Nazis and the Church Flashcards
Why did Hitler wanted to reduce the Church’s power?
The church was very influential in the 1930’s. It was involved in national matters like education and worked closely with the state. Some prominent Nazis were anti-Christian and Nazi ideology disagreed with the role the church traditionally had in society.
What did he want from the Church?
He wanted it to be diminished so that he could echo his Nazi propaganda more effectively. The Nazi party was careful to maintain support from both the Catholics and the Protestants during it’s rise to power due to their popularity. As Hitler consolidated his totalitarian state, his control over churches increased.
What happened in July 1933?
An agreement between the Nazi government and the Pope called the Concordat was signed. Each side promised not to intervene in the other’s domain. However, Hitler soon broke the deal.
How was the Catholic church persecuted?
1) Catholic church’s role in education was restricted
2) In 1936 all crucifixes were removed from schools and by 1939 Catholic education had been destroyed
3) The Nazis began to arrest priests and put them on trial
4) Catholic newspapers were supressed and the Catholic Youth group was banned
What did the Pope do in 1937?
He spoke out against Hitler in a letter to Catholic Churches in Germany.
