nazi policestate

In the 1930s the Nazis had control over Germany. They persecuted the Jewish people and others believed to be ‘undesirable'.

Nazi Government

The regime established by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s, based on the ideology outlined in Mein Kampf.

Führer Principle

The concept that a single leader must hold complete power over a single party.

Master Race

The Nazi belief that Germans, descended from Aryans, were superior to all other races, which were deemed inferior or subhuman.

Lebensraum

The idea that Germany needed to expand territorially to provide living space for the Master Race.

Autarky

The policy of economic self-sufficiency, avoiding reliance on imported goods.

Gestapo

The secret police of the Nazis, responsible for gathering intelligence and enforcing Nazi laws through fear and intimidation.

SS (Schutzstaffel)

A paramilitary organization tasked with protecting the Nazi regime and managing concentration camps.

Concentration Camps

Facilities where 'undesirable' individuals, including political opponents and Jews, were imprisoned and subjected to harsh conditions.

Propaganda

Information, especially biased or misleading, used to promote the Nazi ideology and glorify Hitler.

Censorship

The suppression of media and information that contradicted Nazi beliefs, including the banning of books and control of the press.

Nuremberg Laws

Racial laws enacted in 1935 that stripped Jews of their citizenship and rights.

Kristallnacht

A coordinated attack on Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues on November 9-10, 1938, resulting in widespread destruction and arrests.

Star of David Emblem

A symbol that Jewish people were required to wear to identify themselves under Nazi laws.

Opposition to the Nazis

Limited due to fear of repression, censorship, and the elimination of political parties and trade unions.

Confessional Church

A Protestant movement formed in opposition to the Nazi-controlled Reich Church, led by figures like Martin Niemöller.

The Meuten

Gangs of working-class youth who sympathized with socialist ideas and resisted Nazi ideology.

Swing Kids

A youth movement that defied Nazi expectations by embracing fashion and music associated with non-Nazi culture.

The White Rose

A student group that distributed anti-Nazi leaflets and was ultimately executed for their resistance.

Edelweiss Pirates

A youth group that opposed the Nazis by vandalizing property, sheltering deserters, and attacking Nazi officials.