Traditional Power Structure

Question 1

Traditional Power Structures
Background Fact - power given to Nazis

Answer 1

After Hitler took power, the influence which traditional power structures held was given to the Nazis.

Question 2

Traditional Power Structures
The Cabinet - Before

Answer 2

• Before the Nazi rise to power, the Cabinet could pass any laws in benefit of Germany, until its was down to Hitler to do so.

✓ Making decisions would take a group of people who would think over decisions that would benefit Germany.

Question 3

Traditional Power Structures
The Cabinet - After

Answer 3

• Until 1939, the Cabinet met less and less until they eventually stopped, leaving individual ministers to influence Hitler before he made decisions.

✓ Individuals who were close to Hitler had a bigger influence on his and therefore his decisions

x The Cabinet stopped meeting collectively, limiting the influence which they once had because they were more powerful as one.

Question 4

Traditional Power Structures
Courts and the Legal System - Before

Answer 4

• The legal system before Hitler took power worked without bias and strictly abided to the law.

✓ The lack of bias kept the courts fair and required evidence.

Question 5

Traditional Power Structures
Courts and the Legal System - After

Answer 5

• The Nazis mostly ignored the legal system. Courts and judges were expected to back Nazis in court and judges were often replaced by Nazi judged.

✓ With this bias towards Nazis in court, the Nazis had the power to influence what happens in court, discounting ethics and morals.

x However, this was clearly unfair and the bias towards Nazis was hard to ignore.

Question 6

Traditional Power Structures
The Army - Before

Answer 6

• Before taking full power, Hitler looked for support from the army to avoid any challenges from them as he required protection.

✓ The army was used to protect all of Germany, not just Hitler.

Question 7

Traditional Power Structures
The Army - After

Answer 7

• The Oath of Allegiance forced the army to promise to fight for Hitler personally, rather than for Germany as a whole.

✓ This prevented any opposition from the army and provided Hitler with protection.

x However, the army also had to swear to protect Hitler at all costs, even if that meant committing crime for him.

Question 8

Traditional Power Structures
Historians - In favour of the regime

Answer 8

John Hiden - the legal system effectively worked in favour of the regime