Why Nazis Maintained Power Flashcards
Intro
Weimar Republic struggled to maintain power in Germany after Great Depression
January 1933
- Hitler became Chancellor of Germany which gave Nazis power
Remained in power until Germany was defeated in WWII in 1945
Line of Argument
Totalitarian state most important
Factors
Social policies, economic policies, propaganda & fear & state terrorism
Totalitarian State - Knowledge
From outset Hitler wanted complete control in Germany. After passing of Reichstag Fire Law which took away free speech and gave the power to arrest political enemies, Hitler looked for more permanent solution
Enabling Act of 1933 turned Germany into a dictatorship, originally for 4 years
Trade Unions also banned and replaced by German Labour Front which meant workers did not have a voice
Totalitarian State - Analysis For
No one able to challenge them legally. Silenced opposition & made Nazi regime more secure as no dissenting voices
Totalitarian State - Analysis Against
Possible to question extent of control. Even after Reichstag fire elections, Nazis only polled 43.9% of vote. Suggests many still stood against them & questions whether they had complete control
Totalitarian State - Evaluation
Quite important as it became illegal to form a new political party in July 1933
Social Policies - Knowledge
Nazis wanted to control every aspect of German life
Groups such as Hitler Youth & League of German Maidens for children
- Provided activities such as hiking & camping
Education gave pro-Nazi bias
- History taught to glorify Germany & biology taught that Germans were superior race
Policies aimed at women to further Master race
- Given gold medal if they had 8 children
Social Policies - Analysis For
Many supported policies. Children liked adventure of Hitler Youth & women felt proud when recognised for doing duty. People continued to support the regime as lives improved compared to under Weimar
Social Policies - Analysis Against
Sometimes social policies turned people against regime. Edelweiss Pirates rebelled against Hitler Youth & would attack camping trips. Shows not all Germans conformed to regime
Social Policies - Evaluation
Quite important as they indoctrinated youths meaning they believed in Nazi ideology as they didn’t know any different. Totalitarian state more important as William Simpson states “In a rapid series of moves, Hitler consolidates own position, extended authority of Reich government over individual German states & crushed all potential sources of opposition”
Economic Policies - Knowledge
Nazis worked to improve economy. Reich Labour Service helped create jobs. Employed men aged 19-25 on compulsory basis
Employed in public work schemes building schools & hospitals
After 1935 conscription of men into army reduced unemployment. With build-up of armed forces jobs created in aviation & shipbuilding
Economic Policies - Analysis For
Promised to solve economic problems when they came to power & falling unemployment figures made it look as though they were successful. People supported them as they’d fulfilled their promises
Economic Policies - Analysis Against
Not everyone enthused by their policies. Wages were low & in Reich Labour Service it was more like pocket money. Meant the men who worked there didn’t see real economic improvements & sometimes spoke out against Nazi regime
Economic Policies - Evaluation
Quite important as they built autobahns & modernised farming but totalitarian state more important as the Night of the Long Knives showed Hitler was willing to wipe out any opposition
Propaganda - Knowledge
Joseph Goebbels was Minister of Propaganda & placed in charge of all aspects of media & arts
Nazis used speeches, rallies & posters to spread ideology
- 1 million attended Nuremberg rallies
Radios provided for cheap with limited stations so all Germans heard was Nazi propaganda
Used simple slogans like “One People, One Empire, One Leader”
Propaganda - Analysis For
Whole Nazi regime was propaganda exercise. People constantly reminded of Nazi policies & ideas. Some of this must’ve had an impact in encouraging support for regime
Propaganda - Analysis Against
More difficult to influence minds of German adults just through propaganda. Already had own ideas & posters or rallies wouldn’t change that. Other factors such as economic problems must’ve played a part
Propaganda - Evaluation
Quite important as it was everywhere but many think people knew stories were selective in their use of facts. Totalitarian state more important as Hitler got rid of anti-Nazi judges which meant no fair trials could take place
Fear & State Terrorism - Knowledge
First concentration camp set up in Dachau in 1933
- Run by SS soldiers & prisoners were treated horribly & forced to work in terrible conditions
Gestapo were secret police of Nazis. Wore plain clothes & had around 160,000 informants
Gestapo often used intense questioning & torture to extract confessions
Fear & State Terrorism - Analysis For
People may’ve been scared to speak out against Nazis in fear of what might happen to them or their families. Instead, they would have to stay quiet or support regime
Fear & State Terrorism - Analysis Against
Some historians suggest people weren’t scared of Gestapo & instead used them to settle personal grievances. Wasn’t fear that made people inform but suspicion or jealousy
