Nazi Germany 1933-45

Church


 Describe the relationship between the Nazi government and the churches. [5]
Hitler signed a Concordat with the Catholic Church allowing it to keep control of its schools as long as it stayed out of politics.
Hitler tried to get the Protestant Churches to come together in one official Reich Church.
Many Germans still felt their true loyalties lay with their original Churches in their local areas rather than with this state-approved Church.
Some priests led resistance towards the Nazis, such as the Catholic Bishop Galen criticising Nazi policy towards the mentally ill and physically disabled. He had temporary success.
Protestant ministers, like Martin Niemoller, criticised the Nazis and found himself in a concentration camp 1938-1945.


SA/SS/Secret Policy 


 What was the SA? [5] / Describe the activities of the SA. [5]
It was a para-military organisation (storm troopers) formed mainly by ex-soldiers from the Freikorps.
A group formed by Hitler in 1921 and the leader was Ernst Röhm.
They often used violence on political opponents and disrupted meetings of other opposing parties, especially Communists.
                                   
What were the roles of the Gestapo and the SS in Nazi Germany? [5]
The Gestapo was the secret state police which investigated any opposition.
The Gestapo could arrest citizens on suspicion and send them to concentration camps
without trial or explanation.
The SSs prime responsibility was to destroy opposition to Nazism.
The SSs role was to carry out the racial policies of the Nazis.
The SSs Deaths Head units were responsible for the concentration camps and the slaughter of the Jews.
The Waffen-SS were special armoured regiments which fought alongside the regular army.

What was the SS? [2]
An elite group of the SA, members who had sworn oath of loyalty directly to Hitler; personal bodyguard of Hitler; black uniform; ran concentration camps during the Holocaust.

Why did membership of the SA fall from 2.9 million in 1934 to 1.2 million in 1938? [6]
Night of the Long Knives; army opposition; regime and industrialists suspicion of any socialist tendency; unnecessary – SS became more significant; Lutze weaker leader than Rohm; conscription etc.

The most effective method used by the Nazis to control German people was the police state.? [8]
Nazi Germany was a police state with the power of the authorities supreme. This meant that they could arrest and punish people simply because they said something against Hitler and his party.
The SS had unlimited powers to search houses, confiscate property and arrest
people without charge. They could send people to concentration camps without trial.
The Gestapo had power to arrest anyone it wanted and often used informers to report anything that might be anti-Nazi. The Gestapo became the most feared organisation in Germany.
Law and order was under Nazi control with judges having to take an oath of loyalty to Hitler.

Hitler realised the importance of propaganda. He used different methods to put across a limited range of ideas time and time again and ensured other ideas gradually disappeared.
Propaganda was organised by Goebbels, who got the message across through cheap radios and loudspeakers.
Spectacular rallies were held to show the strength of Germany and to encourage
patriotism. The German people were indoctrinated.
If the young could be indoctrinated into the Nazi way of thinking those views were likely to stay with them for the rest of their lives. The Nazis realised that through education they could convert the young to their ideas by teaching from books giving a biased view, teaching that the Aryan race was superior and educating girls
to be perfect mothers and housewives.
The Hitler Youth was used to promote Nazism as well as producing physically fit and healthy youngsters.

Which was the more important in controlling the people: propaganda; the SS and Gestapo? [8]
Hitler realised the importance of propaganda. He used different methods to put across
a limited range of ideas time and time again and ensured other ideas gradually disappeared.
Propaganda was organised by Goebbels who got the message across through cheap radios and loudspeakers. Spectacular rallies were held to show the strength of Germany and to encourage patriotism. The Germany people were indoctrinated.

Hitler set up a police state in order to remove opposition to the Nazis. The police had powers to do what they wanted. The SS was responsible for carrying out racial policies of the Nazis. One unit was responsible for concentration camps. The Waffen-SS were special regiments which fought alongside the regular army.
The Gestapo was the secret police. Their job was to search out opponents. They used informers to uncover any attempts to organise opposition. They could arrest citizens on suspicion and send them to concentration
camps without trial or explanation. They sought information from informers.   S2008


Propaganda/radio


 The radio had a greater effect on the German people than other propaganda.? [8]
S2006 4 Why was radio particularly important to Goebbels? [6]
The medium of information, accessible to all, cheap radios, control of what people heard,
outdoor/indoor broadcasts. Fascinated by this new technology etc.

