Power and Authority Syllabus (2025)

3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Core Study: Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919–1946 Syllabus: Survey: 1.1 an overview of the peace treaties which ended World War I and their consequences Focus of study: 2. The rise of dictatorships after World War I 2.1 the...

3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Core Study: Power and Authority in the Modern World 1919–1946 Syllabus: Survey: 1.1 an overview of the peace treaties which ended World War I and their consequences Focus of study: 2. The rise of dictatorships after World War I 2.1 the conditions that enabled dictators to rise to power in the interwar period 2.2 an overview of the features of the dictatorships that emerged in Russia, Italy, Japan 3. The Nazi regime to 1939 3.1 the rise of the Nazi party and Hitler in Germany and the collapse of the Weimar Republic 3.2 the initial consolidation of Nazi power 1933–1934 3.3 the nature of Nazi ideology 3.4 the role of prominent individuals in the Nazi state 3.5 the various methods used by the Nazi regime to exercise control, including laws, censorship, repression, terror, propaganda, cult of personality 3.6 the impact of the Nazi regime on life in Germany, including cultural expression, religion, workers, youth, women, minorities including Jews 3.7 opposition to the Nazi regime 4. The search for peace and security in the world - an overview of the search for peace and security 1919–1946: 4.1 the ambitions of Germany in Europe and Japan in the Asia-Pacific 4.2 the intentions and authority of the League of Nations and the UN key: - action time - source time 1 3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 2  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 3.1 the rise of the Nazi party and Hitler in Germany and the collapse of the Weimar Republic DECODE THE DOT POINT It is important to see this dot point as two interwoven ones – as the Weimar Republic begins to crumble, so too the Nazi Party is on the move – in the opposite direction. The connection between these two forces is the crux of this dot point – with the key driving question being – To what extent is the rise of the Nazi Party the reason for the demise of the Weimar Republic? Key dates (review your Overview booklet’s timeline) and statistics are vital to demonstrate this, dates of elections and events as well as the percentages of Reichstag seats each party holds. But who are these parties and the people who led them? 3  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Political Parties: Draw these parties on the below, add Australia’s main political parties too: 4  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Who were the main people involved? Chancellors Term Party Ebert Nov 1918-Feb 1919 Social Democratic Party Scheidemann Feb 1919-June 1919 Social Democratic Party Bauer June 1919-Mar 1920 Social Democratic Party Muller Mar 1920-June 1920 Social Democratic Party Fehrenbach June 1920-May 1921 Centre Party Wirth May 1921-Nov 1922 Centre Party Cuno Nov 1922-Aug 1923 No party affiliation Stresemann Aug 1923-Nov 1923 German People’s Party Marx Nov 1923-Jan 1925 Centre Party Luther Jan 1925-May 1926 No party affiliation Marx May 1926-June 1928 Centre Party Muller June 1928-Mar 1930 Social Democratic Party Bruning Mar 1930-May 1932 Centre Party Von Papen May 1932-Dec 1932 Support from the Centre Von Schleicher Dec 1932-Jan 1933 No party affiliation Hitler Jan 1933-May 1945 NSDAP PRESIDENTS Term Ebert 1919-1925 Hindenburg 1925-1934 Analyse the above data and following viewpoints to predict the outcome of the new Weimar Republic: 5  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Guided Reading: highlight each bolded word and create definitions for each one in your book. Background After the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm and his cousin Prince Max Von Baden, there were no contenders for the ‘crown’ of Germany. Fredrick Ebert (Leader of the SPD) became the new Chancellor; however, Germany was still in chaos. To try and stabilise Germany, Ebert negotiated a deal with General Groener, Head of the High Command, to form a new democratic government. The Ebert-Groener Pact was created and Germany was declared a republic. However, the new democratic government was still in trouble. It was facing opposition from other political parties, the most radical of these were the Spartacists. They planned to overthrow the government and set up a Council of Workers (or soviets). In January 1919 the Spartacists Putsch (uprising) began. However, the government under Ebert had already gained the support of the Freikorps (ex-soldiers). On the 10th of January over 2000 Freikorps attacked the Spartacists in Berlin. Hundreds of people were killed. On the 15th of January Luxemburg and Liebknecht were beaten and killed. This divided the left, because the communists never forgave the SPD for this, which prevented the left from uniting later in the 1930s. After this, Ebert held an election for a new parliament, where the SPD won a majority of seats and was able to form a government. On the 11th February 1919 in the German town of Weimar, Ebert was elected the first president of the Weimar Republic. Workings of the Government The government contained a President, Chancellor and Reichstag (representative parliament). The people would vote in the Reichstag (like our lower house). It was their jobs to pass laws. Then someone (like our PM) would then need a majority of support (at least 50%) to become Chancellor. Often he would need to form a coalition to get a majority. The Chancellor created laws. There was also the Reichsrat, which was able to veto laws (like our Senate), it had ‘equal representation’ from all states based on their population. The President was voted in every 7 years and he would have the final say on who became Chancellor. Usually the President would just pick the leader of the largest party, but not always. The President could also dissolve the Reichstag at any time (this happened a lot). The President was also in charge of the army. The President also had the ability to pass laws without the Reichstag using a Diktat. 6  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 The Republic and Constitution One of the most controversial features of the new republic was the constitution, adopted in August 1919. It had many positives and offered the Germans equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, equality of the sexes, freedom of religious practice, and a social welfare system. It also put the democratic power in the hands of regular people, with the vote for all people over the age of 20. The voting system implemented was Proportional Representation (Article 22), which meant that the amount of representatives in the Reichstag was directly related to the amount of votes they received in the election. For example, if the SPD achieved 20% of the votes, they would therefore have 20% of the representatives in the Reichstag. It meant that minority parties would be represented and was thought to be more democratic. However, it also made it difficult for any government to form a majority, so lead to government via coalitions. Between 1919 and 1933 there were 21 coalition governments. There were some issues with the constitution. The old ruling class (army, judiciary and bureaucracy) lost power but retained their positions, and these people were openly hostile to the new government. There were also many constitutional ‘loopholes’ that politicians had the ability to exploit. Emergency decrees allowed the president to dismiss the Reichstag (Article 48), override any aspect of the constitution and use the military to keep control. Based on your readings and definitions, complete the following and share with the class: THE WEIMAR CONSTITUTION 7  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Annotated reading – read through the following information, annotate social/political/economic in the margins. Issues Faced by the Weimar Republic Impact of the Treaty of Versailles For Germany the Treaty of Versailles was a ‘punitive treaty’. People in Germany hated the Treaty, and the right wing would later use this to gain support from the masses. However, the economic and social impact of the Treaty of Versailles had a significant impact on the Weimar Republic. When the Weimar Republic attempted to reduce the size of the army (under the terms of the treaty) the army revolted. Led by General Ehrhardt, the Army marched on Berlin, seized the Government and installed Wolfgang Kapp as leader of a right-wing government, with goals to reinstate the monarchy. This is known as the Kapp Putsch (1920). The army refused to fight against the Kapp Putsch, as they refused to fire on fellow soldiers. The government lasted 4 days before order was restored. During WW1 all war governments practised a policy of inflation to pay for the war efforts. At the end of the war, most other countries suffered from a period of recession and readjustment to pay for wartime expenses and debt. However, the Weimar Republic felt that they were not in a position to do this, so they continued with inflation to pay for their new social welfare programs and reparation repayments (US $40 billion). In 1922 Germany defaulted on a payment to France, when it failed to deliver 140,000 telegraph poles. As a result, France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr Valley. The Ruhr Valley was the industrial heartland of Germany at this time. The German government reacted to this by issuing a policy of ‘passive resistance’, where German workers would slow down or strike to prevent French and Belgium troops taking the goods as payment. The Government still even paid the worker’s wages. However, the situation soon resulted in violence between the French and Germans. The loss of this area created more financial issues, so they tried to fix them by printing more money. This caused the German mark to plummet in value, leading to mass unemployment, and money that was virtually worthless (Hyperinflation). 