Hitler's Germany Flashcards
Authoritarianism
A form of governance where individual freedom is compromised in the pursuit of strong central power. Political freedom is typically limited and harsh laws; strong censorship and propaganda are commonly used to force individuals to obey a set of rules.
Totalitarianism
A form of governance which favors the existence of a central authority, often a dictator who require complete subservience and unquestioned obedience to the state.
Communism
A theory or system of social organization in which all property is owned by the community and each person contributes and receives according to their ability and needs.
Nazism
Ideology of political and social system created by the Nazi party and Hitler; primarily concerned with racial hierarchy and influenced by anti-Semitism.
Democracy
a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.
Coalition government
A government in which two or more political parties cooperate to form a cabinet. This style of governance encourages diversity of views but decision-making can also be inefficient and slow .
Dissent
The holding or expression of opinions at variance with those commonly or officially held.
Dehumanisation
The process of depriving a person or group of positive human qualities. e.g. the removal of basic rights and protection by the law for all Jews; idea of Jews as a parasitic race.
Hyperinflation
Rapid, excessive, and out-of-control general price increases in an economy, often caused by mass printing of currency. e.g. to pay for war damages from WWI, Germany had to print lots of money to pay for the reparations and also pay the wages of the working class.
Right-wing and left wing
Right-Wing; generally refer the group who favour traditional modes of authority base, often in favour of re-establishment of the Kaiser and old ways of societal organisation. Left-Wing: generally refer to the group who demands for radical change to the way power is organised and decisions are made within the state.
Cult of personality
Arises when a country’s regime uses the techniques of propaganda; glorifying someone (often the dictator) to the fullest extent. In the context of Germany, platforms like rallies and textbooks help create this idealized, heroic, and worshipful image of Hitler.
This article clause gave power to implement laws or policies during a state of emergency. Hitler was granted access to the country’s resources and made decisions very much on his own by invoking this power. The government was given authority to curtail constitutional rights including, free expression of opinion, freedom of the press, rights of assembly, and the privacy of postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications. Constitutional restrictions on searches and confiscation of property were likewise suspended
Emergency powers (Article 48)
Organisation working directly under Hitler that provided security to party proceedings, enforce racial policies and for general policing. Focused on protecting Hitler and branded as an elite troop of pure Aryans.
SS (Schutzstaffel)
The “Storm Detachment”, was the Nazi Party’s original paramilitary wing. It played a significant role in Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in the 1920s and 1930s. Its primary purposes were providing protection for Nazi rallies and assemblies; disrupting the meetings of opposing parties; fighting against the paramilitary units of the opposing parties. They were often known as the brownshirts because of their attire.
SA (Sturmabteilung)
Hitler?s oratorical skills
One of the main reason for Hitler to consolidate power and support was his charisma and oratorical skills that allowed him to win the support of the crowds. His fiery rally speeches were electrifying and able captivate the hearts and minds of the audience.