What were the Nuremberg Rallies? [2]
The Nazis staged mass party rallies designed to show off the partys strength for publicity; They often included organized parades, displays, and speeches made by Hitler.

Describe the use of propaganda by Hitler to control the German people. [5]
Posters gave images a high profile, such as Hitler.
Rallies (such as Nuremberg) were an early form of propaganda. They
showed how popular Hitler was and helped to motivate the ordinary people.
Radio was put to use to broadcast Hitlers speeches.
Newspapers were censored with news slanted in the Nazis favour.
Great propaganda was through the Olympic Games of 1936 which were used
to promote technical efficiency and the supremacy of the Aryan race.
Used to whip up fear and hatred.   It was used to say the Nazi way was the right way.
Controlled by the Ministry of Peoples Enlightenment under Joseph Goebbels.

Describe the work of Goebbels. [5] / Describe how Goebbels controlled the mass media. [4]
He was in charge of the Ministry for Peoples Enlightenment and Propaganda.
He organised Nazi propaganda. His ministry controlled the mass media: radio, press, films. (2)
He organised public book burnings to ensure they did not represent non-Nazi views.
He organised mass rallies and poster campaigns. (2)
To ensure Hitler was heard he made cheap radios available.

2010 4 - Describe how Goebbels controlled literature and art from 1933. [4]
Ministry for Propaganda and Public Enlightenment; only Culture Chambers members licensed; censorship; removal of Jews and their works; subsidies; promotion of German art and literature etc

Why was Goebbels important to Hitler? [7]
Goebbels role was to get the Nazi message across to the people of Germany. He did this by bombarding the German people with the Party message ensuring Hitler had popular support.
At the same time he ensured that views hostile to Nazism were suppressed.
He did this by controlling the radio, press and all areas of culture.
What was broadcast was strictly controlled and so the message could be heard cheap radios were made easily available to all Germans. All culture was controlled and in this way and undesirable influences, such as Jazz, could be kept away from the German people.
To promote support he organised great public displays of Nazism. Posters and photographs of Hitler were everywhere and rallies such as the ones at Nuremberg displayed the strength of the military.

Why did Hitler seek to control all forms of the media? [7]
To continually put across a limited number of ideas – indoctrination.
Control of the media ensured that ideas / messages against Hitlers values and ideas were not spread.
To ensure that non-Nazi ideas were not heard so that only the Nazi
message was heard and that there was no alternative way.
To show how popular Hitler and the Nazis were and to motivate the ordinary Nazi.
So that Hitlers speeches were broadcast.


Which was the more effective in control over the people: repression or propaganda? [8]


Was propaganda a more effective way of keeping the support of German people than terror? [8]
Control of newspapers and radio was the most effective policy in keeping the German
peoples support for the Nazis. How far do you agree?   [8]

Media Control of press; censorship; cheap radios with short range controlled what Germans read or heard.

Other Education; military successes; employment; anti-Semitism;
SS/Gestapo effective; any opposition already crushed or feeble;
control of other aspects of the media. Any successes in military or economy; or any fear factors are relevant here.


Education & youth


 Describe the changes made by the Nazis in education. [4]
What changes did the Nazis make to the school curriculum? [5]
Give two ways in which teaching in schools was controlled by the Nazis. [2]
How did the Nazis use education to indoctrinate young people? [5]
To view recent German history in a particular way. The stab in the back at Versailles
received greater importance, and how the hardships of 1919–23 were caused by Jews squeezing profits out of honest Germans. As children grew older this increased loyalty to the Führer.
Biology lessons were used to make children feel special as part of the Aryan race, superior
in intelligence and strength to others, particularly Jews.
All subjects concentrated on military topics including German heroes, chemistry dealt with
warfare and explosives while Mathematics aided an understanding of military calculations and ballistics.
Membership of the Hitler Youth made young people physically fit, giving them an
understanding of army life such as cleaning, and keeping in good condition, a rifle.
The importance of home and family was continually stressed to girls, so that they saw the
importance of the Nazi policy to the future of the Reich.


