Nature of Nazi Regime

Question 1

Nature of Regime

Hitler Myth

2, 5H.

Answer 1

1. Carefully cultivated image, perceived as personifying Germany and understanding the will of the people.
2. Covered up any inconsistensies and ensured nothing blamed on Hitler - 10% admired him.

HUBER - “Fuhrer is he bearer of the people’s will”
TRAD - string dictator and key policy maker.
RICH - “master if the Third Reich”
REV - weak dictator and little involvement.
MOMMSON - agreed, in some respects weak.

Question 2

Nature of Regime

Terror

3, 3H.

Answer 2

1. Himmler head of gestapo, chief-of Police and Reichsfuhrer - SS regularly involved in purges (homosexuals, alcoholics) - 1935, proof of Aryan Ancentry required - autonomy lessened in 1938 as H took control.
2. Gestapo relied on block wardens - 2m in 1939, reported suspicious behaviour - couldn’t enact directives, most power in illusio and fear - at peak G=30,000 with many volunteers.
3. Concentration camps - political prisoners then uner Himmler all undesirables - Summer 1937, 57% of prisoners NOT political.

HITLER - terror is the best political weapon, for nothing drived people ahrder than a fear of sudden death.
SCHOENBAUM - SS potentially superseded state.
H&H - the might of the Gestapo was much weaker and it power rested on popular consent more than terror.

Question 3

Nature of Regime

Power Structures

4, 2H.

Answer 3

REICHSTAG - surrednered legislative powers - 92% were Nazis by 1933.
ARMY - NOLK reassured SA worries - oath of loyalty to H Jan 1934 - 20% increase investment between 1933-38, priority.
LOCAL GOVT - overthrown by SA and commissioners appointed to lead - Jan 1934, law dissolving elected assemblies and appointing Reich Governers.
COURTS - existing legal code bypassed by Nazis - layers and judges supported, swastika and eagle robes, 10,000 lawyers swore allegiance.

H&H - RS beacme applause machine.
HIDEN - judiciary effectively worked in favour of the regime.

Question 4

Nature of Regime

Hitler Power in Decisions

5, 0H.

Answer 4

1. Uninterested in affairs unless foreign - often physicall left to Berghof Mountain Resort.
2. State Sec Limmer = intermediary and picked H meetings.
3. Orders happened without due process - NOLK, War declaration (against officials advice), ill-chiild killed after letter.
4. CONTRADICTORY? wanted Jews gone but also wanted to keep as bargaining tool.
5. 1935 NMB LAWS - last minute speech changed from foreign policy to announce legislation - written overnight at Hitler’s request.