8  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Hyperinflation Hyperinflation is rapid inflation which results in money having little buying power. It causes any savings to become worthless, as the money no longer has any value. The official value of the Mark and the rate of exchange would change multiple times a day. Some companies resorted to paying people three times a day. After each pay, workers would rush out to buy food, as by the end of the day prices would have rapidly increased, and your pay may no longer be enough for the food you need. If they could, people would try to use foreign currency (such as pounds) as the value was more stable. Shopkeepers became reluctant to accept paper marks as by the time they banked them they may be worthless. In the country often people went back to a bartering system where they exchanged goods. Hyperinflation was a nightmare for regular Germans. By November 1923 1 US dollar was worth 4,420,000,000 German Marks. Year Price of Bread in German Marks 1918 0.63 January 1923 250 September 1923 1,512,000 November 1923 201,000,000,000 Winners and Losers of Hyperinflation: 9  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Checkpoint: list the classes who ‘won’ and ‘lost’ due to hyperinflation: 10  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 In 1923, the leader of the German People’s Party, Gustav Stresemann, managed to end hyperinflation. He replaced the mark with the Rentenmark, stabilized the economy, and resumed reparation repayments. This created a period of relative economic and political stability in the Weimar republic. During this period Germans stopped supporting extremist parties as much, as they began to trust the government more. The German government became relatively more stable, despite 11 changes of government and numerous elections, the majority of government officials remained the same. Due to this, violence began to decline. Stresemann began to try to get Germany back on international radars, as Foreign Minister he signed a number of significant treaties, such as: - Dawes Plan (1924): Helped minimise the impact of reparations by reducing the amount, a 2 year moratorium on payments was applied, and spreading reparation repayments over 60 years. America also provided Germany with a number of loans at this time to assist in rebuilding. This allowed German industry to outstrip many other European countries. - Treaty of Locarno (1925): which guaranteed Germany’s Western Borders - Germany admitted to League of Nations (1926) - Young Plan (1929): Further reduction in reparation debt There were also a number of other positive developments by the government including Germany’s social welfare system which was one of the best in the world. For example the Unemployment Insurance Act (1927) provided unemployment benefits. The Government also heavily invested in social infrastructure such as housing, education and health. Germany had also become a leading country in the cultural sphere, with Berlin becoming an international hub for art, literature, music and cinema. However, beneath the surface, Germany still had economic problems. To stabilise the economy the government had had to cut all credit, quadruple interest rates and fired over 900,000 workers. They also came to rely heavily on US loans which was to become a fundamental issue with the onset of the Great Depression. List four of Stresemann’s achievements: 11  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Rank these arguments in order of significance, provide a reason for each. 12  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Argument Reason 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 The Great Depression Due to the loans it was receiving from the US, Germany’s economy was heavily linked to the US. In October, 1929 the US stock market collapsed. This had a devastating effect on the whole world (especially Germany). German production dropped by 31%, and unemployment increased by 200%, peaking at 20% (7 million people in 1932). The US demanded all foreign loans be repaid, and Germany was unable to do this. The German deficit increased. In 1930 Heinrich Bruning was elected as Chancellor. He thought the best way to fix the German economy was to cut government spending and implement a policy of deflation. This meant getting rid of unemployment payments, social welfare policies and raising taxes; however, this continued to drive the country deeper into depression. The people of Germany were suffering and angry with the government. In early 1930 unemployment was at 3 million, by 13  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 1932 this had doubled to well over 6 million. However, these figures do not include the millions of Germans who were underemployed. At this time, President Hindenburg, enacted Article 48, giving Bruning Emergency Decree powers. Bruning dissolved the parliament. People were angry with the current government; however, the Nazi Party, having not been in power took full advantage of this. The effect of the Great Depression on the Weimar Republic. 14  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Chart the rise of the Nazi Party – highlight and annotate the key events that enabled the Nazi Party and Hitler to rise to power (hint – there are 15) HOW THE NAZIS ROSE TO POWER In 1919 Anton Drexler started the German Workers Party. This party was formed more as way to complain about the Weimer Republic, rather than as a legitimate political party, the Party held their meetings in a Beer Hall in Munich. To hold an open meeting, you had to register a party with the Army, and then an Army representative would attend the meeting to monitor what was occurring, in this case, the Army sent a young corporal named Adolf Hitler to attend. When Hitler attended the Party meeting there were only 6 members, but he found their ideas appealing. Allegedly after hearing the terms of the Treaty of Versailles Hitler decided to become a political figure so that he could reverse the Treaty and make Germany an economic and political powerhouse. Soon after first encountering the Party Hitler rose in the ranks to become its leader, as he proved to be a skilled orator and organiser. In 1920 the DAP became the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP or Nazi Party). The group was an extreme right, nationalistic, anti-Semitic, anti-Marxist party. The party appealed to the middle class; however, Hitler wanted to appeal to the working class as well. In February 1920 Hitler created the 25 Point Program, which outlined the party’s political philosophy and aims. 15  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 The party was initially seen as a small party that was popular in Munich; however, they began to benefit from the economic hardship faced in Germany throughout the early 1920s. In 1921 Hitler set up the Sturmabteilung (Stormtroopers, SA or brownshirts) to help keep control of Party meetings which often became violent. By 1923 the Nazi Party had 30,000 members, and the country’s discontentment with hyperinflation and living conditions was only making it more popular, while the Weimar’s popularity was decreasing. Hitler decided it was time to act. The NSDAP formed together with other right wing parties (monarchists, right-wing radicals) to form the Kampfbund (battle league). Ludendorff also joined in. Beer Hall Putsch The Kampfbund planned to overthrow the Bavarian Government in Munich and then march on Berlin. It became known as the Beer Hall Putsch and occurred on the 8-9 November 1923. The group met in a Beer Hall in Munich the night before and then in the morning began their march. However, the army had set up a barricade. The Army asked the marchers to stop, they didn’t, so the army open fired. Many people were injured or killed and the leaders (Hitler, Ludendorff, plus others) were arrested for treason. This started out as a publicity nightmare for the Kampfbund; however, Hitler turned it into a victory. Everyone except Hitler plead not guilty and was acquitted, but Hitler plead guilty and used his defence as an opportunity to spread his views and political platform. Everything he said was printed on the front pages of German papers, and this brought the NSDAP from the political outskirts into the forefront. Hitler was convicted, but only sentenced to five years in prison. Hitler was released by December the following year (1924). He had used his time in prison to write his autobiography Mein Kampf and rethink his methods of taking power, he came to the conclusion he would have to use legal means. 