Opposition to Nazi rule, 1933-39

Question 1

What sort of political opposition did the Nazis face?

Answer 1

• There were no attempts from Socialists to challenge or topple the Nazi regime until well into WW2
• However, in the 1930s there was some sabotage of factories, railways and army stores
• The Gestapo claimed to have broken up 1000 opposition meetings in 1936
• They seized 1.6 million anti-Nazi leaflets
• You could conclude that either political opposition was still active (that’s a lot of leaflets!) or that it was powerless (what good was a leaflet against the barrage of Nazi propaganda)

Question 2

What sort of social opposition did the Nazis face? (Card 1)

Answer 2

• This was people or groups who tried to keep their own identity or refused to accept and conform to Nazi ideals
• Widespread apathy towards parades and propaganda
• Local party officials reported that they increasingly had to bully people to attend Nazi rallies

Question 3

What sort of social opposition did the Nazis face? (Card 2)

Answer 3

• Nazis had to use ‘radio wardens’ to force people to listen to Hitler’s speeches
• Gestapo reported lots of complaining in bars, trains and other public places
• Some people refused to give the Heil Hitler salute, others told jokes about him and the Nazis or refused to contribute to party funds
• National Church leaders publicly criticised the Nazis
• Pastor Grueber risked his life to protect Jews