned young into loyal Nazis Prepared boys for military Taught them about politics, Nazi beliefs and the war Divided parents and children Encouraged teamwork Made them physically fit for war Taught to follow orders
What did the League of German Maidens do?
Taught girls to be good mothers
Supported boys in Hitler Youth
Made to feel important and good about themselves
How was History used to indoctrinate children?
They were taught about the rise of the Nazis and the injustices of the ToV and the evils of communism and the Jews.
How was Geography used to indoctrinate children?
They were taught about Lebensraum.
How was PE used to indoctrinate children?
It took up 15% of school time.
Boxing was compulsory for boys.
Why were people afraid of the Nazis?
They had a violent reputation (e.g. NotLK, SA, concentration camps)
Gestapo would listen out for anti-Hitler views
Why did people not know what was going on with the Nazis?
Censorship and propaganda stopped people from receiving useful information and kept some extremes private.
Those who suspected kept quiet in fear.
Why was there no organised opposition?
Most other organisations had been banned
Churches were an exception and formed some of the most public oppositon.
Why were unpopular policies dropped?
Policies that alienated other Germans were often moderated.
1938 assault on Jews caused widespread condemnation so all measures against Jews were kept secret.