16  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Gaining Power In 1924 the party was banned; however, they ran for election under a different name in both the May and December elections. The party performed poorly and was plagued with factionalism. After his release from prison in 1924 Hitler began calling himself the Fuhrer and began reorganising the party, outlining how they would achieve power. Hitler believed they could use widespread organised propaganda to infiltrate every aspect of life; however, this ended up being unrealistic as they lacked the resources. The Nazi Party again entered the election in 1928, only receiving 2.8% of the vote, another poor result. Despite this, Nazi Party membership continued to grow. In 1929, Dr Joseph Goebbels became head of propaganda, and believed they needed an issue to focus on, and that came in 1929 with the Great Depression. In September 1930 the Nazis gained 18.3% of the vote (107 seats) making them the second biggest party in the Reichstag. They had benefitted from the fact that they were not in the Reichstag during the 1920s so could not be blamed for any of the economic issues Germans now faced. They were also the only party to try to appeal to all people across the social spectrum. Hitler’s influence in their gaining popularity is also important, as he used his oratory skills to good use gaining popularity. The Nazis continued their policy of constant campaigning and the effect of this can be seen in the 1932 election where the Nazis received 37.3% of the votes. Election Results 1928 2.8% 1930 18.3% 1932 37.3% Presidential 30% election 36% July 1932 38% Nov 1932 33% 17  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 1932 Presidential Election In 1932 Bruning wished to make Hindenburg president for life; however, he needed the support of all parties (especially the Nazis as the second largest). Hitler wished to make a deal that he would support Hindenburg if Bruning resigned as Chancellor. Bruning refused, so therefore Hitler ran against Hindenburg for President. His campaign promised to assist with the economic conditions, unemployment and restore Germany to its former power. The Party held over 30,000 rallies, handed out pamphlets and leaflets. Importantly, during the campaign they did not attack Hindenburg (the elderly war hero), instead they attacked Bruning. Hindenburg was the clear victor; however, Hitler had distinguished himself a clear second. In May 1932 Bruning was forced to step down as Chancellor by Hindenburg (convinced by Schleicher), and Von Papen (Centre Party) became Chancellor. His plan was to scrap welfare. Von Papen held another election in July 1932. This was a severe miscalculation as the Nazis finally became the largest party (38%). However, the party was still disappointed, they were hoping to achieve a majority, and this had failed. Usually the leader of the largest party would became Chancellor; however, Hindenburg hated Hitler so refused. In November 1932 the Nazi vote dropped to 33%. Although they were still the largest party; the Nazi Party was worried, they knew their hold on power relied on the people’s dissatisfaction with the current government and their living conditions. Their campaign focused on the negatives of life and how to fix them, so as conditions improved Germans were less inclined to support them. On top of that, Hindenburg again refused to make Hitler Chancellor. However, Von Papen was unpopular because he was forced to use Article 48 to make every decision. Hindenburg then instated Defence Minister Schleicher as Chancellor. Schleicher thought he could win over the population and the other parliamentary members. In January 1933 it was clear he had failed. Von Papen began to plot against Schleicher. He convinced Hitler to meet with him on the 4th January in Cologne. They agreed to form a coalition, installing Hitler in the Chancellorship. 18  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Critique this response (annotate what’s good): Study Source E. Account for the perspective provided by this source. Source E Extract from Kurt Ludecke, I Knew Hitler. Kurt Ludecke heard Adolf Hitler speak in 1922. Following this, Ludecke joined the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP). ‘... I do not know how to describe the emotions that swept over me as I heard this man... When he spoke of the disgrace of Germany, I felt ready to spring on any enemy. His appeal to German manhood was like a call to arms, the gospel he preached a sacred truth... I forgot everything but the man; then, glancing around, I saw that his magnetism was holding these thousands as one. Of course I was ripe for this experience. I was a man of thirty-two, weary of disgust and disillusionment, a wanderer seeking a cause; a patriot without a channel for his patriotism, a yearner after the heroic without a hero. The intense will of the man, the passion of his sincerity seemed to flow from him into me. I experienced an exaltation that could be likened only to religious conversion. I felt sure that no one who had heard Hitler that afternoon could doubt that he was the man of destiny, the vitalizing force in the future of Germany. The masses who had streamed into the Koenigsplatz* with a stern sense of national humiliation seemed to be going forth renewed. The bands struck up, the thousands began to move away. I knew my search was ended. I had found myself, my leader, and my cause.’ *Koenigsplatz A square in Munich, Germany - I Knew Hitler: The Lost Testimony by a Survivor from the Night of the Long Knives by Kurt G W Ludecke and introduction by Bob Carruthers; Proprietor, Coda Books and published by Pen and Sword Books Limited RESPONSE: The source provides a perspective of an eyewitness, Kurt Ludecke, who heard Hitler speak in 1922. The account emphasises the force of Hitler’s personality, the power of his spoken word and his ability to arouse the emotions of his audience. The speech resonates with Ludecke, who believes the audience entered the square ‘with a stern sense of national humiliation’. This may be in reference to the German defeat in World War I and the sanctions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. The eyewitness states that Hitler addressed the ‘disgrace of Germany’ – a feeling that resonated with him and the ‘thousands’ of others who were listening. Their reaction may have been influenced by the economic hardship that affected the whole nation and led to uprisings and assassinations. Criteria Marks Demonstrates accurate understanding of the perspective of the source 4 Communicates coherently using appropriate historical terms and concepts Demonstrates sound understanding of the perspective of the source 2-3 Communicates using some appropriate historical terms and concepts 19  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Brainstorm - To what extent is the rise of the Nazi Party the reason for the demise of the Weimar Republic? 20  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 3.2 the INITIAL CONSOLIDATION OF NAZI POWER 1933-1934 CONSOLIDATION Guided highlighting: highlight dates and key historical terminology: On the 30th January, 1933 Hitler was appointed as Chancellor by President Hindenburg, with von Papen as Vice-Chancellor. The Nazis were ecstatic and held parades all over Germany. There would only be three Nazis in the cabinet: Hitler as Chancellor, Hermann Goering as Ministry of the Interior for Prussia and Reich Commissioner of Aviation, and Wilhelm Frick as Reich Interior Minister (in control of police). This still gave them significant power. However, Hindenburg had the final say on everything. Being Chancellor offered Hitler nationwide recognition and helped boost his popularity. Hitler wished to remove the restrictions placed on him but he did not want to alarm anyone. Hitler convinced Von Papen to dissolve the Reichstag and hold new elections on the 5th March 1933. At the same time the Nazis sought to Nazify German society through a process called Gleichschaltung (consolidation of control). Before the election campaign even began, the Nazis managed to restrict the KPD (their greatest opposition). On the 31st January 1933 the KPD called for a general strike. Hitler used this as a reason to issue an emergency decree (Law for the Protection of the German People), banning selected political meetings and newspapers (like those of his political rivals). The SA and SS ensured this was followed through violence, which the police did not stop as they were under Nazi control. On 5th February 1933 Hitler issued an emergency decree dissolving all elected bodies in Prussia and replaced these with Nazis. Hitler had effectively banned all political activity from the Left. However, had not ‘officially’ banned the party, it suited the Nazis to keep an ‘enemy’. 21  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Reichstag Fire On the night of the 27-28th of February 1933, the Reichstag building caught fire. The Nazis blamed the communists (despite no evidence of this). The only person who could be found on the scene was a mentally disabled Dutchman named Martinus van der Lubbe. That night the Nazis made the Reichstag Fire Decree/ Law for the Protection of the People and State, which was to ‘protect people against Communist acts of violence’. In reality it ended a large number of civil rights guaranteed by the Weimar Constitution. These included: freedom of press, expression, association and the secrecy of the mail and telephone services. On the 2nd March, Goering ordered the police to arrest anyone linked to Communism. In the 5th March elections the Nazis received 44% of the vote, although not a majority, they were able to form a coalition with the conservative party (Papen). This proved to be the last democratic election in Germany under Hitler. Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor on the 21st March 1933. He turned this into a political spectacle, using it to demonstrate his great respect of Hindenburg and therefore the army and the old ways. Hitler then created the Enabling Act (23rd March 1933) which meant he could enact legislation for five years without the President (Hindenburg’s approval). This freed Hitler from any legal restraint from the President or the Reichstag. The Nazis continued their policy of Gleichschaltung (centralisation/consolidation). They purged the civil service, outlawed other political parties (Law Against the Formation of Parties), shut down labour unions, took over the media, police, education, universities, civil service, law courts, trade unions and youth groups. All books that were thought to be un- German were burnt. All storm troopers/SA were sworn in as an auxiliary police force. On the 1st of April 1933 a 24hr national boycott of Jewish businesses was put into force. On the 20th July 1933 a Concordat was signed between the Catholic Church and the Nazis. It meant that the Church would not engage in political activity and the Nazis would not interfere with the Church. The Night of the Long Knives By the end of 1933 the only potential threats to Hitler were Hindenburg and the Army. They were unhappy with the actions and powers of the SA. At this time the SA numbered over 3 million, and felt they deserved privileges and a better quality of life. They thought the best way to do this was to have a second revolution against the traditional power 22  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 sources (businessmen, the elite). Another issue was Rohm’s (head of the SA) idea to combine the SA with the Reichswehr (Army). The military leaders, Hindenburg and Hitler all did not like this idea. On the 21st June 1934, Hindenburg and Blomberg (War Minister) gave Hitler an ultimation. Either he dealt with the SA and Rohm or the army would seize power. Hitler needed the army to maintain power. Hitler acted rapidly and used the SS under the command of Goebbels, Goring and Himmler to purge the SA leadership. This occurred on 30th June and became known as the Night of the Long Knives. Over 400 people were killed. This included the SA leadership, political enemies, Rohm, the Socialist leader Gregor Strasser and Schleicher. This night showed Hitler’s willingness to use violence and force to achieve his goals, satisfied the army, and increased the power and influence of the SS. Hindenburg died on the 2 August 1934. Hitler used this opportunity to combine the Chancellorship and Presidency and become Fuhrer. People now swore an oath to Hitler. His power was absolute. 