Nazi Society 1933-39

These flashcards cover key concepts about Nazi societal structures, policies, and the impact of those policies on various groups from 1933 to 1939.

What was the purpose of the Nazi Volksgemeinschaft?

To overcome old German class, religious and political divisions and create a new national identity/community.

What does Blut und Boden mean in the context of Nazi ideology?

It refers to the racist and nationalist romanticism that glorified the rural role of the peasantry.

What was the German Labour Front (DAF)?

An organization established by Nazis for workers to join, replacing trade unions; became the largest organization in the Nazi regime.

How did Nazi policies impact industrial workers' conditions?

While they achieved full employment, wages rose only slightly and workers faced increased hours and contribution costs.

What measures did the Nazis take to support agricultural workers?

Wrote off farm debts, maintained tariffs to reduce imports, and introduced the Reich Entailed Farm Law of 1933.

What was the Reich Food Estate established by Nazis?

It supervised all aspects of agricultural production and distribution starting in 1933.

How did the Nazi regime affect women's employment between 1932 and 1937?

The percentage of women in employment fell from 37% to 31% but the total number of women working actually rose.

How did Nazi education aim to indoctrinate young people?

By controlling the educational system, centralizing teaching under Nazi interests, and emphasizing physical education and racial genetics.

What was the Hitler Youth?

A youth organization aimed at indoctrinating children with Nazi ideology, making membership mandatory by 1939.

What was the outcome of the Concordat signed between the Nazis and the Catholic Church in 1933?

Nazis guaranteed the Catholic Church's freedom of religion while the Church agreed not to interfere in political matters.

What was the German Faith Movement?

A failed attempt by Nazis to cultivate a neo-paganism that rejected Christian values and replaced them with pagan equivalents.

What was the Lebensborn program?

A program initiated by Himmler and the SS to improve Aryan racial standards, which included providing homes for unmarried mothers.

What was the Night of Broken Glass (Kristallnacht) in 1938?

A violent pogrom against Jews where 20,000 were deported to concentration camps and 200 synagogues were burned.

How did Nazi antisemitism evolve between 1933 and 1938?

It became more radicalized through legal discrimination, propaganda, and increased violence against Jews, particularly by 1938.

What was one of Hitler's strategies for achieving his antisemitic goals?

He exploited existing hostilities towards Jews and transformed them into a state-supported racial ideology of hatred.