Nazi dictatorship 1933 - 1939 Flashcards
(170 cards)
1
Q
What obstacles did Hitler face in trying to establish a legal dictatorship?
A
Reichstag
Role of president needed to be removed (Hitler needed article 48)
Internal opposition
Trade unions, communists + armed forces
Armed forces pledged allegiance to country not Hitler.
2
Q
What did Gleichschaltung mean?
A
Co-ordination.
Nazi term for process by which the regime establishes a fully totalitarian control.
3
Q
When was the Gleichschaltung period?
A
Jan 1933 - August 1934
4
Q
When was the Reichstag fire?
A
February 1933
5
Q
What did the Reichstag fire do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
Allowed secret police to hold people indefinitely, as the fire itself was said to be a communist threat - which allowed Hitler to get rid of his communist opposition.
6
Q
What was the significance of the March 1933 elections in helping Hitler create a legal dictatorship?
A
Hitler used media to encourage the voters to support him and made the SA highly visible to intimidate people in the run up as well as widespread arrests of communists and SDP, secured themselves 44% of votes, 288 seats (from 196 in November)
7
Q
When was the Enabling Act?
A
March 1933
8
Q
What did the Enabling Act do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
Created dictatorship - Hitler the head of a legal dictatorship. Needed 3/4 of the Reichstag to vote for it to be passed. 444 in favour, 94 against, so Reichstag in essence voted themselves out of existence.
As head of legal dictatorship - Communists + SPD in hiding, political concentration camps, or left country.
Hitler still needed catholic support
9
Q
When was the Jewish Boycott?
A
April 1933
10
Q
What did the Jewish Boycott do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
Started the separation and segregation of the Jews. 7th April - Law for the restoration of the civil service (bureaucratic bodies, court schools and unis) purged of Jews, Political opponents, e.t.c
SA stood guard in front of Jewish shops, offices, doctors + lawyers. Star of David painted across doors and windows telling people not to buy from Jews, all non-aryan decent to be fired.
Many Germans ignored this and continued to shop.
11
Q
When were Trade Union’s occupied?
A
May 1933
12
Q
What did the occupation of Trade Unions do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
Offices occupied by SA as German Labour Front was announced as the new nationwide organisation to replace unions. There were no strikes.
13
Q
When was the law against the formation of new parties?
A
July 1933
14
Q
What did the law against the formation of new parties do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
Communists + SPD banned, other parties dissolved - Germany now a one party state. 5,000 prisoners in concentration camps - all communists, social democrats, political or trade union leaders.
15
Q
When was the Concordat?
A
July 1933
16
Q
What did the Concordat do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
It placed constraints on the political activity of the church, whilst guaranteed independence under the Nazi regime. - Papen signed on behalf of state while pope Pius 12th signed on behalf of catholic faith.
17
Q
When was the Night of the Long Knives?
A
June 1934
18
Q
What did the Night of the Long Knives do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
Hitler authorised killing of 90 members of SA, 50 of which were significant leaders of the SS - including Ernst Rohm. This meant that he gained support of conservative right, Army made oath of allegiance to him, SS emerged as independent (Hitlers personal bodyguards), Hitler also secured his dictatorship - removed all internal and external opposition. He was described as saving the country - gained support.
19
Q
When does Hindenburg die?
A
August 1934
20
Q
What did the death of Hindenburg do in Hitler’s rise to power?
A
Consolidated his power. He was now president and chancellor which he moved into one new position of Fuhrer.
21
Q
What was Hitler like as a dictator?
A
He demonstrated himself as a strong and dynamic new leader who promised a new, better, dynamic Germany.
22
Q
What became Hitler’s biggest economic priority?
A
Rearmament.
23
Q
What was the Hitler Myth?
A
A carefully cultivated image showing him as someone who;
Personified the nation
Understood German people and stood for popular justice
Defended Germany against it’s enemies - Jews, corrupt SA, extremists.
Architect of Germany’s economic miracle
Responsible for major successes of German govt.
Re builder of Germany’s strengths.
24
Q
Why did the Hitler Myth grain credence (belief)?
A
It was a reaction to the weakness of the previous Wiemar Government, satisfied people’s needs for a stronger government, Reinforced traditional German authoritarian leader. This was then sustained by Hitler’s success after 1933 and enhanced by Nazi propaganda.
25
What were the effects of the Hitler Myth?
It contributed to Hitler's personal popularity (Late 1930s, 90% Germans admired him)
Helped cover up the regimes inconsistencies + failures
Day to day failures blamed on minor party leaders not Hitler.