23  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Summary 24  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Source A: Using Source A answer the following questions: 1. When did Hitler become Chancellor? 2. When was the Enabling Act passed and what did it do for Hitler? 3. When were rival political parties banned? 4. Who was the leader of the SA? In your opinion, how did the army feel about the destruction of the SA? 5. When did Hitler become Chancellor and President? How had his relationship with the army changed? 25  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 - source time: Study Sources E, F and G. Using these sources, discuss the view that the Nazi consolidation of power between January 1933 and August 1934 was a ‘legal process’. Source E Extract from the Reichstag Fire Decree, 28th February 1933 “Article 1: Articles 114, 115, 117, 118, 123, 124 and 153 of the Constitution of the German Reich are suspended until further notice. It is therefore permissible to restrict the rights of personal freedom, freedom of opinion, including the freedom of the press, the freedom to organize and assemble, the privacy of postal, telegraphic and telephonic communications. Warrants for house searches, orders for confiscations as well as restrictions on property, are also permissible beyond the legal limits otherwise prescribed. Article 2: If any state fails to take the necessary measures to restore public safety and order, the Reich government may temporarily take over the powers of the highest state authority. Article 3: State and local authorities must obey the orders decreed by the Reich government on the basis of Article 2.” Source F David Low cartoon, published in a British newspaper, 1934 26  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Source G The new Reichswehr oath, sworn August 1934 Article One Civilian officials and soldiers of the Armed Forces must take an oath of service on entering the service. Article Two 1. The oath of service of civilian officials will be: “I swear: I shall be loyal and obedient to Adolf Hitler, the Führer of the German Reich and people; respect the laws; and fulfil my official duties conscientiously, so help me God.” 2 The oath of service of the soldiers of the Armed Forces will be: “I swear by God this sacred oath, that I will render unconditional obedience to Adolf Hitler, the Fuhrer of the German Reich and people, supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and will be ready as a brave soldier to risk my life at any time for this oath.” Berlin, August 20th 1934 Fuhrer and Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler Reich Minister of the Interior Frick Reich Minister of Defence von Blomberg Criteria Marks Provides well-developed points for and against the view that the Nazi Party’s ascension to power was a legal process 8 Integrates evidence from the sources provided to support the response Presents a logical response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Provides a sound discussion for and/or against the legality of Nazi power Uses evidence from the sources provided to support the response 6-7 Presents a coherent response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Provides some discussion relating to the legality of Nazi power Uses some evidence from the sources 4-5 Presents a response using some appropriate historical terms and concepts Brainstorm your response: Using these sources, discuss the view that the Nazi consolidation of power between January 1933 and August 1934 was a ‘legal process’. 27  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 3.3 the NATURE OF NAZI IDEOLOGY What’s IDEOLOGY? Create a mind map that summarises Nazi Ideology. You will need to use the following headings: Volksgemeinschaft, Fascism, Anti- Semitism, Social Darwinism, Lebensraum, Autarky, Fuhrer Nazi ideology was based on Hitler’s own beliefs and writing, primarily expressed in his autobiography Mein Kempf, his 25 Point Plan, and his speeches. Origins Nazi ideology had its origins in a range of European pre-war movements and ideas, including Social Darwinism and Anti-Semitism; however, it was influenced by German Nationalism (known as Volkisch thought). Social Darwinism Social Darwinism took Darwin’s ideas about natural selection and evolution and tried to apply them to humans, creating the idea that some races were superior to others. Within this thinking their emerged a hierarchy of races, with Western Europeans being at the top, and Asians and African people being lower down the hierarchy. This notion of a struggle between races is clearly evident in Nazi ideology. Anti-Semitism Hostility or prejudice against Jewish people had been a feature of European society for centuries. Jews were an easy target for anyone who believed they had been suffering unfairly. In some countries Jews were often forced to live in separate communities had restricted rights and occupations. By the late 19th Century being Jewish began to be seen as 28  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 being a race as well as a religion. In Vienna, where Hitler lived from 1907-1913 anti- Semitism was rife. Anti-Semitism is again clear in Nazi ideology. Volkisch Ideas Towards the end of the 19th Century the idea arose in Germany of them being a superior nation. However, rather than being expressed through political movements, this was expressed through novels, journalism and even through historians works. The Volkisch movement promoted a superior Germany based on ethnicity rather than statehood. Mein Kampf Mein Kampf is one of the most obvious and clearest expressions of Nazi ideology. The main themes addressed in the book are race, Lebensraum, the need to destroy France and expand Germany, and the idea of an authoritarian leader. Nazism as Fascism 29  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 A Belief in a National Crisis and Rebirth The defeat of Germany in WW1, the imposition of the Treaty of Versailles, the establishment of the Weimar Republic and the threat posed by the Jewish people all constitute a national crisis. The establishment of the Nazis and third Reich was a means of rebirth and renewal. Anti- Liberalism Nazism rejected liberalism as it placed emphasis on individual rights; whereas Nazis saw the nation and Germanic race as more important than the individual. Anti-Conservatism Nazis opposed the restoration of the monarchy because it did not place enough emphasis on race. Anti-Rational Nazism rejected rationality, and instead celebrated the notions of heroic struggles, authority and sacrifice. Anti-Internationalism The emphasis on a racially defined nation meant that the Nazis did not support internationalism. A Charismatic Element The cult of the Fuhrer clearly demonstrates this A non-Marxist form of socialism National Socialism differs clearly from Marxism, with its focus on a racially defined community, and different economic policies. The aim to create a National Community The Volksgemeinschaft (the people’s community) was the national racial community of Nazism. 30  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 The Ideology of National Socialism Core Concepts Nation: defined by race/blood, deliberately excludes those not of the “Aryan” race, especially Jews. The German nation must be restored to racial health and power. Race: defined by the Nazis as a biological concept and as the fundamental building block of human societies. There are three general types of races—the culture creators (the pure Aryan race), the culture sustainers (races with substantial Aryan blood), the culture destroyers (the Jews). Struggle: conflict between races is the source of human progress. The weak impure races decline and perhaps perish; the strong pure races dominate and build culture. Struggle is a law of nature (a Social Darwinian world view) and the ultimate struggle is between the idealistic, honourable Aryan and the devious, materialistic, parasitical Jew. Socialism: defined a commitment to the common good of the nation/racial community (the Volksgemeinschaft) above individuals and their profit. All members of the racial community are valued, supported, and must contribute to it, but they have different and unequal roles to play. Class differences are dismissed as unimportant and international socialism (Marxism) is totally rejected. Leadership Principle: all authority, which is derived from the nation, is placed in the hands of the leader (der Führer) whose power is replicated at regional and local levels by subordinate leaders. Other Defining Features Anti-Socialist (Marxist): Nazism envisions a struggle to the death against the “Jewish- Bolshevik conspiracy.” Anti-Capitalist: especially directed against speculative capital (Jewish) as opposed to productive capital (German). Anti-Semitic: the Nazis advocated a “modern” anti-Semitism based on race rather than the more traditional religious anti-Judaism. Anti-Democratic: strong opposition to the parliamentary system of the Weimar Republic. Anti-Modern: the Nazism opposes the Enlightenment and many features of modern society, looks with nostalgia to aspects of the medieval world. A single mass party: revolutionary in aim, opportunistic in tactics, hierarchical in structure, and militaristic and hyper-masculine in style (copies aspects of the Mussolini’s Fascist movement in Italy). 