Opposition from the church (CH4)

Question 1

What were Nazi characteristics?

Answer 1

• Glorified strength and violence
• Despised the weak or disabled
• Believed in racial superiority
• Saw Hitler as the god
• Protestant churches were loosely organised without a leader

Question 2

What were Christianity’s characteristics?

Answer 2

• Encourages love and forgiveness
• Helps the weak
• Respect for everyone
• Belief in god - Jesus
• Catholic churches were led by the pope

Question 3

How was the church a threat to the Nazis?

Answer 3

• Nearly all Germans were Christians and the Protestant church had more members than the Nazis Party
• They had massive amounts of schools and youth organisations
• The churches preached tolerance and peace (contrary to the Nazis)

Question 4

How was the church NOT a threat to the Nazis?

Answer 4

• Many church members voted for Hiler
• There was a common ground where both believe in the importance of Family
• They were looking for a great leader
• If they built on the church they’d be stronger

Question 5

When was the Concordat signed?

Answer 5

June 1933

Question 6

What did the Concordat state?

Answer 6

Catholics could carry on their religious works (catholic schools and youth groups would be left alone)
Pope promised they would stay out of politics

Question 7

Who were the 3 main people that opposed the Nazis?

Answer 7

Martin Niemoller
Bishop Galen
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Question 8

Why did Niemoller oppose the Nazis?

Answer 8

• He didn’t like German Christians
• Didn’t like that they wanted to reject the old testament because it was Jewish

Question 9

How did Niemoller oppose the Nazis?

Answer 9

He formed an alternative Confessional church which focused on christianity

Question 10

What happened to Niemoller?

Answer 10

He was sent to concentration camp but survived war

Question 11

Why did Bishop Galen oppose the Nazis?

Answer 11

• ridiculous to refuse the old testament because it was Jewish
• Against the idea that disabled children should be euthanised
• Believed the Nazis were threatening human rights

Question 12

How did Galen oppose the Nazis?

Answer 12

• Protested against the removal of Catholic crucifixes in 1936
• Helped the pope write a letter which criticised what the Nazis were doing
• His sermons were printed and published
• He made Hitler halt his euthanasia programme

Question 13

What happened to Galen?

Answer 13

the Nazis couldn’t arrest him because he was popular and had lots of followers - could’ve lead to a rebellion