Hitlers popularity gave him more freedom from elites, leading to radical momentum weakening the regime.
26
What led to a decline in the belief of the Hitler Myth?
Major military failures after 1941 and Hitler's growing belief in it meant he thought himself infallible. Weakened his calculating skills as a politician.
27
What were the 4 Nazi economic aims of 1933?
- Drag Germany out of worldwide recession
- Solve unemployment
- Make Germany an 'autarky' - self sufficient country
- Transform the economy to focus on rearmament and war.
28
Who was Hjalmar Schacht?
President of Reichsbank and partly responsible for the Rentenmark. Economic elite and member of the Nazi party. Schacht's economic policy.
29
What three ideas made up Schacht's economic policy?
He believed the following three principles would help bring Germany out of worldwide depression;
1) banking and control of capitalism - lowered interest rates to reduce debt and rescheduled previous standing debts.
2) Assistance for farming and small businesses - Placed tariffs on imported goods protect German Farmers and offered subsidies + grants to support agriculture.
3) State investment - RAD and public works schemes.
30
What does RAD stand for?
Reich Labour Service.
31
What did the RAD do?
'employed' 18-25 year old's, not really employed as working on state projects but not unemployed so they were not included in unemployment figures.
32
What did they enforce in 1935 to reduce unemployment levels?
Forced military conscription, meaning people had to do 6 months of unpaid work in military construction.
33
What was Schacht's new plan in 1934 in order to achieve?
Autarky
34
What 3 things did Schacht do to try and achieve Autarky?
1) Bilateral Treaties - aimed to promote trade and save foreign exchange (barter agreement, didn't pay for imports with money - traded)
2) Regulations of the Reichsmark currency - protected income as agreed to purchase raw materials from foreign countries as long as they bought Germany's goods with the Reichsmark
3) Mefo Bills - special govt money bills, held for up to 5 years at a 4% interest, disguising and delaying govt spending (essentially an I.O.U)
35
What was the impact of Schact's new plan?
Unemployment down from 6 mil in 1932 to 1.5 mil in 1936 (but masked figures as a result of RAD)
Industrial production increased by 60%
GNP grown by 40% (but still deficits due to demand for rearmament imports)
36
What was GNP?
Gross National Product - the amount of money being brought in.
37
What was the difference between Schact and Hitler's focus in 1935?
Scacht focused on industrial production, while Hitler and Goring focused on rearmament and gearing economy to support war.
38
What was 'Guns or Butter' debate?
The break between Goring and Schacht as both focused on different things as their priorities. (S = industrial production, G = rearmament and economy ready for war).
39
When was Gorings four year plan?
1936
40
What were the aims of Gorings four year plan?
To achieve autarky and expand rearmament.
41
What were the 5 ways Goring tried to achieve his aims of his four year plan?
1) Regulate imports and exports - focus on chemicals and metals not agriculture.
2) Control labour force and prevent wages increase - DAF
3) Increase production of raw materials
4) Develop substitute products e.g artificial rubber
5) Increase agricultural production
42
What was the DAF?
German Labour Force.
43
What were the effects of Gorings four year plan?
Not fully supported by business leaders as believed they should focus on rearmament but not at expense of standard of living. But influence of them reduced as state came under political control.
Conflict with Schacht = Goring economic dictator 1939
IG Farben produced chemicals
Siemens electrical production
Daimler - Benz transport and aircraft
44
What led to Schacht's resignation in 1939?
Came into conflict with Goring. Meant party v state and led to his resignation which also meant Goring became economic dictator.
45
What were Hitlers economic aims from 1933-1939?
Drag Germany out of worldwide recession and increase GNP
Solve unemployment
Make Germany an 'autarky' (self-sufficient country)
Transform economy to focus on rearmament and war
46
What strategies did Hitler use in order to drag Germany out of worldwide recession and increase GNP from 1933-1939?
Investments in small businesses - improves economy.
Focused on agricultural production
Place tariffs on imported goods
Low interest rates to encourage investments
Re-scheduled local authority debts
Mefo Bills
47
What was Dualism?
System of government in which two forces coexist - Nazi party and the German state.
48
Why was the reality of a clear ordered system of government not true?
Because the exact relationship of the structure of the party and the apparatus of the German state was never clarified satisfactorily. Much confusion between the two forces which was dualism.
49
What made up the German state under Hitler and what made up the Nazi Party?