31  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 SUMMARY: 32  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 - source time: Compare the value of Sources A and B for a historian seeking evidence of Nazi ideology. Source A: Adolf Hitler on Russia and Bolshevism, an extract from his autobiography Mein Kampf, publishedin 1924: “Never forget that the rulers of present-day Russia are common blood-stained criminals; that theyare the scum of humanity which, favoured by circumstances, overran a great state in a tragic hour,slaughtered out thousands of her leading intelligentsia in wild bloodlust, and now for almost ten years have been carrying on the most cruel and tyrannical regime of all time. Furthermore, do not forget that these rulers belong to a race which combines, in a rare mixture, bestial cruelty and an inconceivable gift for lying, and which today more than ever is conscious of a mission to impose its bloody oppression on the whole world. Do not forget that the international Jew who completely dominates Russia today regards Germany not as an ally, but as a state destined to the same fate. Source B: One People, One Realm, One Leader 33  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Criteria Marks Provides a well-developed comparison of the sources for evidence about Nazi Ideology Integrates evidence from the sources provided to support the response 8 Presents a logical response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Provides a sound comparison of the sources for evidence about Nazi Ideology Uses evidence from the sources provided to support the response 6-7 Presents a coherent response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Provides some comparison of the sources for evidence about Nazi Ideology Uses some evidence from the sources 4-5 Presents a response using some appropriate historical terms and concepts Brainstorm your response: Compare the value of Sources A and B for a historian seeking evidence of Nazi ideology. Structure: Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 34  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 3.4 the role of prominent individuals in the nazi state Historians question whether Hitler was a ruler of a totalitarian state. A totalitarian state involves being run by a domineering and ruthless individual who leads a single party or group, with no opposition groups. So far this fits our knowledge of Nazi Germany. Some subordinates are allowed power and responsibility; however, the leader knows and decides all. Both propaganda and a system of terror are used. Sounds easy enough. However, the German historian Hans Mommsen has suggested that Hitler was not a strong and decisive leader. He claims that he acted as figurehead, and often real control and decisions rested in the hands of Government Ministers. American historian Norman Rich objects to this. He believes that Hitler was a vital part of the government. He accepts that the country was too big for Hitler to manage on his own, so he had to delegate tasks to core party members. Hitler rarely called cabinet meetings, so it was clear he made many key decisions on his own. There is evidence for both views. What it is important to recognise is that although Hitler was clearly the figurehead and ruler, he did delegate roles and jobs to key people. Research Task You are to pick two of the following people to research: Joseph Goebbels, Heinrich Himmler, Reinhard Heydrich, Martin Bormann, Hermann Goering, or Julius Streicher. You will then need to create an information sheet on each of them, including: - A brief biography - Rise through the Nazi Party - Roles and responsibility under Hitler - Actions while in power - Evaluate their significance and influence in Nazi Germany - A picture Goebbels 35  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 3.5 THE VARIOUS METHODS USED BY THE NAZI REGIME TO EXERCISE CONTROL, INCLUDING LAWS, CENSORSHIP, REPRESSION, TERROR, PROPAGANDA, CULT OF PERSONALITY Decode the dot point: CONTROL Watch ‘Dawn of the Nazis’ (Clickview) and complete the Video Worksheet. Complete the cloze passages for each of the sections of the dot point: 36  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Laws imprisonment speech concentration SA fired Overcrowding Reichstag law power Nuremberg leave married searching consolidation Enabling 27th February 1933- The _____________ Fire Decree was an important ________ in Hitler’s __________________ of power. It placed restrictions on freedom of ___________, freedom of the press, freedom of association, power of state authorities, __________________ while on trial, phone tapping, ______________ of homes and businesses, confiscation of property. It gave Nazis enormous ___________ to find and eliminate political opponents, who were then often sent to _______________camps. It was the job of the _____ to do this. March 1933- _______________ Act allowed Hitler to create laws without the Reichstag. April 1933- Aryan Clause leads to Jewish people being __________ from the civil service, academics and teaching. April 1933- Law against the ________________ of German Schools means that there is only allowed to be a 1.5% of Jews in a school. September 1935- The ________________ Laws (including the Law for the Protection of German Blood and German Honour and The Reich Citizenship Law) organised and made legal racism discrimination. They made it illegal for a German and a Jew to be ____________, made it clear that a Jew could not be German (therefore not a citizen), illegal for a Jew to employ a woman under 45, plus many other things. It became the SS’s job to deal with the Jewish issue. The idea was to make it so bad for Jewish people that they would ____________. Terror and Repression Emergency Gestapo repress violence intimidate private tactics Terror was used to ____________ any opposition to the Nazi regime and Hitler. The main methods of repression were the SA, SS and _____________. The SA was formed in 1921 to act as the Nazi Party’s ____________ army. From the moment Hitler came into power its primary role was to ________________ political opponents and enforce Party policies. They generally did this through ____________ (beating, torture, etc). The _______________ Decree in 1933 legalised their actions. This law also meant that people could be imprisoned and sent to concentration camps without trial. By 1933 over 100,000 people had been imprisoned. However, the SA’s _____________ became an issue for Hitler and he purged them during the Night of the Long Knives. After this the SS took over their role. 37  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 250,000 Himmler brutality control opposition forced bodyguards feared racial surveillance The SS was formed in 1925 and initially acted as Hitler’s _____________. In 1933 the SS had 52,000 members, and by 1939 over ____________. The SS was run by ____________ after he took control of it in 1929. It was a large, powerful, independent group that was responsible for state security, police thought, intelligence, ________________ and the secret police. They were known for their ______________ and ruthlessness, and used execution and ____________ labour to maintain ____________ and punish people. They were greatly ____________ by Germans, and significant in maintaining control and removing _______________. From 1934 they also ran the concentration camps. They were also responsible for administering Nazi ___________ policy and the Final Solution. Gestapo established denunciations without thousands internal not idea instilled terror spy The Gestapo were ________________ in November 1933 and were also under the power of Himmler. They acted as Germany’s secret police and were in charge of ____________ security. They carried out much of the ___________ and repression of the German people. The _____________ read mail, tapped telephones and placed agents throughout the country. Gellately (modern Canadian historian) suggests their presence was ________ as widespread or as numerous as was believed at the time; however, Evans (modern British historian) argues that it was the _________ of their presence that ______________ terror. Often the Gestapo relied on public ___________________ (tips from the public) to find ‘criminals’. This made it effective as it could target people and gather information, with relatively small numbers. People were encouraged to ________ on their friends, family and neighbours. During this time the Gestapo arrested hundreds of _______________ of people. These people were arrested and sent to concentration camps _______________ trials. Opposition not communists established spreading The first concentration camp was ________________ in March 1933 in Dachau. Concentration camps were initially created to hold _______________; however, eventually held any Nazi _______________ (socialists, trade unionists, churchmen) and undesirables (criminals, Jews, Gypsies, homosexuals and the disabled). Between 1934 and 1939 over 200,000 people were sent to concentration camps. Of those that were sent there, most did _________ return. Despite this, rumours of what occurred at concentration camps were leaked, ______________ terror among the general population. 