Why did Hitler introduce a new curriculum in schools? [6]
Why were the changes made to education important to the Nazis? [7]
To promote Aryan ideal, to brainwash young to support
and perpetuate the Nazi philosophy, anti-Semitism, anti non-Aryan,
use of Maths, Biology, History in support of Nazi political and racial ideas, spy on teachers, parents etc.


What was the Hitler Youth? [5] / Describe the activities of the Hitler Youth. [5]
Offered a variety of leisure pursuits.   Control of young people.
(The activities divide into areas – Physical, subversive/indoctrination, military and female. A
maximum of two marks for any one area.)
An opportunity for boys and girls to enjoy weekend trips, camps, walking and sports. (Max 2)
Subversive – encouraged members to report their parents or teachers if they criticised the
Nazi regime. Comment on the treatment of Jews and comment on the Aryan Race. (Max 2 marks)
Indoctrination into accepting Nazi ideas with loyalty and obedience to Hitler. (1)
A training ground for the army with physical activity and military drill. E.g. marching/firing
singing patriotic songs. (Max 2 marks)
Female – home-making, child bearing, breeding science, physical activities.


 Why was the Hitler Youth Movement an important part of Nazi policy? [7]
Why did the Nazis encourage young people to join the Hitler Youth? [7]
So they could be indoctrinated with Nazi ideas.
To prepare them for adult roles; boys as soldiers and girls as mothers and wives.
The life of young people was controlled in school and the Nazis wanted to control it away from school.
To ensure fitness and therefore be able to fit into their role in society.
To ensure that the first loyalty was not to the family but to Hitler.
Membership of the Hitler Youth made young people physically fit, giving them an
understanding of army life such as using, cleaning, and keeping in good condition, a rifle.
The importance of home and family was continually stressed to girls, so that they saw the
importance of the Nazi policy to the future of the Reich.


Why was it important to win the hearts and minds of young people? [7]
To indoctrinate children and to increase awareness of a view of German history.
To develop a sense of importance compared to others.
To gain a view of being a soldier. For girls to value the family.
If the young could be indoctrinated into the Nazi way of thinking those
views were likely to stay with them for the rest of their lives.
The Nazis realised that through education they could convert the young to
their ideas by teaching from books giving a biased view, teaching that the
Aryan race was superior and educating girls to be perfect mothers and housewives.
To use the Hitler Youth Movements physical activity programme to create fit
young people who would make good soldiers.
To use the League of German Girls to make girls into strong mothers.

To view recent German history in a particular way. The stab in the back at Versailles
received greater importance, and how the hardships of 1919–23 were caused by Jews squeezing profits out of honest Germans. As children grew older this increased loyalty to the Führer.
Biology lessons were used to make children feel special as part of the Aryan race, superior
in intelligence and strength to others, particularly Jews.
All subjects concentrated on military topics including German heroes, chemistry dealt with warfare and explosives while Mathematics aided an understanding of military calculations and ballistics.


The Hitler Youth was the most successful Nazi organisation.?   [8]
How successful were the Nazis in winning the support of young people? Explain. [8]
Nazi education and youth policies were not effective in controlling young people.?  [8]
How far did young people support the policies of the Nazis?   [8]

For:
The Hitler Youth was founded in 1926. By 1939 it had over seven million members, the vast majority of young Germans. It was used to prepare boys and girls for their roles in life. Many were attracted to join as other associations were banned and this offered many activities.
The League of German Maidens offered domestic skills and preparation for motherhood. Many were happy to join as there were few other organisations for them. Many enjoyed the activities such as camping and the sports.

Against:
In 1936 membership of the Hitler Youth was made compulsory although some young people were reluctant to join. About one million failed to join. Many joined the Catholic Youth organisation rather than the Hitler Youth.
In the late 1930s gangs began to appear on street corners. They had their own music and looked for Hitler Youth members to beat them up.
Some gangs considered themselves part of a wider group called the Edelweiss Pirates.
They were anti-authority and anti-Nazi. During the war they helped deserters and escaped prisoners.
The “Swing” movement was mainly middle-class teenagers. They listened to American
and English music, preferring jazz to regimentation. They accepted Jews at their clubs.