State - The Reich Chancellery, Ministries, Judges, Regional Governments, Judiciary, Police.
Party - Party Chancellery, Party structure of Gauleiters (Regional party bosses) down to Blocke (Block leader) and party organisations = DAF, Hitler Youth and SS.
50
Which institutions did not fit under the state or the party during Hitler's reign?
The Armed Forces and People's court
| Four Year Plan, Propaganda Ministry, Ribbentrop Bureau.
51
What did the Gualitiers do in the Nazi party structure?
They were the regional bosses. They were influential in determining how Germans experienced Nazi rule and his job to ensure people in his region stayed in line. He communicated with Hitler directly.
52
Why was the relationship between the party and the state unclear 1933?
Dualism.
53
What was the Reich Chancellery under the German state?
Responsible for coordinating government, as the role of cabinet declined from 1934 the chancellery became increasingly important. Headed by Lammers who drew up govt legislation, viral link between Hitler and all other organisations meaning he in effect controlled the flow of info.
54
What was the role of the Government ministries under the German State and how was this influenced and effected by the Nazi party?
Ministries, such as transport, education and economics run by leading civil servants. Under growing pressure from Nazis in late 1930s such as Economic ministry effected by 4 year plan. More Nazi officials brought in.
55
What were the Special Courts set up in 1933?
Set up to try political offences without a jury
56
What were the People's Court set up in 1934?
Established to try cases of high treason, jury composed of specifically Nazi members
57
Why did the Nazi Party never become an all-pervasive dominating instrument?
Party Bureaucracy had to compete for influence over established state institutions, and latter were never destroyed but were significantly restrained.
Internal divisions and rivalries within Nazi party itself were never overcome.
Independence of the Gauleiters one of main obstacles to control.
58
How effective was Hitler in dragging Germany out of worldwide recession and increasing GNP in 1933-1939?
Wages rose slightly but still lower in 1938 than they had been in 1928
Working hours went up to 49 hours per week in 1939
1936, GNP up 40%, Industrial production up 60%
59
What strategies did Hitler use to solve unemployment 1933-1939?
RAD
Sack women and Jews from key jobs
Public works programmes; autobahns, reforestation.
60
How effective were Hitler's strategies in solving unemployment 1933-1939?
It dropped quickly from 4.8 million 1933 to 0.5 million 1938, but skewed statistics as did not include Jews, Women or those in the RAD
61
What were Hitler's strategies in making Germany an autarky, 1933-1939?
Placed tariffs on imported goods in order to regulate imports and exports.
Focused on chemicals and metals over agricultural.
Increase agricultural production
62
How successful were Hitlers strategies in achieving autarky 1933-1939?
Fewer consumer goods (personal and household goods)
Germany ended up importing more than they were exporting due to rearmament demands
By 1939 Germany still imported 33% of its required raw materials.
63
What were Hitler's strategies in transforming the economy to focus on rearmament and war 1933-1939?
They introduced conscription with 6 months on military construction projects
Developed substitute products e.g artificial rubber in order to increase production of raw materials.
64
How successful were Hitlers strategies in transforming the economy to focus on rearmament and war 1933-1939?
Led to Schacht's resignation
Lost support of elite businessmen who wanted to focus on butter rather than guns
Rearmament caused deficits as it limited exports
65
What negative things effected workers under the Nazi's?
```
Index of wages - didn't rise that much
Consumption of food - too expensive went down
Unemployment
Working hours increased
Landowners and middle class effected
Peasants and farmers effected
German Labour Front (DAF) replaced TUs
```
66
What positive things effected workers under the Nazi's
Beauty of Labour (SdA)
Strength through Joy (KdF)
Businesses grew/increased.
67
When did real wages rise above the 1929 level?
1938. But workers also expected to pay tax, insurance and DAF contributions.
68
Why was the consumption of food bad for workers under the Nazis?
The consumption of nutritious foods such as vegetables went down between 1927 to 1937. However the consumption of cigarettes went up. German families were not getting the food that they needed.
69
What effect did the focus on war prep have on workers under the Nazis?
Economy became increasingly geared to war production , workers put under pressure to work overtime. Working hours increased.
70
How were landowners and the middle class effected under the Nazis?
Landowners feared Nazi plans would interfere with their land ownership. Soon realised that it did not as Nazis unconcerned with their activities, would not effect their economic interests or large estates. They were also the largest sector to vote for Nazis between 1909 and 1933. But middle class declined as could not compete with costs of larger businesses and made worse by Nazi economic policy focusing on big businesses for rearmament.
