Consolidation of Nazi Germany Historiography

Differing historian views on the extent to which Hitler’s control was totalitarian

Martin Broszat – Nazi control relied on Resistenz (everyday non-compliance) more than totalitarian domination; regime less monolithic than claimed.

vs

Tim Mason – The Nazi dictatorship rested on both consent (economic recovery) and coercion (terror state).

Historian view on genuine support for Hitler

Peter Fritzsche – Many Germans supported Hitler out of genuine enthusiasm, not just fear.

positive: Nuremberg rallies

Historian views on citizen role in surveillance

Richard Evans – The SS and Gestapo were effective but relied heavily on citizen denunciations.

Christopher Browning – Ordinary Germans became “willing executioners” through indoctrination and conformity.

Historian view on Hitler’s figurehead role

Hans Mommsen – Nazi rule was polycratic chaos; Hitler delegated power to competing agencies.