Unit 4 - NG - Booklet 1 Developments in Nazi control

Further Development in Nazi Control of Germany after 1933

Focus on Hitler’s consolidation of power from 1933 to 1943.
Key events include the Reichstag Fire, the Enabling Act, and the Night of the Long Knives.
Examination of propaganda, indoctrination, and terror under the Nazi regime.
Analysis of the Nazi political system and the totalitarian control exercised.

Chancellorship (January 1933):
- Hitler was appointed Chancellor but shared power in a cabinet of 12 with only 2 Nazis initially.
- The Nazis lacked a majority in the Reichstag and relied on President Hindenburg’s support.
Opportunities for Opposition:
- Potential to hinder Hitler existed; however, he was supported by non-Nazi elements in government and civil society.
- Possible reasons for lack of opposition:
  - Hitler’s seeming caution & legalism.
  - Concerns over a Bolshevik revolution among right-wing elites.
  - Underestimation of Hitler’s determination by powerful social groups.

Election of March 1933:
- Hitler used the looming threat of communism to rally support.
- Reichstag Fire (February 27, 1933):
  - Blamed on communist Marinus van der Lubbe; exploited as a pretext to suppress communism.
  - A state of emergency was declared, allowing for repressive measures against leftist political groups.
- Emergency Decree (February 28, 1933):
  - Enabled arrest of communists, suspension of civil liberties, and censorship of the press.

March 1933 Election Results:
- Nazis secured 43.9% of the vote, not achieving a two-thirds majority.
- Used the emergency decree to arrest communist and some socialist deputies.
Passing of the Enabling Act (March 23, 1933):
- Gave Hitler power to enact laws without Reichstag consent for four years.
- Marked the end of parliamentary democracy.
Coordination (Gleichschaltung):
- State governments, civil service, and trade unions brought under Nazi control by various laws and decrees.
- Trade unions suppressed; replaced by the German Labour Front.
- Outlawing of other political parties by July 1933.

SA and Rohm's Opposition:
- SA's leader Ernst Rohm pushed for a 'second revolution' with socialist rhetoric, alarming conservative elites and the army.
- Night of the Long Knives (June 29, 1934):
  - Crackdown on SA leadership; around 90 executed including Rohm.
  - Strengthened Hitler’s control over the party and secured military support.

Concentration of Power After Hindenburg's Death:
- After Hindenburg's death on August 2, 1934, Hitler combined the roles of Chancellor and President.
- The military swore loyalty to Hitler, consolidating his total control.
- This plebiscite saw overwhelming support, yet remained marred by manipulation and pressure.

Decision-Making Style:
- Characterized by individual rather than collective decision-making.
- Chaos within the administration as rivalries existed among leaders.
- Hitler seen as a distant figure, delegating decision-making responsibilities.

Role of Propaganda:
- Goebbels appointed as Minister of Propaganda; monopoly over media established.
- Control over press and radio essential for disseminating Nazi ideology.
- Creation of culture that glorified Nazi ideals; suppression of opposing perspectives.

SS and Gestapo:
- Established as primary instruments of state terror.
- SS evolved into a significant power within the Nazi state, overseeing many aspects of anti-Semitic and criminal policies.
- Gestapo became synonymous with state intimidation and repression, recruiting from the general populace for information.

Analysis of Hitler’s consolidation of power illustrates a complex interplay between legal, political, and violent means.
The Nazis established their rule through a combination of democratic means, manipulation, and direct terror, laying the groundwork for a totalitarian regime; however, challenges and dissent persisted in various forms.