71
How were peasants and farmers effected under the Nazis?
They had been the Nazi's biggest supporters due to claims they'd provide relief after economic problems, but industrialisation often favoured urban rather than rural. Nazis introduced farm debts and mortgages were written off and small farm given low interest rates.
Reich Entailed Act 1933
Reich Food Estate 1933
First benefited from increase of price but growing disillusionment by 1936. More rural to urban migration, farms only be based to one child meaning providing for children was difficult.
72
What was the Reich entailed farm act?
Forbade any division land to ensure farm were an efficient size for production.
73
When was the Reich Entailed Farm Act and Reich Food Estate?
1933
74
What was the Reich Food Estate?
Supervised food production, specifically priced and working wages.
75
What was the impact of the DAF on workers under the Nazis?
Nazis banned all trade unions and replaced it with the DAF, which had a membership increase from 5 million in 1933 to 22 million in 1939. Nazi government therefore put workers firmly under control, meaning they could deal with strike action harshly and removed their right to protest.
76
What was Beauty of Labour (SdA)?
DAF incorporated working conditions called Beauty of Labour, responsible for providing cleaner working environments, meals, exercise and smoke-free rooms.
77
What was Strength through Joy (KdF)?
Provided recreational activities to millions of German workers, included cultural trips, education, sports facilities and holidays. 1934 there were 2.3 million workers going on KdF holidays and by 1939 this had risen to over 10 million
78
Why did businesses do well under the Nazis?
German industry was steadily increasing as a result of Schacht's economic plans. Average management salaries grew between 1934 and 1938. Profits also up from 2.8% to 6.6% over the same period.
79
How is Hitler portrayed in Nazi propaganda?
A figure of strength in Germany, he's made to appear like a god and in a position of strong leadership
80
How are Jews portrayed in Nazi propaganda?
Sinister, like a threat. Depicted as an invasion force.
81
What forms of propaganda did the Nazis use to spread their messages?
```
Posters
Radios
Press
Music
Literature
Visual arts/cinema
Berlin Olympics
Nazi ritual
Culture
```
82
How did the Nazis use Radios to help with their propaganda?
Began using it in 1932+1933, created the Reich Radio Company. They also made a cheaper set so that by 1939 70% of the population had one.
Loudspeakers in public places for collective listening.
83
How did the Nazis manage to use the press to help with their propaganda?
This was not easily achieved as a lot of press companies were privately owned and therefore owed no loyalties to the central government.
By 1939 they owned 2/3 of German press
Goebbels introduced daily conferences in order to provide guidelines on what should be included
So called 'Editors Law' of October 1933
84
What was the so called Editors Law of 1933
Newspaper content was the sole responsibility of the editor, this meant it had to satisfy the propaganda ministry or face consequences.
85
How did Nazi propaganda influence music?
Germany's rich classic tradition proudly exploited (e.g Beethoven.) Jewish composers and modern musical trends were banned.
86
How did Nazi propaganda influence literature?
Over 2500 German writers left Germany 1933-1945 and replaced by a lesser literary group, sympathised with the regime or accepted the limitations.
87
How were visual arts effected by Nazi propaganda?
Limited by Nazi constraints, as the modern school of art was held in contempt.
censored and modern styles of art held in contempt by Nazis so mocked.
88
What was Overt Propaganda in cinema?
Example is the 'Eternal Jew' a tasteless racist film portraying Jews as rats
89
What were the two types of propaganda in cinema?
Overt propaganda and emotive nationalism.
90
What was Emotive Nationalism in Cinema?
Use subtle cinematic techniques, despite clear underlying political message.
91
How was the Berlin Olympics used for Nazi Propaganda?
Held in 1936 - Olympics awarded to Berlin. Trying to spread the Nazi ideas without causing national upset so removed posters to play down their virulent message.
Everything done in order to present a positive image of the 'new Germany'. (broadcast on TV)
92
What was the Nazi ritual helping Nazi propaganda?
Things like the Hitler salute, "Heil Hitler". Created sense of uniformity and the militaristic uniforms helped strengthen individuals identity within the regime.
93
How did Nazi culture help their propaganda efforts?
It served the purpose of moulding public opinion, Nazi culture dominated by antisemitism, militarism and the glorification of war, nationalism and supremacy of the aryan race.
94
What were the 6 different terror methods the Nazis used?