Women


 Describe Nazi policies towards women in Germany. [4]
Role as homemaker in support of husband, KKK,
have children for the Aryan race and military, not take male jobs.
League of German Maidens, women steering committee to oversee all women organizations.

attitude / views towards women / role of women/ the family?
Motherhood and family life were an important part of Nazi propaganda.
The Nazis held traditional and conservative views of the role of women. Women were not equal to men.
Women were expected to stay at home and raise children.
Women were encouraged to have large families and were rewarded if they did.

Why did the Nazis discourage women from going out to work? [7]
Ideological:
It was a male dominated society. So she could support her husband. To produce German children.
Motherhood and family life were important parts of Nazi propaganda.
They had traditional views about family matters.
Women were not equal with men. They were expected to remain at home to raise children.

Increase Germanys strength:
Hitler was alarmed at the falling birth rate and women were encouraged to have large families.
The birth rate was falling and they wanted this increased to provide the army of the future.

Economic:
To decrease male unemployment and to reduce unemployment figures.
Unemployment was high and Hitler wanted to get men into employment and so women
were encouraged not to go out to work.

Why did the Nazis try to change the role of women / control? [7]
Why were women important in Hitler’s plans for Germany? [7]
Why was family life important to Nazi beliefs? [6] s2010 11, 2010 4, 2006, 2003
To increase the birth-rate.  Men needed the jobs.   The Nazis held traditional views.
Hitler wanted to create the Aryan Race.   To secure large numbers for the army.
The Nazis held traditional views about the place of women in society. It was to be at home as child bearers.
The Nazis preferred women to adopt a more traditional role of wife and mother.
The birth-rate was falling and women were encouraged, through Nazi propaganda, to have as many children as possible.
Unemployment was high and Hitler wanted to get men into employment and so women were
encouraged not to go out to work.
During the late 30s, the Nazis changed their views as they had to find ways of getting women back to work to help the war effort.


How successful were Nazi policies towards women and the family? [8]
Many conservative Germans embraced the Nazi notion of traditional values and gender roles.
The policy to increase the birth rate was successful. Male unemployment reduced significantly.
Many women received awards or cash funding for their work.
The birth rate had increased by 45% by 1939.

The policy of non-employment for women was partially successful and full of contradictions.
Women employment remained high throughout Nazi rule. There were 1.2 million more women working after six years of Nazi rule than there had been at the start. This was as a result of a war economy requiring workers in the factories and as the male unemployed were now employed, women were used. This was particularly true after the start of war.

Many women objected to their role as second-class citizens and some joined left-wing opposition political groups like the Communists or social Democrats to campaign for better status. Others criticised these policies because they ignored those women who had particular talents for certain types of employment.

Racial policy  


Give two groups forcibly sterilised in Nazi Germany. [2] 
Jews, Gypsies, the mentally disabled, the physically disabled, homosexuals

Describe the treatment of the Jews in Nazi Germany from 1935. [5]  w2002
Mercy killings; sterilised; medical experiments;  guinea pigs for gassing etc. (1 – 2)
Law of Prevention of Hereditary diseases 1933; about 400 000 legally forced sterilisations for mentally ill; congenital feeblemindedness; physical deformity, epilepsy; blindness; deafness; severe alcoholism; secretly operated T4 – euthanasia from 1939 etc.
In 1935 the Nuremberg Laws took away German citizenship from Jews.
Jews could not marry or have sex with pure blooded Germans.
Jews were often refused jobs and people refused to serve them in shops.
In schools, Jewish children were humiliated and then segregated. Jewish teachers were fired.
In 1938, as a result of Kristallnacht, Jewish shops, businesses and synagogues were smashed.
Many Jews were murdered or sent to concentration camps such as Dachau.
From 1942, Jews were rounded up in Germany and the rest of Europe and sent to
extermination camps as part of the Final Solution.

Why were minorities in Germany in the 1930s made to suffer by the Nazis? [7] 2011, s2007, 2005
Why did the Nazis persecute many different groups in German society? [7]
Why did Hitler persecute minority groups in Germany? [7]
Why were the Jews persecuted by the Nazis? [7] S2011 13
Because they were Aryans. Their race was the master race. They believed they were superior. They thought other races were not worthy of respect. The Nazis persecuted other groups including homosexuals and mentally disabled as they did not match up to the master race.
Homosexuality was despised by the Nazis as it was not in keeping with their ideal of Aryan masculinity. Disabled people were also considered as not part of the master race.

