Life In Nazi Germany. Flashcards
What were the Gestapo and S.S.?
The S.S. was a force led by Heinrich Himmler that was fanatically loyal to the FĂŒhrer, and firstly acted as his personal bodyguard, but later went on to set up concentration camps.
The Gestapo was a secret police force, who monitored the German population for any signs of opposition/resistance to Nazi rule.
The changes made swept away former German freedom; although it more than halved the rate of crime, more death penalties were issued.
Explain the importance of âralliesâ.
Opposition from the churches, led by Martin Niemöller, meant that more people were thrown into concentration camps. The crack down on rallies must have scared people into submission- in 1937, the Protestant Church agreed to no longer meddle with politics again.
The Nuremberg rallies were held annually, and had a number of features including marches by soldiers accompanied by drums, and speeches by Hitler himself. The rallies could be interpreted as propaganda used to show who was really âin commandâ of Germany.
Explain the relevance of âlaw courtsâ.
In 1933, real and potential opponents to the Nazi Party could be imprisoned without judicial review. People could now be thrown into concentration camps without a trial.
Judges had to swear an oath of loyalty towards Hitler, and were expected to always act in interest of the Nazi state. All lawyers had to join the Nazi Lawyer Association, which meant they could be controlled. The role of defensive lawyers in criminal trials were also reduced.
Explain the importance of ânews and radioâ.
All of the newspapers were controlled by the government, and only things that were favourable to the Nazi party were being printed. Radios were sold very cheaply, so that most Germans could afford one. All radio output was controlled by Goebbelâs ministry through the Reich broadcasting Corporation.
Explain the role of âfilms and artâ.
Nazism promoted slogans that were targeted at the instincts/emotions of the public, and they only allowed films that painted Nazis in a good light to be aired. Art was to only show the preferred Aryan race, exemplify their physical and military prowess and to have both heroic and romantic connotations.
Explain the fundamental purpose of âconcentration campsâ.
These were camps that were used for forced labour and detention of people thought to be enemies of the state, such as convicted criminals/political opponents/people regarded as âasocialâ. The concentration camps were run by the Deathâs Head Unit of the S.S., and many of these men were convicted murderers released specifically for this role.