```
Courts and Judges
The SS
Einzatsgruppen
The Gestapo
SA
The Police
```
95
What was the aim of the Courts and Judges?
They were controlled by the Nazis and all lawyers were forced to join the Nazi Lawyers Association. This meant any case swung in favour of the Nazis imprisoning and sending offenders to a concentration camp.
Aim to install terror in people but by having the courts ad judges it maintained the appearance of control and justice.
96
What methods did the Courts and Judges use to instil and create terror?
Handed out enormous number of death sentences, no. of crimes punishable by death went from 3 to 46
The 'Peoples court' was a system where anyone accused of being anti-Nazi was found guilty with no proof needed (effective in limiting opposition)
Standard punishments abolished so judges could decide
97
How effective were the Courts and Judges in creating terror?
Fear spread through German People knowing what could happen to you meaning less people opposed Nazi authority.
Very effective - could freely arrest, punish and detain anyone opposed as they saw fit to do so.
98
Why did Nazis keep the Courts and Judges?
Because it maintained the appearance that there was still justice, made it harder to challenge the Nazis.
Superficially still had a system in place, therefore people still supported them.
99
What were the aims of the Gestapo?
Secret Police aimed to find disloyal members of the public who did not conform to the regime, goal then to remove these members and send them to a CC or imprison them.
100
What methods did the Gestapo use to instil and create terror?
Tap telephones + open mail
Informers reported any anti-Nazi actions to them, they then arrested those people
They could get detailed info on anyone they wanted
No one knew who they were - they could get close to observe and also put everyone on high alert.
Tortured anyone who stepped out of line, instigating fear
101
How effective were the Gestapo at creating terror?
Very effective. They relied on the people they had persecuted telling friends and so on of their experiences, which would then circulate meaning people too scared not to conform to Nazis ideas. (people imprisoned in CC camps for 6 months doing hard physical labour then released to spread the word) Helped Nazi regime by getting rid of public opposition as people had to always be careful what they were saying in private or in public.
102
Who were the SS and how did they help create terror?
Lead in security, surveillance and terror. They were designed to be the poster boys for the regime - archetypal Germans, led by Himmler and made up of three parts.
They were regarded as the Nazi elite unit. They were successful as people did not step out of line and were very intimidated by them.
103
What three parts made up the SS?
Allgemeine SS - responsible for enforcing racial policy in Germany and general policy
Waffen SS - Combat unit
SS - Ran concentration and extermination camps
104
What was the aim of the SA?
To make Hitler look good in time of chaos - strong leader. They were there to keep people in line, not a regulated army.
105
How did the SA create a feeling of terror?
Stirred up trouble in meetings so when Hitler speaks they would behave and go quiet making him look as powerful as they could. They were 20 times larger than the German army by 1933. They would go door to door finding anti-Nazis and arresting them.
106
Why did the SA play a crucial role in the early years of Hitler?
Mainly because they made Hitler look calm and like a good leader. They disrupted political meetings of opponents while defending Hitler's own speeches.
107
What was the aim of the police?
There to make sure everyone did what they were told or told the price for not doing it. The ordungspolizie were the 'ordinary police' and carried out a number of duties.
108
What methods did the Police use to create and instil terror?
The 'ordinary police' routinely cooperated with the criminal police and the gestapo at a local level to monitor and control social behaviour as well as enforcing Nazi racial policies.
They carried out many things such as traditional security and policing to the participation in mass executions individually or as part of the Einzatsgruppen. Under Himmler's control they are estimated to have murdered one million people.
109
How effective were the police in creating terror?
Effective at maintaining control due to German people being too afraid to say anything which would counteract the Nazi state. If anyone disobeyed they were sent away and never seen or heard of again.
110
Why did the Nazis retain the ordinary police force when they had the Gestapo, the SS and the SA?
They retained them and nazified them in order to keep the normal idea that the state had a good method of law and order, while seeming in control.
111
What were the aims of the Einzatsgruppen?
They were special task forces of security personnel that operated behind German lines in occupied territory. Their main task was to shoot 'hostile elements' in particular communists and Jews.
112
How many people is it estimated the Einzatsgruppen shot in between 1939 and 1943?
over 2 million innocent civilians
| + estimated 1 million Jews
113
What methods did the Einzatsgruppen use to create fear and terror?
Mass shootings
| They were to destroy all elements of resistance
114
How effect were the Einzatsgruppen in creating terror?
They eliminated 'undesirables' and possible threats allowing the Nazis to go ahead with their regime.