Because Germany lost the war.  Nazi propaganda blamed the Jews for the defeat in the First World War. Communists, Jews and other undesirables were accused of undermining Germanys efforts in the First World War.
Anti-Semitism, or the hatred of Jews, was rife in Russia and Germany long before the Nazis appeared, but the Nazis used this ill-feeling to blame Jews for many of Germanys woes, such as losing the First World War.

To remove opposition.

People of Eastern European descent also received harsh treatment at the hands of the Nazis, who considered them racially inferior. They also lost their citizenship.

Hitler hated Jews insanely. In his years of poverty in Vienna, he became obsessed by the fact that Jews ran many of the most successful businesses, particularly the large department stores. This offended his idea of the superiority of Aryans.


Kristallnacht (Nov 1938)

Describe the events of Kristallnacht. [5] 
In November 1938 a young Jew killed a German diplomat in Paris. The Nazis used this as an excuse to launch violent revenge on Jews. (2 marks)
Plain-clothes SS troopers were issued with pickaxes and hammers and the addresses of Jewish businesses. They ran riot, smashing up Jewish shops and work places. (2 marks)
Ninety-one Jews were murdered and hundreds of synagogues were burned. (2marks)
Twenty thousand Jews were taken to concentration camps.
Many Germans were alarmed and concerned.   

What did Hitler hope to achieve from the 1936 Olympics and what happened? [5]
Hitler hoped to show that Germany was superior.
Hitler hoped to use the Games to show the supremacy of the Aryan race.
Hitler wanted to show the world the achievements of Nazi Germany and its technical efficiency. Foreign visitors were highly impressed with the excellence of the facilities and the efficiency of the organisation. The German team won 33 gold, 26 silver and 30 bronze medals, far more than other teams. The star of the Games was Jesse Owens, a black American, winning four gold medals and breaking eleven world records. This did not please Hitler.

Why did the Nazis introduce the Final Solution? [7]
It was a long term plan of the Nazis.   The policy of mass murder evolved.
Hitlers personal dislike of Jews.       Their race was the master race   
Nazis believed they were the master race and that other races were inferior.
Nazi propaganda blamed the Jews for the defeat in the First world War.
Historians have debated whether or not the Final Solution was the result of a long term plan of Hitler. Some historians, however, believe the policy of mass murder evolved during the war years.
Hitler had a personal dislike of Jews from his days in Vienna. He saw how successful many Jewish businessmen were and he envied their lifestyle. From these early days, Hitler blamed the Jews for many things – the First World War, the stab in the back, and the Depression. In his speeches he regularly talked of the annihilation of the Jews. Hitler was ultimately responsible,

How far did racial issues dominate Nazi policies?   [8] s2010 41, w2003 4
The Final Solution was Hitlers major aim throughout his leadership of the Nazi Party.? [8]
Main - Extermination of Jews evident aim from earliest Party membership – detail in 25 points and Mein Kampf; persecution from 1930s etc.
strict Aryan policies re Jews, minorities, Slavs; family; exploitation of “inferior” workers etc.

Others - Only decided in 1942; Hitler was not at Wannsee; overturning Versailles;
pursuit of power in Germany and then Europe and the world; economic recovery; Slavs as despised as the Jews etc.  totalitarian state, getting rid of opposition; Lebensraum, economy, re-armament



Economic policy


 Describe the Nazi plans for self-sufficiency / autarky. [5] s2010 12, 2008
It was to ensure they could meet their needs.
e.g. The policy of making Germany economically self-sufficient was called Autarky.
Hitler wanted to stop Germany being dependent on imports, especially raw materials and food, if war began. He remembered what had happened in the First World War.
Farmers were encouraged to increase yields and food prices were controlled.
There was manufacturing of synthetic rubber and experimentation to produce petrol from coal to reduce the dependency on foreign countries.
The policy was under the direction of Hermann Goering. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7m6b1cyRyo


