Nazi Germany Ten Markers Flashcards
Explain why unemployment was a reason for lack of opposition in Nazi Germany
Unemployment fell right away under the Nazis. They set up building schemes (hospitals, autobahns) to get people into work. They also introduced conscription and got people working in factories making weapons. Pride was restored to the German people. Schemes such as Strength through Joy improved the lives of workers. People were grateful they now had a job and the threat of Communism had been removed. Why would they oppose a party that had done all of these things?
Explain why propaganda was a reason for little opposition in Nazi Germany
Propaganda was used to great effect by Goebbels to ensure obedience and loyalty. Censorship was strictly enforced in the media. No negative comments about the Nazis were allowed. The Rallies and 1936 Olympics demonstrated the growing strength of the Nazis. Possible resistance may have been stamped out if people believed everyone else supported the Nazis.
Explain why terror was a factor in explaining why there was little opposition in Nazi Germany
Terror kept people quiet and forced them to comply. Groups like the SS were used to destroy opposition. The Gestapo could arrest and sentence people without trial. Concentration camps were feared. Anyone sent here was forced to do hard labour and faced harsh punishments. You couldn’t rely on the police or courts to protect you. Anti-Nazi Crimes were punished severely whilst crimes committed by Nazis went unpunished.
Explain how education was used to control people
Education was used to great effect to ensure loyalty. Hitler Youth and the League of German Maidens taught young people about their future roles. The school curriculum was rewritten to ensure that young people understood how great Germany was and the superiority of the Aryan race. If the Nazis could control the youth, they could ensure the next generations obedience. They could also encourage young people to inform on their parents and teachers if they were not loyal Nazis.
Provide evidence that not everyone was successfully controlled by the Nazis.
Young people like the Swing Kids and Edelweiss Pirates resented control over their lives. The Swing kids rejected Nazi culture and wanted to listen to what they wanted. The White Rose group resisted because they disliked Nazi policy towards the Jews. Edelweiss Pirates resented Hitler Youth members who were not much older than themselves.
Military officers also began to turn against the Nazis. In July 1944 a bomb plot to kill Hitler failed.
Some church leaders spoke out against the Nazis; Galen, Bonhoeffer and Niemoller were all critics of the regime.
Give 5 examples of successful economic policies under the Nazis.
- They reduced unemployment right away by setting people to work on public works schemes like hospitals and autobahns.
- The army was rebuilt; men were forced to join up which meant jobs for men.
- Many were set to work in the Armaments industries, creating weapons. This also benefited big businesses who had contracts with these factories.
- Strength through Joy improved the lives of workers by offering holidays, cheap theatre tickets, a VW etc.
- Big businesses no longer had to worry about trade unions. Farmers also benefited from loans and guaranteed markets for their products.
Give 5 criticisms of Nazi economic policy
- Workers lost their rights as trade unions were banned. They couldn’t strike or protest over pay or hours.
- Many people were involved in the scheme for a new car but no one ever received one.
- Wages remained low. People began to grumble about their standard of living.
- Farmers were held back from over-production. Only eldest sons inherited their farms - younger siblings had to look elsewhere.
- Small businesses suffered as the large department stores were not closed (despite previous Nazi promises)
Explain how the Reichstag Fire helped the Nazis to consolidate their power
One week before the elections the Reichstag building set on fire (probably started by the Nazis). The Nazis blamed the Communists. Hitler asked for emergency powers to arrest Communist leaders. Many people felt Germany was under attack from Communists and looked to Hitler to protect them. The Communist vote was banned.
Explain how the Night of the Long Knives helped the Nazis to consolidate their power
Although Hitler was a virtual dictator at this point, he still felt threatened. He set about removing opposition and on this night he murdered the leaders of the SA including Rohm. As many as 400 were executed. Hitler had proven how ruthless he could be. Hindenburg thanked him for his actions and a month later the army swore loyalty to Hitler.
Explain how the Enabling Act helped Hitler to consolidate his power
With the Communists out of the way after the Reichstag Fire, Hitler could now hold new elections with the aim of achieving a majority in the Reichstag. With this achieved he then intimidated them into passing the Enabling Act. This allowed him to make laws without consulting the Reichstag. This made Hitler a virtual dictator however it only gave him power for 4 years. He still was not totally secure.
Explain how the death of Hindenburg helped Hitler to consolidate his power
Soon after the Night of the Long Knives President Hindenburg died and Hitler took over as supreme leader. On 2 August the entire army swore an oath of allegiance to Hitler. They agreed to serve Hitler completely. With the President dead Hitler was now unstoppable.
Give 5 examples of successful Nazi policy on women
- Many women agreed with the Nazi view. Many women believed it was their role to support their husband.
- Incentives were offered to encourage women to have at least 4 children. You got medals for having children; a gold medal for 8. The birth rate did increase.
- Loans were offered to get married and have children. For 4 children you could keep the entire loan.
- Propaganda reinforced the role of women and their duties (Church, Cooking, Children). Their roles were reinforced at school too.
- Many women were forced from their jobs and made to stay at home.
Give 4 examples of unsuccessful Nazi policy towards women
- Not all women subscribed to the Nazi view. Pregnancies outside marriage actually increased.
- Many women resented losing their jobs and opportunities.
- The Nazis had to do an U-turn once WW2 started. They now needed women to come back to the workplace to occupy the jobs taken by the men who had gone off to fight.
- Many members of youth resistance were female - clearly not all girls were taken in by Nazi propaganda.
Explain why the Gestapo was a reason for little opposition in Nazi Germany
Terror kept people quiet and forced them to comply. The Gestapo (secret police) were allowed to arrest people on suspicion and send them to concentration camps without trial. This created a sense of fear amongst the German people that they could be betrayed at any time. The system worked because people were encouraged to inform on each other.