115
What were 8 different ways you could oppose the Nazi state?
```
Not listening to the radio
Listening to music
Not saluting Hitler
Reading banned literature
Hiding Jews
Refusing to join the Hitler Youth
Emigrating
Committing suicide
```
116
What 8 types of people/groups opposed the Nazis?
```
The churches
Youth
Traditional elites
Opposition parties
The workers
Judiciary
Govt and the civil services
The Army
```
117
Why did the churches oppose the Nazis?
Confessional church fairly successfully resisted Nazification. Catholic hierarchy initially cooperated but there was mass opposition of the laity to government interference modified government attacks on the church. Catholic clergy also criticised sterilisation and later euthanasia.
118
Was the churches opposition to the Nazis a threat?
The church was more concerned about it's own position rather than weakening the position of the church itself. Overall they concentrated on their own position so did not pose a threat to the regime, however, they remained an obstacle to a fully totalitarian state and the brave few who resisted along with pastors and preachers were imprisoned and killed.
119
What are the three examples of youth opposition groups?
Swing youth, The Edelweiss Pirates and the White Rose Group.
120
What was the White Rose Group? And when were they around?
The White Rose Group was a university based group in Munich 1941-1943. It's objective was to strive for the Reunion of the morally wounded Germany. It was inspired by the sermons of Bishop Galen and and it's members secretly distributed leaflets about the euthanasia programmes and atrocities on the eastern front as well as basic propaganda about how Germans should be ashamed of their government. Became symbol of resistance in Germany.
121
What happened to the White Rose Group?
They were arrested and their leaders Sophie Scholl and brother Hans Scholl were executed.
122
How did the Army oppose the Nazis?
Initially cooperated but relations broke down when concern grew that Hitler was too radical in foreign policy. General Becks plan to arrest Hitler in 1938 was foiled after Hitler's success at the Munich conference, and then several officers subsequently involved in failed assassination attempts most notably the July Bomb Plot 1944.
123
How did the Civil services and government oppose the Nazis?
Initially some critics within the government, Papen in June 1934 pleaded in a speech for greater freedom and Scacht in August 1935 deplored anti-Semitic violence.
124
How did the Judiciary oppose the Nazis?
Some attempted to maintain proper standards of justice despite an increasingly Nazi system with growing intervention from SS and the Special courts.
125
Why did worker opposition to Nazis not work?
German workers had the numbers but not the organisational strength to provide major opposition to the regime. Furthermore they had good reason to support it.
126
How did workers oppose the Nazis?
No legal organisations but there were strikes (estimated 400 between 1933 and 1935) and other forms of pressure put onto the government. Many workers also maintained their illegal links with political parties.
127
How did opposition (political) parties oppose the Nazis?
All political parties banned 1933. However, all left wing parties continued some illegal activities. SPD in exile based in Prauge and organised some underground groups, distributing underground leaflets and whispering propaganda campaigns. KPD formed underground cells but two thirds of members arrested.
128
Why and how did traditional elites oppose the Nazis?
Among some elites there was considerable discussion of replacing Hitler, especially in Kriseau circle. This was of officers and professionals who had come together in 1933 to oppose Hitler. 1934 they drew up basic principles for the new order - plan for a new Germany with an open society and equal justice for all.
129
What important people opposed Hitler?
General Ludwig Beck - opposed H's radical approach
Colonal Von Stauffenberg - Prepared to kill Hitler in July Bomb plot, had distaste for Hitler
General Hans Oster - advised Britain to stand firm against Hitler
Dietrich Bonhoffer - criticised Nazism
Sophie Scholl - White Rose Group
130
What were the three Nazi aims towards the church?
Control existing ones
Weaken hold of traditional Christianity
Replace Christianity with new Nazi religion
131
Why was Nazi intervention in the church necessary?
1933 almost all Germans Christian
Third Germans were Roman Catholic
Two thirds Protestant
132
What was the concordat and what did this mean?
1933, The SA were ordered to attend church services, concordat = between church and govt respecting each other's roles. Government supports creation of Reich church to coordinate all protestant churches.
133
When was the Concordat?
1933
134
How did relations between the church and the Nazi government and regime deteriorate after 1933?
More hostility and opposition from the church. 1934 confessional church broke away from Reich church, 1935 700 protestant pastors arrested for condemning Nazi neo-pagism. There is some hostility and opposition against them, but there was also some cooperation with the Nazi regime.
135
What was the Nazi policy towards Protestantism?