What was the German Labour Front (DAF)? [2]


What actions did the Nazis take to reduce unemployment? [5]
By joining the army.
By introducing public works.
By introducing conscription and rearmament.
By attempting to make Germany self–sufficient.
The labour Service Corps provided young men with manual labour jobs. From 1935 it was compulsory for all 18–25 year olds to serve six months. Workers lived in camps, wore uniforms and were poorly paid.
Unemployed men were used to build government-funded roads, motorways, houses, hospitals and schools.
From 1935 all men aged 18–25 were compelled to do military service for two years.
Rearmament provided thousands of jobs in arms factories making guns, tanks and planes. (2)
Neither Jews or women were registered as unemployed. Many Jews were driven out of their jobs which became available to Germans. Married women were encouraged to give up their jobs and stay at home. (2)
The Nazis created jobs by giving government land to farmers and manufacturers in an effort
to make the country self-sufficient in food, raw materials and manufactures.


What was the Strength through Joy programme introduced by the Nazis? [5]
Describe the activities of the Strength Through Joy organization. [4]
It was a leisure scheme.  The Nazis organised peoples leisure time.
Level 2 Describes programme [2–5] (One mark for each relevant point; additional mark for supporting detail.)
e.g. It was a state controlled leisure organisation.  It was part of the German Labour Front.
Kraft durch Freude or KdF was the Strength through Joy organisation.
The KdF provided affordable leisure activities for German workers. It hoped to motivate the workforce.
The activities organised included concerts, plays, libraries, day trips and holidays.
The KdF had its own cruise liners eg Wilhelm Gustloff.
Part of the work of the KdF was the production of an affordable car, the KdF-Wagen, later known as the Volkswagen Beetle. The War interrupted the scheme and no ordinary worker received one.


Why was Hitler able to gain popularity with male workers? [7] 


Oppositions / Support / popularity


 Why was there little opposition, in Germany, to Nazi rule? [7] 2010
To what extent did the German people turn against Hitler during Second World War? [8]? 2011, 2006
Hitler had removed all opposition to Nazi rule within Germany by end of 1935. Do you agree? [8]
How successful was the Nazi regime in dealing with opposition?   [8]
By the end of 1930s, did Hitler control Germany by oppression or by popular support? [8] S11 13 - 2010, 2006, 2004, 2003
How far had Hitlers policies gained the support of the German people by 1939? [8]
Most Germans supported the Nazis during their 12 years in power. Do you agree ? [8]
How popular was the Nazi regime with the German people?   [8]
How total was the control the Nazis had over the German people before 1939? [8]

Success
Many Germans admired and trusted Hitler. Many were attracted by the promises made by the Nazis. They would rather tolerate rule by terror and loss of political freedom in return for work, foreign policy success and a strong government.

Large numbers of Germans supported Hitler because of his promises of revenge for the Treaty of Versailles. Success in foreign affairs made Germans feel that their country was a great power again after the humiliations of the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles.
Many were happy with Hitler’s attack on the Treaty of Versailles. Success in foreign affairs made Germans feel that their country was a great power again after the humiliations of the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles.

Hitler brought economic recovery. He offered them leadership which would steer them to stability and prosperity following the Great Depression. Through public works programs and the re-armament programme, unemployment was reduced. As well as bringing employment, these measures brought national pride. Hitler gained the loyalty of his workers through the “Strength Through Joy” movement, the state scheme to buy a car and the Beauty of Labour movement.

The Hitler Youth was supported by most young people. The Hitler Youth gave adventure and challenge to many young boys.


Opposition

In 1944 opposition grew among army officers, leading to July Bomb Plot. Some of the army officers were worried the war was going badly and planned to blow Hitler up. It went wrong and they were all executed.
Some young people also began to rebel during the war like the Swing Youth. They were
fed up with the Nazis controlling their lives and giving them no freedom.

The Swing gang and the Edelweiss Pirates were generally regarded as delinquents but
during the war they got involved in spreading anti-Nazi propaganda and in 1944 took part
in an attack in which a Gestapo officer was killed. Some were arrested and publicly executed.
Hans and Sophie Scholl led a student groups in Munich called the White Rose Movement.
They were executed in 1943 for ant-Nazi activities.