38  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 All of these measures created terror in the general populace and limited their willingness to oppose the Nazi regime. People believed that they would be found out by the Gestapo and then caught and punished by the SA or SS, and then finally sent to a concentration camp. The visibility of these systems helped to ensure that terror was widespread. Propaganda and Censorship Reichskulturkammer communication powerful cinema transgressions media convince newspapers Editorial unyielding regular censored Radios music beliefs critical Censorship involved preventing anything _____________ being made/written/spread about the Nazis, Hitler, or their ____________. It also involved covering up any _________________ the Nazi party may have made. The Nazi party accomplished this by taking control of the _________, the arts, and all major methods of __________________. Propaganda was a _____________ tool of indoctrination and was used to _______________ people of Nazi ideology and was interwoven through most aspects of life. The _____________ Law (1933) meant that all newspapers had to follow government policy and their _________________ had to be approved by Goebbels’ organisation. ____________ were also used effectively as a form of propaganda. Cheap radios were produced so that ‘_____________ people’ could listen to Hitler’s speeches, and other forms of propaganda such as __________ and radio productions. At the ____________, films showing tales of German heroes and following Nazi ideology were also shown. The establishment of the ________________________ (Reich Chamber of Culture) meant that all aspects of the arts (music, literature) could be _________________ and changed to help spread Nazi ideology. The main goal of Goebbels’ ministry was to create an _______________ belief in Hitler and therefore his goals and Germany. 39  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Cult of Personality Hitler image heroic peace caring personality oratory contrast encompassing charismatic above military cult blamed myth positive Like many other dictators, a leadership _________, also known as a cult of _______________ emerged around ___________, especially after the death of Hindenburg. Assisted by propaganda and censorship by Goebbels, the ‘Fuhrer _________’, created a carefully constructed image of Hitler as the all-__________________ ruler of Germany, and emphasised his ______________ qualities and any achievements. Any issues or errors were therefore _______________ on minor party members. This was assisted by Hitler’s ___________ skills, where he was able to appeal to and reach the German people. The ___________ of Hitler represented a strong, stable, authoritarian leader, in _____________ to the Weimar republic with its rotation of socially divisive leaders. The ‘Fuhrer Myth’ presented Hitler as: ____________ and _____________, god-fearing, committed to rebuilding Germany, someone to eliminate Germany’s enemies, able to deliver results, sincere and ___________, working to improve the lives of everyday Germans, ____________ corruption and greed, a man of ____________ until 1939 when he was presented as a brilliant _______________ tactician. Goebbels broadcasts portraits named mass censorship planting documentary oath achievement classrooms This is where ______________ and his propaganda machine achieved what Goebbels claimed as his greatest __________________. They used all means of media and __________ production (films, pictures, posters, radio _________________, art) to spread this image of Hitler. This can be seen in Leni Riefenstahl’s ____________________ of the 1934 Nuremberg Rally, Triumph of the Will. At the same time, __________________ prevented any negative things being said about him. This resulted in Hitler’s ________________ being hung in all homes and _______________, radio broadcasts celebrating his birthday, the army swearing an __________ to him, villages began _________________ trees in his honour, towns were renamed to reflect his name, and people even _______________ their children after Hitler. 40  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Complete the key terms scaffolds for each of the subheadings 41  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 - source time: Evaluate the view that the Nazi control of Germany from 1933-1939 rested chiefly on the widespread use of terror. Integrate relevant evidence from Sources A and B in your response. Source A A ‘Hitler myth’ was cultivated which built on people’s desire for strong leadership, and presented Hitler as an almost God-like figure. Hitler’s image was laboured over in a manner not dissimilar to that of pop stars today. What he wore, what he said, what postures he adopted during speeches were all worked out carefully… Many people began to separate Hitler from the Nazi Party, enabling Hitler’s popularity to remain high whilst the popularity of the Nazi Party fell.” - Alison Kitson, historian Source B Extract from press release by SS chief, Heinrich Himmler, March 20th 1933, “The first concentration camp will be opened on Wednesday, near Dachau. It has a capacity of 5,000 people. All of the Communist functionaries, Reichsbanner and Marxist functionaries who threaten the security of the state will be assembled here. Leaving individual Communist functionaries in the courthouse jails is not possible for the long term without putting too much strain on the apparatus of the state. On the other hand, it is not appropriate, either, to let them go free again. Isolated attempts we have made in this regard resulted in continued efforts by the functionaries to agitate and organise. We have taken these steps regardless of minor misgivings, in the conviction that our actions serve to reassure the national population and are in their interest 42  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Criteria Marks Makes a reasoned judgement about the significance of terror as a method of control used by the Nazi regime Demonstrates well-developed and accurate historical knowledge and understanding relevant to the question 9-10 Integrates evidence from the sources provided to support the response Presents a logical response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Makes a sound judgement about the significance of terror as a method of control used by the Nazi regime Demonstrates sound historical knowledge and understanding relevant to the question 7-8 Uses evidence from the sources provided to support the response Presents a coherent response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Makes some judgement about the significance of terror as a method of control used by the Nazi regime Demonstrates some historical knowledge and understanding relevant to the question 5-6 Uses evidence from the sources provided Presents a response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Brainstorm your response: Evaluate the view that the Nazi control of Germany from 1933-1939 rested chiefly on the widespread use of terror. Integrate relevant evidence from Sources A and B in your response. TOPIC SENTENCES: Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Paragraph 3 43  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 DEBATE: Which of these was the tool of most control? TOOL LEVEL OF CONTROL: LAWS PROPAGANDA & CENSORSHIP REPRESSION & TERROR CULT OF PERSONALITY OVERALL JUDGEMENT: 44  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 3.6 the impact of the Nazi regime on life in Germany, including cultural expression, religion, workers, youth, women, minorities including Jews When you think of life in Nazi Germany – what comes to mind? – drop your thought/s below: Match the right biography to the Nazi: Who Where What Dr Joseph Goebbels - First Architect of the Reich - Designed the Zeppelinfield Stadium which housed the Nuremberg Rallies - Armaments Minister 1942-1945 Hermann Goring - Controlled SS and Police - Responsible for implementing program of terror - Key role in deportation of undesirables - Credited with coming up with ‘The Final Solution’ Heinrich Himmler - Minister of the Interior for Prussia - Hitler’s official deputy - Established the Gestapo - Controlled Germany’s economy - Urged the Purging of the SA Albert Speer - Minister of Propaganda Nazi Party - Minister of Public Enlightenment 45  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Let’s jigsaw it! In groups, read your allocated aspect of life in Nazi Germany Undertake further research focusing on key dates, events, names, evidence Create an infographic/data sheet for the key information to share with the class. Each group will ‘teach’ their aspect to the class. Aspect of Nazi life: Team Members: Cultural Expression During the Weimar Republic, Germany was a progressive and cultural country. After Hitler achieved autocratic rule in 1933 he immediately began stopping this. As we have already discussed, the Nazi Party used censorship to prevent ideas that they did not support from being spread and eliminate any opposition. They also implemented a number of institutions to spread and regulate their ideology. In September 1933 Goebbels created the Reichskulturkammer (Reich Chamber of Culture) to regulate the press, radio, theatre, film, literature and visual arts. To work in any of these areas, people would need membership to the Reich Chamber of Culture (1933), a certificate of Aryan Heritage (1935) and a certificate of good political conduct (1938). The main purpose of the Reichskulturkammer was to promote the Aryanisation of German culture. Through the Reichskulturkammer and the media it produced, the Nazis promoted the ideas of: anti-Semitism (Film: The Eternal Jew 1939), the superiority of the Aryan race, German nationalism (Film: The Triumph of the Will 1935), the glory of war, importance of family, German virtues (loyalty, self-sacrifice, discipline), and an emphasis on the idea of ‘blood and soil’ (rural life). In the process of spreading these ideas, abstract art was abandoned in favour for Nazi realism (with a focus on the Aryan body and natural landscape), all Jewish composers/authors were banned, and even Jazz music was banned (not German). The League of German Culture (1929) even 46  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 protested against ‘non-German’ media. This meant that a large number of artists and intellectuals left Germany, to go somewhere with less censorship and controls. Cultural expression in Germany narrowed to an ideologically focused form of expression. Goebbels also thought that art was a useful propaganda tool. Before the Nazi Party, art was often seen as something only the elite could enjoy; however, Goebbels began to replace this with popular art, to try