They supported the German Christians who wanted Nazi spirit incorporated into their faith. Helped set up official Reich church and attempted to combine all protestants within one structure.
136
What was the Nazi policy towards Catholicism?
Hitler recognised the difficulty in controlling the Catholic church, this resulted with the Concordat which was an agreement between the pope and him in which the Pope recognised the new regime and the new regime promised not to interfere with the church. However, this was not adhered to.
137
How was the concordat broken?
1936 Catholic youth groups were disbanded and parents were pressured to send their children to state schools. 1935 65% catholic schools went down to only 5%. 200 priests accused of financial and sexual misbehaviour = show trials and some monasteries shut down.
138
What were the three steps the Nazis took in trying to control the churches?
1) Control - Created Reich Church (failed) and concordat (initial harmony)
2) weaken hold of traditional Christianity - make Protestantism more Nazi and reduce influence of Catholic church
3) Replace Christianity with true Nazi religion - only sporadic attempts to achieve this, postponed until after war.
139
What were the results of the policy towards Catholicism?
Initial harmony with the Concordat but it did not last long because the terms were not adhered to. Pope did not condemn Nazism but just communism, as they were more concerned with maintaining itself through the regime.
140
What were the results of the policy towards Protestantism?
A lot of opposition, confessional churches set up off of and outside the Reich church. Public outcry when German Christians required pastors to swear oath of loyalty to Hitler and when two pastors arrested.
141
To what extent were the Nazi's controlling the the church?
Nazi's tried to control the churches and brought in measures to change the churches however they were superficially in control of them. With the catholic churches choosing to toe the line for their own sake rather than Nazis. Also opposition from inside the protestant church, more so from individual Christians rather than leaders of the church. All control Nazis did have over the churches was soon minimised with the outbreak of WW2 (more focus on war itself)
142
What was the Education of women like under the Nazis?
Girls from 10 joined the young maidens (Jungmadel), from 14 entered German girls league (Bund Deutscher Madel). They were taught the three K's (Kinder, Kutche, Kirche) Children, Kitchen, Church. Taught through this that their role was to be a good wife and mother - their place was in the home.
143
How did the Nazis view women?
Nazis did not see them as inferior, just as having a different role in society to men. Nazis saw this job as vitally important reflected in housewife diplomas and the motherhood cross.
144
What was Marriage like for women under the Nazis?
1933 law for the encouragement of marriage, giving newlywed a government loan of 1000 marks and encouraged them to have children. 1934 10 commandments for choice of spouse; encouraged people fitting the German idea to marry and keep the race pure.
145
What was Employment like for women under the Nazis?
Women taken out of labour market. 1934; women dismissed from the professions. 1936; women could not be judges or sit in jury. Women expected to be home - makers, wives and women.
146
What was the breeding programme (women under the Nazis)?
Women had a biological purpose, medals for women with more than 4 children (motherhood cross) it deliberately replicated a military medal, 4 children = bronze, 6 children = silver, 8 children = gold)
Unmarried women were also encouraged to have children via Lebensborn's, women who were racially desirable were able to have children with a racially desirable they weren't married to and didn't have to be with, away from social stigma.
Banned contraception and abortion and sterilised racially 'impure'
147
What were the physical restraints placed on women under the Nazis?
Not allowed to wear makeup, have hair dyed or perms. They were only allowed to wear flat shoes and trainers. No slimming was allowed thought it was unhealthy and would upset child bearing. No smoking 'un German' and long hair in plaits or buns, but short hair not allowed.
148
What was life like for Jews in 1933?
Forced out of some jobs
April (Jewish) Boycott - Germans told not to buy from Jewish shops
Production of Kosher meat banned
Random acts of violence against Jews courts didn't defend them
Law for the prevention of hereditary and defective offspring allows forced sterilisation of those considered inferior.
149
What was life like for Jews in 1935?
Banned from armed forces, parks, public swimming pools and restaurants.
Rabbis and Jewish leaders stopped from public speaking
Nuremberg Laws - Jews lost citizenship/right to vote and could not marry 'Aryans' - imprisoned if they did.
Jewish newspapers + magazines suspended, writers arrested.
150
What was life like for Jews in 1938?
Jews weren't allowed to be doctors
Jews passports stamped with a J
Jewish children not allowed to play or go to school with 'Aryans'
Kristallnacht - 91 Jews murdered, synagogues burned, sacred objects desecrated, shop windows smashed and around 20,000 J men rounded up and taken to concentration camps.
151
What was life like for Jews 1939?
