Popularity of Nazi Dictatorship Section A

Question 1

Nazi Support

Answer 1

• Hitler’s promises of work and bread - A huge part of the Nazis’ appeal in the 1933 elections was the promise of ‘Bread and work’, aiming to create jobs for the millions unemployed improving their living standards → creates more support
  -Fear of communism
• Contrast with instability of Weimar government
• Economic policies were popular - Strength through Joy schemes → subsidised holidays and improved

Question 2

Opposition

Answer 2

Religious:
- Christians against Euthanasia. Many members of the church were outspoken against the discrimination and alienation of minority groups.
- The Nazis resorted to signing the Concordat in July 1933, stating the Nazis will not harm the Catholic church or take away its rights, but only if the church agreed to stay away from politics.

Question 3

Impact of WW2

Answer 3

Army plot 1944:
- On july 20th 1944, a plot by senior-level German military officials to murder Hitler and then take control of his government failed when a bomb planted in a briefcase went off but didn’t kill him.
- Shows a lack of support from even those high in command in Nazi Germany.

Turning point was the invasion of Soviet Union - 1941 - decreased support:
- Operation Barbarossa June 1941
- Despite signing the Nazi-Soviet Pact in 1939, Germany invaded the Soviet Union. Meant Germany was now fighting a war on two fronts, against Western Britain and Eastern Soviet Union.
- Due to numerous factors, Operation Barbarossa fails, leaving Germany suffering over 1 million casualties, the first major German defeat.