Not all women accepted the changes and some joined illegal opposition groups. The policies ignored those women who had particular talents for certain types of jobs.
Not all youth supported Hitler Youth and eventually it had to be made compulsory. Teenage rebels began to appear on street corners. They played their own music and mixed together. Some joined the Edelweiss Pirates and student movements like the White Rose.

Church leaders opposed Nazi involvement in religion and were sent to concentration camps.

Nazis replied on control by force and terror:
-       Nazi Germany was a police state with supreme power. They could arrest and punish people simply because they had spoken out against the Nazis.
-       The SS and the Gestapo had unlimited powers to arrest people without charge. They terrorized people into obedience or send them into concentration camps where people were tortured or indoctrinated.
-       The media was totally controlled.
-       All political parties and public meetings were banned
-       The Enabling Act of 1934
-       The Gestapo had networks of informers and encouraged people to inform on their neighbours and children to inform on their parents. All this meant that for a long time the Nazis did not have many opponents.
-       All the main opponents of the Nazis were killed or put in concentration camps, such as Sophie Scholl and Pastor Bonheoffer. The rest had been scared into submission.


How far did people in Germany benefit from Nazi rule?   [8]
To what extent did German people benefit from Nazi rule in the 1930s? Explain  [8]
When Hitler came to power, 6 million were unemployed. He created jobs through the rearmament
programme and conscription.
Public works schemes, such as the building of autobahns, created more jobs.
The Beauty of Labour organisation made bosses improve working conditions by installing
better ventilation and lighting, serving hot meals and creating factory gardens.
The Strength through Joy programme provided opportunities for the low paid to take
holidays and partake of cheap sporting facilities.
The youth benefited by being offered opportunities to take up activities that improved health and fitness.

Workers had no rights, they had to join the Nazi Labour Front, and free trade unions were
banned. Wages stayed low while working hours increased.
There were few consumer goods to purchase. The cost of living increased in the 1930s. Most basic groceries cost more and food items were in short supply.
Women were expected to give up their jobs and look after the home.
There was a significant amount of indoctrination through the Hitler Youth and schools as well as through propaganda. Those who opposed the Nazis were rounded up and sent to concentration camps.


Nazism in General


 Was Nazi Germany a totalitarian state?   [8]
There was a fixed way of thinking.   Germany was single party state.
Police control was based on terror.   The media was totally controlled.
The country was open to visitors.  The government was not united.   People were brainwashed.
The political peace which existed in Germany following the Night of the Long Knives
enabled the Nazis to remodel German society according to their values and beliefs.
German people were to be accountable for their thoughts and feelings as well as their
actions. The demands of the Nazi state were more important than the rights of the individual.
Nazi Germany was a police state with the power of the authorities supreme. This meant that
they could arrest and punish people simply because they said something against Hitler and his party.
The SS had unlimited powers to search houses, confiscate property and arrest people
without charge. They could send people to concentration camps without trial.
The Gestapo had power to arrest anyone it wanted and often used informers to report
anything that might be anti-Nazi. The Gestapo became the most feared organisation in Germany.
Law and order was under Nazi control with judges having to take an oath of loyalty to Hitler.
Until the outbreak of war in 1939, Germany was still open to visitors and foreign journalists,
unlike the Soviet Union.

The Nazis were sensitive to hostile comments from abroad. An example of this relates to
Hitler stopping those in the Party who wished to take extreme measures against the Churches.
The way in which the Nazis enforced their style of government changed dramatically after
the outbreak of war in 1939. For example the numbers in concentration camps increased significantly.
The Nazi government was not united. No-one questioned Hitler’s authority at the top, but there were fierce struggles for power in the ranks beneath him. Each Party official fought for their own interests and the favour of the Führer. This strengthened Hitler’s position but weakened the control of the Nazi government.


Other possible questions

Give two methods of repression the Nazis used to control the population. [2]

Give two features of the Nazi totalitarian state. [2]

How far did Germany achieve more in foreign affairs than in domestic affairs in the period 1923–1929?   [8]

How far did the coming of war change life in Nazi Germany?   [8]

What was Mein Kampf ? [4]

How successful was the Nazi Government in its control of German society after 1933? [8]