They had a curfew - not allowed to leave homes after 8pm (9pm summer time)
Jews could be evicted from homes with little to no notice.
152
What was the Euthanasia programme?
All hospitals were instructed to give up their 'useless' patients. These were then taken to one of 6 commandeered asylums or hospitals, and told they were going to have a disinfecting shower. This was the first case of the gas chambers. When people started finding out they changed to giving people lethal injections masked as treatments or starved them to death. They also performed painful experiments on children and patients consigned to death.
153
When was the Euthanasia programme?
1939
154
What did Hitler do to youth when he came to power?
Banned other youth movements (scouts) and 1936 compulsory to join the Hitler youth for 14-18 year old boys - trained for military service. Also girls youth groups preparing them for motherhood.
155
What had Hitler youth membership gone to from 1933 go 1934?
100,000 members to 4 million members in 1934.
156
What was the First Hitler Youth law (1936)?
Make membership in Hitler youth mandatory for all eligible German youths.
157
What was the Second Hitler Youth law (1939)?
Law explicitly states German children must join Hitler youth age 10 and serve through age 18 years. Penalties provided for guardians who do not comply. Law also gives officials authority to require participation.
158
What was the Third Hitler Youth Law?
Designed to limit the exemptions granted and make the penalty for evasion more severe.
159
Why is the fact there were three Hitler youth laws important?
Because the third law was evidently not working as i should be. Indicates people were not listening to the second law and possibly also the first, implies not all parents and young people willing to go along with youth organisations.
160
Why was the Hitler youth initially popular?
Because of role that they were given within it and the importance this carried. Liked the smart uniforms represented belonging to something. Outwardly saying they were more important than the older generation but they become less and less successful as the time went by.
161
What happened to the curriculum (Nazi youth education)
Curriculum staunchly Nazified, focused on German military might and how Jews and Marxists were to blame for the German defeat and surrender, things like biology focused on 'racial purity' and girls taught domestic skills and educated on how to pick a husband.
162
What was promoted over intelligence in the Nazi youth education?
Fitness, the Nazi regime wanted to raise future soldiers.
163
Where would exceptional boys go in the Nazi youth education?
'Adolf Hitler Schools' where they took part in tough physical training and achieved positions in SS or went to university.
164
What was the NSLB (education)?
National Socialist Teachers Association, they would be trained to follow Nazi curriculum if they weren't considered loyal to Nazi cause their students were encouraged to report them to the Gestapo.
165
How were young people indoctrinated through the Nazi youth movement?
Young people told shouldn't associate with Jews, young minds easily took on dangerous ideas. Young people also encouraged to tell tales about people who said things anti the regime. Hitler youth summer camps also appealed greatly and gave poor kids a simmer holiday and city kids the chance to go to the countryside but main point was military training.
166
What were the Edelweiss pirates?
An alternative youth group, rooted in working class and membership around 2,000 by 1939. These groups mainly rebellious youngsters trying to escape intrusive Nazi system. Highly politicised creating links with KPD and beating up Hitler Youth patrols.
167
What happened to the Edelweiss Pirates?
The response of authorities became harsher over time, warnings initially issued with some raids and arrests. December 1942 the Gestapo arrested 739 Edelweiss pirates. They had their heads shaved, detained or sent corrective education or to labour camps. Some tried and executed and 1944 the leader hanged.
168
What were the Swing Youth?
Group of apolitical jazz and swing lovers and mainly upper-middle class youths. Many members of Hitler youth but rejected their ideas, non - Aryan it became more dangerous to associate with the swing crowd. Jazz music offensive to Nazi ideology and events organised by 'Swing Youth' mocked the Nazis, military and Hitler Youth.
169
In what ways can Hitler be seen as a weak dictator?
When not organising and partaking in rallies or public ceremonies he seemed disinterested in day-to-day details of policies and legislation. His patterns of political decision making increasingly haphazard. Cabinet government not used, state in which politics became matter less formal procedures within clearly define institutional structures and more a matter of personal rivalries among elite. He was weak dictator when came to matters where details did not concern him.
170
How was Hitler a strong dictator?
Some emphasised his intentions were at centre of developing policies in third Reich. Notion of totalitarian state in which Hitler effectively exercised absolute power. When areas closest to Hitler's heart - expansionist foreign goals and aggressive racial policies examined clear Hitler never compromised on pursuit of his ultimate aim. Where ultimate outcome mattered then it could be argued Hitler was not a weak dictator.
