Oppositions Flashcards
What was the first religious opposition to Hitler?
The first was the Pastors’ Emergency League. This was set up in 1933, early in the Nazi regime by leading Protestant pastors at the time. The League argued against the creation of a National Reich Church and attempted to stop smaller churches signing up to the Reich Church. They also fought to keep the Old Testament being used in Church services as the Nazis saw it as a link to Judaism.
What was the confessing church?
To put a stop to the Nazi efforts, the League set up the Confessing Church as a rival to the National Reich Church. In all it had 6000 pastors involved in it. In services they would speak out against the Nazis, but this was a risky business. It resulted in arrest of around 800 pastors who were then sent to concentration camps.
Who were the Edelweisis Pirates?
This group of young people appeared during the later part of the 1930s, in the districts of large cities. These districts were mainly made up of working class people. There were groups across Germany in differing cities each called something different. However, each group used the white edelweiss flower to show support with the wider Edelweiss movement.
Who was part of the edelweiss pirates?
Membership of the groups was predominantly teenagers. Teenagers who joined were unhappy with the lifestyle which were imposed upon them by the Nazis. They did not like the military aspects of the lifestyle which was imposed by the Nazis. In open defiance to the Nazi beliefs the members of the Edelweiss Pirates, wore white or checked shirts and white socks. This was a stark contrast to the military uniforms of the Hitler Youth or League of German Maidens.
Who were the swing youth?
The Swing Youth, like the Edelweiss Pirates, were teenagers who rebelled against the Nazis. They were typically from more wealthy families than the Edelweiss pirates. Despite this however, those in the Swing Youth also idolised culture from the United States of America
What did the swing youth do?
To this end, members of the Swing Youth would illegally import records from the US with music on them. They would often listen to swing music from the great swing bands, hence the name the Swing Youth. Listening to illegal music became a social event for those involved. Large groups would get together, listen to music, smoke and drink.
