Methods used to establish an authoritarian state- Hitler

Flashcards covering the establishment of the Authoritarian State in Germany, focusing on political persuasion, coercion, the role of leaders, and Nazi ideology.

Enabling Act

Passed on March 23, 1933, it established the Authoritarian State in Germany under Hitler.

political persuasion

nazi election propaganda about grievances and enemies, nazi election propaganda about hope, various types of propaganda, horst wessel cult

Political Persuasion

Convincing someone to adopt a belief or action through appeals to emotion and experience.

Propaganda (Richard J Evans' definition)

The deliberate, systematic attempt to shape perceptions, manipulate cognitions, and direct behaviour to achieve a desired response.

election propaganda about hope

Hitler waws portrayed as the “fuhrer over Germany” who would restore national pride and lead the country to greatness, promising economic recovery and social unity. This caused his popularity to rise to an all time high and he made it to the second round of elections with Hindemburg

election propaganda about grievances and enemies

This focused on blaming various groups, such as Jews and communists, for Germany's economic struggles and societal issues, fostering a sense of victimhood and rallying support against perceived threats.

The Weimar republic was depicted as “the system”

“november criminals” and “diktat” were used to create nationalistic support against the armistice and treaty of versailles

Nazi Propaganda

Included rallies, speeches, printed materials, songs, and recruitment to the party and youth divisions.

Der Angriff newspaper

Published articles promoting Nazi ideology and the power of Hitler to save Germany.

Horst Wessel cult

Propaganda that portrayed Horst Wessel as a martyr, blaming the Red Front for German struggles. This made it easier for the Nazis to create the Enabling Act because they could justify their control

Coercion

The use of force or threats to compel someone to take a particular course of action or accept a particular belief.

Coercion using force

the use of SA paramilitary force, the appointment of Goring as Prussian Minister of the Interior in 1933, Hitler’s threat of civil war in 1933

SA (Sturmabteilung)

The Nazi party's paramilitary group, used to intimidate and coerce voters.

SS (Schutzstaffel)

An elite, disciplined unit of the Nazi party, serving as Hitler's bodyguards.

Hermann Göring

Appointed as Prussian Minister of the Interior in February 1933, controlled the Prussian police force and enrolled SA and SS members as auxiliary police.

What did the appointment of Goring as Prussian Minister of the Interior do?

Violence often occured in the street with communists killed on the street by the SA. The Nazis grew in power as their opponents were taken out.

Hitler’s threat of civil war

March 1933

He threatened to use the power of the armed forces that were under his control of chancellor to win over the votes of the Centre party for the Enabling Act.

Role of Leaders

Significant figures in the Nazi movement who played a crucial role in establishing the authoritarian state.

Hitler, Goebbels, Rohm, Goring

Adolf Hitler

Had charismatic influence, used the Reichstag fire to suppress the communist party, and had communists arrested.

This made anti-communists support and trust him. It eliminated his enemies and justified the continuation of violence

Joseph Goebbels

Effectively used propaganda to persuade voters and portrayed the SA as making a sacrifice for Germany. This increased support amongst nationalists and helped solidify the Nazi party's power.

Ernst Röhm

Commander of the SA who significantly expanded the group into a large army of street fighters. This meant that the Nazis had the resources for a war/revolution

Ideology

The main beliefs of the Nazi party that were formed to explain the complex problems the country faced and provide simple solutions.

Fuhrerprinzip, anti-Bolshevik/anti-communist, anti-democratic, Horst Wessel

Führerprinzip

The Nazi movement was built around an all-powerful leader, to whom there would be no opposition or challenge. It allowed Germany to be turned into a dictatorship because the principle painted him as the solution to the German problems. This concept emphasized absolute loyalty to the leader (Führer), promoting a centralized authority and rejecting democratic governance.

Anti-Bolshevik/Communist Ideology

Hitler's belief that the Nazi movement was in opposition to communism, connecting his hatred of communists with his hatred of Jews. This allowed him to justify the elimination of his enemies and to establish acts such as the Reichstag Fire Decree and the Enabling act.

Anti-democratic/Weimar Ideology

Hitler's contempt for parliamentary democracy and the Weimar Republic, emphasizing the nation above democratic ideals. This helped to establish the foundations for a dictatorship because justified an absolute ruler.

Role of Leaders Significance

Leaders like Hitler, Goebbels, and Röhm enacted policies, increased Nazi votes, and gained support through propaganda and force.