and appeal to a broad audience. This is evident in the fact that during 1935 120 art exhibitions were held in factories. Theatre tickets were also often subsidised for workers, allowing them to enjoy the indoctrination of a previously elite art form. Cinema and film were particularly targeted by the Nazi regime, due to its power as a propaganda tool. To control the industry, Goebbels purchased a large number of film companies, and only allowed companies run by Nazi sympathisers could continue producing films, which also had to conform to Nazi ideals. This was aided by the Reich Cinema Law (1934). All scripts had to be submitted to Goebbels’ Ministry for approval, film sets were inspected and the film was checked again before being released. All actors and directors also had to pass racial and political background checks. Goebbels realised that if all films were blatant and obvious propaganda, less people would want to see them. Therefore, these were kept to a minimum, and the desired message was usually delivered more subtly. Attendance rates suggest that these films were relatively successful. German literature was also censored. This was demonstrated on the 10th May 1933, when Goebbels organised a ceremonial book burning at the University of Berlin. Over 20,000 un- German books were burnt. These included pacifist books, anti-Nazi, or Jewish books. Music and theatre were not as strictly controlled as other areas. Music by Jewish composers was banned, as was music by less civilised (Coloured) people. Classics in both music and theatre were encouraged such as Beethoven and Bach, and plays by Von Schiller, Goethe and Shakespeare. Architecture was also highly valued as a propaganda tool. The Nazis, headed by Albert Speer, created large neoclassical structures to demonstrate their power, strength and greatness. These included the Reich Chancellery building. 47  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Religion In 1933 approximately 1/3 of the German population was Catholic and 2/3 Protestant. Despite the fact that many German values did not match Christian values, most Churches were content to cooperate with the Nazi regime (for self-preservation). Some individuals and small groups protested the removal of crosses in schools and the Nazi euthanasia program; however, nothing largescale or organised occurred. Hitler believed that Christianity did not fit with his vision of Volksgemeinschaft, did not fit Nazi ideology and was a creation of the Jewish. However, he also did not want to alienate such a large and powerful group. Despite promising to leave the Catholic Church alone (Concordat with Pius XI 1933), in 1935 Hitler combined all Protestant churches to form a Reich Church. He also closed down all Church Youth groups and made changes to the Catholic schools’ curriculum. Attendance at religious schools also dropped from 65% in 1933 to 5 % in 1939. The Nazi regime almost completely eradicated organised religion in Germany. 48  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Workers The Nazis moved quickly to stamp out the possibility of opposition from organised labour. On the 1st May (traditional day of workers celebrations) 1933, the regime declared a national holiday; the next day the SS and SA took over trade union offices, closed down their newspapers, plundered their assets and marched hundreds of trade unionists into concentration camps. Instead of trade unions the Deutsche Arbeitsfront (German Labour Front) was created. It was compulsory to be a member, and if you were not a member you often would not get employment. Jews were not allowed to join. The positions of workers were mixed. Many political parties that workers followed were banned (SPD and KPD) as were their trade unions. German workers had many issues, such as low wages, long hours, and a lack of consumer goods. However, workers were unable to strike to show their dissatisfaction as it was illegal. In 1935 conditions got worse. The ‘workbook’ was introduced. This was a record of a worker’s skills and employment history; however, this quickly became another way to restrict a worker’s freedom, you could not get a job without a workbook. So if your employer refused to hand over your workbook, you could not get a new job. Then under the June 1938 Decree on the Duty of Service people could be directed to work anywhere in the country. However workers did get some compensation. Above all, they had security of employment and wages (even though they were low). People still remembered the hyperinflation of the 1920s and the Great Depression of the 1930s and did not want to return to that. In Goebbels’ propaganda, he made many comparisons between the US (suffering from the Great Depression/unemployment over 8 million) and Germany, where they were suffering labour shortages. The nature of the economic recovery may have been tenuous, but to a worker who was able to feed his family that did not matter. There were also some rewards for workers. The KdF or Kraft durch Freude provided benefits for its patrons such as cheap holidays, entertainment and orchestra visits to factories. Type of Trip Participants in 1934 Participants in 1938 Vacation Journeys - 1 447 972 Short Trips 2 120 751 6 811 266 Cruises 61 408 131 623 Hikes 99 408 1 937 850 Another element of the DAF was the SdA (Schonheit der Arbeit) which was designed to improve working conditions and increase productivity. The program did bring some real gains to those working in the factories, coal mines and chemical works, including new toilets, factories and ventilation. One of the most ambitious schemes was the introduction of the Volkswagen. The idea was that it would be a car that everyone could afford. Payment plans could be implemented where people would make weekly payments and own a car after four years. Due to the war this scheme came to nothing. 49  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Youth Youth in Germany was seen as vitally important in Germany, they guaranteed the future of the Reich. Nazi control of the youth was crucial because: - Brainwashing them would prevent future opposition and would be willing to lay down their life for the cause - The ultimate purpose of Nazism was Lebensraum. This could only be achieved with a dedicated and fit population. It was easier to impart this on the youth and as they progressed through youth organisations, an emphasis would be placed on military training, and fitness and drills to ready them for military service. - Racial theory played a major role in the development of German Youth. They were taught about the importance of racial purity and how crucial it was not to pollute the racial stock. Importance was placed on maintaining fit and healthy bodies, and correct breeding practices. Girls had to accept their job was simply to breed the future members of the Aryan race. To achieve this, the Nazis needed their youth organisations to be properly organised. The first youth league was established in 1922. It was expected that once their members turned 18 they would then join the SA. A girls’ section was created in 1930. By 1931 membership had grown to 20,000 and by 1933 membership had grown over 3.5 million. Age Boys Girls 0-10 Pimpfen (Little Fellows) 10-14 Jungvolk (Young Folk) Jungmadel (Young girls) 14-18 Hitler Jugend (Hitler Youth) Bund Deutscher Madel (League of German Girls) 18+ Labour or military service Domestic service and early marriage and family Youth were not encouraged to think for themselves. They were constantly bombarded with Nazi symbolism, ideology and propaganda. An emphasis was placed on ‘camp life’ where youth learned skills that may assist them as soldiers (map reading etc). It was emphasised to girls that their primary purpose was reproduction. 50  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Education The regime controlled education from kindergarten to university and used this to further their agenda. Jewish people were gradually excluded from education and all teachers had to belong to the National Socialist Teachers’ League. At all levels of school, students were indoctrinated with Nazi ideology. This also impacted universities. Subjects could not be studied objectively as only German/Aryan people could be studied (eg. German Scientists), racial science became a major area of study, history books were rewritten, and any ideas that did not conform to Nazi ideology were banned. Women 51  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Nazi ideology believed women were inferior due to fundamental biological differences between men and women, which meant that men and women had specific functions to complete in life. Women were prevented from obtaining leadership positions in the party, and even before they were in power the Nazi party tried to prevent the progressive policies of the Weimar republic towards women. Nazi policy believed women should have and raise children and look after the house. However, while Nazi ideology tried to restrict women to the house, the party’s Women’s League created a range of opportunities for women as educators and organisers of other women. Women also acted as informers and local party organisers. Checkpoint – what does KKK stand for (in the context of women in Nazi Germany)? Impact on Minorities Nazi Germany was not a positive place for those that belonged to minority groups. Anyone who was not a healthy, fit Aryan could be deemed a member of a minority group. These included disabled people, religious minorities and of course racial minorities. Jehovah’s Witnesses Historians believe that there were only around 30,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany, despite the regime’s claim there were over 2 million. However, they were still seen to cause an issue as they would not swear loyalty to the Fuhrer, fly Nazi flags, participate in public displays or even give the Nazi salute. They also refused conscription. It is believed that around 10,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses were imprisoned (mostly in concentration camps) and around 1000 of these died. Gypsies Nazis thought of Gypsies as a burden on society and associated them with criminality. Like Jews, Gypsies were subjected to Nazi Racial Laws. In 1938 Himmler issued the Decree for the Struggle against the Gypsy Nuisance which created a register of all Gypsies and confined them to certain areas. After September 1939, Gypsies were deported to the East, and eventually moved to concentration camps. By 1945 it is estimated that over ¼ (600,000) of Europe’s Gypsy population had been killed. 