How effectively did the Nazis control Germany, 1933–45? What was it like to live in Nazi Germany?

Establishment of a Dictatorship (1933-1934)

- Hitler became Chancellor in January 1933, and the Reichstag Fire in February 1933 allowed the Nazis to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree, restricting civil liberties.

- The Enabling Act (March 1933) allowed Hitler to pass laws without Reichstag approval, giving him dictatorial powers.

- The Night of the Long Knives (1934) eliminated political rivals within the Nazi Party, consolidating Hitler's power.

Nazi Suppression and Control

- The SS (Schutzstaffel) and Gestapo (secret police) were central to the enforcement of Nazi control, using terror and surveillance to intimidate and punish opponents.

- The SS would protect Hitler and oversee concentration camps

- Opponents of the Nazis, including Jews, Communists, and other minorities, were imprisoned in concentration camps.

- The Nazi regime used law enforcement to suppress dissent, curtailing freedoms and maintaining strict control over the population.

Propaganda and Control of Information

- Joseph Goebbels was responsible for Nazi propaganda, controlling the media, arts, and culture to present a positive image of the regime and demonize enemies.

- The Nazis used these mediums to spread propaganda and promote their ideals.

- The Hitler Youth was used to indoctrinate young Germans, teaching loyalty to Hitler and Nazi ideals.

Economic Control

- The Nazis focused on rearmament and public works projects (like the Autobahn) to reduce unemployment.

- The regime aimed for economic self-sufficiency, though this was never fully realized.

- Trade unions were abolished, and the German Labour Front (DAF) took control of the workforce, setting wages and conditions.

Control of the Military

- The Nazis used organizations like ‘Strength Through Joy’ to create loyalty among workers and promote Nazi ideals.

- Hitler merged the military with the Nazi Party, making them all swear an oath of loyalty to him

- The early militarization of the economy to the expansion of the Wehrmacht during WWII caused increased military production and preparation for war.

Changes to Education

• Nazis controlled education by ensuring that the school curriculum promoted Nazi values

• Things such as loyalty to Hitler, anti-Semitism, and militarism

• Teachers were vetted for Nazi loyalty, Jewish teachers were removed from their position

• Nazi textbooks were rewritten to align with Nazi rule

Youth Movement

• Hitler Youth and the Maiden Girls were created to indoctrinate young people and promote Nazi ideology

• To ensure loyalty to the Nazi regime throughout the generations

• Also to prepare the men for war when they grow up and women for housekeeping roles

Opposition parties

• The Nazis banned all political opposition after the Reichstag Fire in 1933

• communist, socialist and other political parties were disbanded

• leaders were arrested and sent to concentration camps to later be tortured to death or executed

How did everyday life change for the German population under the Nazis?

Everyday life was heavily influenced by Nazi propaganda, the enforcement of Nazi ideology, and state control over all aspects of society, including arts, media, education, culture, and the economy.

What was the role of women in Nazi Germany?

• Women were expected to focus on "Kinder, Küche, Kirche" (children, kitchen, church).

• Their roles were centred on motherhood and supporting the Nazi vision of the family.

• Women were encouraged to have large families and were discouraged from working outside the home.

• Medals were also given to women based off how many kids they had

How were Jews and other minorities treated in Nazi Germany?

• they were all subject to discrimination

• exclusion from public life, forced relocation, and violence.

• Jews were particularly persecuted through the Nuremberg Laws and the Holocaust.

• Most were sent to concentration camps

How did Nazi propaganda affect ordinary Germans?

• Nazi propaganda was involved every aspect of life

• it shaped public opinion through media, public speeches, and events like rallies.

• It created a sense of unity under Hitler, but also spread fear of the military’s brutality yet hatred toward enemies of the regime.

How did the Nazis address unemployment?

• The Nazis addressed unemployment through public works programmes

• the construction of the Autobahn and the expansion of the military from 100,000 to 500,000.

• These initiatives reduced unemployment significantly and boosted support for the regime.

• since there was an increase in soldiers, this also meant the demands for military equipment increased which further improved the amount of jobs for people

What was the role of the Gestapo in everyday life?

• The Gestapo instilled fear in ordinary Germans

• by monitoring public behaviour, listening for anything or anyone against the Nazis, and arresting people who opposed the regime.

• Neighbours and even family members could report anyone for disloyalty.

How did ordinary Germans respond to life under the Nazis?

• most people supported the regime due to propaganda and fear, while others secretly resisted or criticized the regime.

• Some groups, like the White Rose, engaged in active resistance, but most people stayed passive to avoid persecution.

How did Nazi policies affect the working class in Germany?

• The working class benefited from reduced unemployment through public works programs and state-controlled projects.

• However, they had little political freedom, with trade unions abolished and workers' rights restricted under the Nazi regime.

What was the relationship between the Nazis and the Catholic Church in Germany?

• The Nazis initially sought a Concordat with the Catholic Church in 1933

• they had agreed to not to interfere with religious matters.

• However, later tensions grew as the Nazis began to control religious education and youth organizations

• leading to conflict with the church.

How did the Nazis manipulate sports and public events?

• The Nazis used public events like the 1936 Berlin Olympics to showcase the power and success of Nazi Germany.

• They manipulated sports as a means of displaying the Aryan race superiority

• using these events to promote national pride and Nazi ideology

What was the role of the German Labour Front (DAF) in Nazi society?

• The DAF replaced trade unions and controlled the workforce.

• It promoted the idea of "Volksgemeinschaft" (people's community), where workers were expected to serve the interests of the state

• made citizens feel they were apart of the country’s developments and improvements so that they would continue helping

• and it helped maintain Nazi control over the economy and labour force.