52  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Other Minorities The idea/practice of ‘breeding out’ ‘inferior’ groups was widespread throughout not only Germany but Europe as well. By the 1930s 35 states in America even permitted sterilisation of mentally handicapped people. In Germany, the Law for the Prevention of Hereditary Diseased Progeny (July 1933) allowed for the compulsory sterilisation of people who had any one of 8 ‘diseases’. These diseases included blindness, deafness, depression, alcoholism and feeble-minded people. Doctors had to report any one with any of these conditions. More than 300,000 people were sterilised as a result and more than 5000 people died due to forced sterilisation. The homeless, gays and gypsies were also forcibly sterilised. By the late 1930s, thousands of marginalised people were sent to concentration camps. These people included Sinti, Roma and drunks. They were given black triangles to wear to distinguish them from criminals (green) and political (red) prisoners. Beginning in 1939 and continuing throughout the war the Nazis implemented a secret Euthanasia program. This targeted psychiatric patients, children with birth defects, the chronically ill, the elderly, the homeless, those suffering from depression and the chronically unemployed, to make room for injured military personnel. These included more than 6000 children. The preferred method to euthanise children was by mixing something in their food, supressing breathing or a drug overdose. By December 1939 the Euthanasia program was in full force, and accounted for the deaths of around 150,000 people during the course of the war. It was suspended in 1941 when it became public. Anti-homosexual laws (but not anti-lesbian laws) had long been present in Germany and originally any Nazi action against gay men was just implementing existing laws. Gay men were seen as polluting the Aryan race. However, Himmler did believe they could be cured, so they were often sent to concentration camps to be ‘cured’. In concentration camps homosexuals were forced to wear pink triangles. Approximately 15,000 gay men were sent to concentration camps. There were actually gay men in the SA, including Rohm, and after the Night of the Long Knives Himmler lead the campaign against homosexuals. Between 1937 and 1939 over 50,000 gay men were arrested. Jewish People The most well-known victims of the Nazi regime were the Jewish people. Throughout Europe at this time anti-Semitism was widespread, and Germany was no worse than many other countries. During the 1930s the Jewish population in Germany was less than 1% of the total population (around 500,000). Despite this, Hitler used the Jewish population as a scapegoat for all of the issues plaguing Germany. Hitler saw them as the 53  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Volksfeind (public enemy) who wanted to undermine and destroy traditional German values. Between 1933 and 1939 Nazi anti-Semitism evolved from discrimination to more sinister measures. On the 1st April 1933 the Nazis organised a national boycott of Jewish businesses, and Jews began to be gradually excluded from civil service, medicine, law, arts, culture and the armed services. In May of 1933 Goebbels included Jewish books amongst the books burnt at Berlin University. Further discrimination was implemented with the 1935 Nuremberg Laws. These defined who was Jewish, deprived them of citizenship and banned sexual relations, and marriages between Jews and Germans. A Jewish person was someone who had at least three Jewish grandparents. 54  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 In response to this, many German Jews fled the country (if they could afford to); however, many chose to remain, thinking they could wait out the persecution. However, the level of anti-Semitism only briefly decreased during the 1936 Berlin Olympics (for publicity) and continued to increase afterwards. Escalating tension culminated in Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass) on 9-10 November 1938. In retaliation for the murder of a German embassy official in Paris by a young Polish Jew, Goebbels and other Nazi officials such as Heinrich Muller organised a state sponsored pogrom (attack on Jews) by the SA, Hitler Youth and German citizens. Jewish property was destroyed, synagogues were burned, around 100 Jewish people were killed and 20,000 arrested and placed in concentration camps. Kristallnacht was followed by the expulsion of Jewish children from schools and the forced sale or closure of Jewish businesses. Hermann Goring then began deporting the remaining 240,000 Jewish people to Himmler and the SS. The Holocaust The Holocaust is non examinable, but you do still need to know about it for context (and it will help you in the Conflict in Europe topic). The persecution continued as Jewish people were rounded up and forced into ghettos. This began occurring in other parts of Europe, especially Poland. Around 2 million Polish Jews were rounded up in ghettos. Thousands of Jewish people perished as a result of starvation, disease and lack of medical assistance. In 1940 Jewish people began being deported from all German occupied areas to Poland. At this time the Nazis began building more labour camps and experimenting with euthanasia (as previously discussed) and mass shootings. As the German Wehrmacht advanced Country Jewish losses* into Russia in 1941 specialist death Polish-Soviet occupied territory 4 565 000 Germany 125 000 squads (Einsatzgruppen) followed, Austria 65 000 killing thousands of Jews and Czechoslovakia 277 000 Bolsheviks. Thousands of mass Hungary 402 000 shootings occurred throughout France 83 000 Belgium 24 700 German occupied Eastern Europe. Holland 106 000 In 1942 a more efficient way of killing Italy 7 500 Norway 760 people was devised and ‘the Final Romania 271 000 – 287 000 Solution’ was implemented. Jewish Yugoslavia 67 000 people and other ‘undesirables’ were Greece 67 000 transported to death camps (Treblinka, TOTAL 5 860 000 *numbers are estimates and true figures may never be known. Sobibor, Majdanek, Belzek, and Auschwitz), while more ‘capable’ people were transported to work camps. It is estimated that 1 million Jews were murdered in the gas chambers at Auschwitz, although exact numbers are hard to establish. 55  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Watch Life under Adolf Hitler: a Totalitarian Regime (Clickview) (23:30min) 56  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 - source time: Compare Sources A and B as evidence about life in Germany under the Nazi regime. Source A: Cover of Nazi women’s magazine Source B: Extract from the Reich Citizenship Law, 1935 Article 4 1. A Jew cannot be a citizen of the Reich. He has no right to vote in political affairs and he cannot occupy public office. 2. Jewish officials will retire as of 31 December 1935... Article 5 1. A Jew is anyone who is descended from at least three grandparents who are racially full Jews... 2. A Jew is also one who is descended from two full Jewish parents... Source of English translation: Jeremy Noakes and Geoffrey Pridham (eds), Nazism 1919–1945, 1974 Criteria Marks Provides a well-developed comparison of the sources for evidence about life in Germany under the Nazi regime 8 Integrates evidence from the sources provided to support the response Presents a logical response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Provides a sound comparison of the sources for evidence about life in Germany under the Nazi regime Uses evidence from the sources provided to support the response 6-7 Presents a coherent response using appropriate historical terms and concepts Provides some comparison of the sources for evidence about life in Germany under the Nazi regime Uses evidence from the sources provided 4-5 Presents a response using some appropriate historical terms and concepts Complete the response on your own paper and submit for feedback. 57  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 3.7 opposition to the Nazi regime Decode the dot point: OPPOSITION 58  3. THE NAZI REGIME TO 1939 Resistance Groups Opposition to the Nazi party took a variety of forms ranging from general discontent to open resistance and political coups. Between 1933 and 1944 there were even at least a dozen assassination attempts on Hitler’s life. However very little opposition posed an actual threat to the regime. It was incredibly difficult to successfully oppose the regime because of the effectiveness of the methods of control. It was also difficult for resistance groups to know who to trust, as people were encouraged to inform on anyone who committed even a small act of resistance. If caught, not only would they be arrested and possibly killed, but also their family and friends. Another reason for the lack of resistance groups was the popularity of Hitler (due to the Fuhrer myth) and the popularity of many of his policies. One major reason for the ineffectiveness of the resistance groups was their inability to work together and their differing visions of the future, and a Germany without Hitler. Left Wing Groups Overall, Hitler’s regime was popular with the working class due to the success of his policies, which significantly lowered unemployment and the consequences of this. The Social Democratic Party fled the country but maintained a loose network of inconspicuous groups who gathered information and tried to rouse resistance by handing out leaflets and newspapers. They also published reports internationally to try and show the world what was occurring in Germany.