Hitler’s Germany (1933–1939) Notes

Overview

1. Between 1933 and the outbreak of war in 1939, Germany was transformed into a totalitarian state under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
2. Hitler dismantled
   1. democratic structures,
   2. introduced aggressive economic and social reforms.
   3. created a regime based on fear, propaganda, and ideology.
3. During this time, many Germans benefited from rising employment and national pride but others, particularly Jews and political opponents, suffered persecution and exclusion.

Consolidation of Power (1933–1934)

1. After becoming Chancellor in January 1933, Hitler acted quickly to eliminate opposition and secure full control.
2. The Reichstag Fire (Feb 1933) allowed Hitler to push through the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties.
3. The Enabling Act (March 1933) gave Hitler the power to pass laws without the Reichstag or President. This marked the legal end of democracy.
4. Hitler used a process called Gleichschaltung (coordination) to align all institutions with Nazi ideology, including education, media, and local governments.
5. Political parties were banned, and trade unions were dissolved and replaced with the Nazi-run German Labour Front (DAF).The Night of the Long Knives (June 1934) saw the SA (Stormtroopers) purged and rivals like Ernst Röhm killed. This helped gain the army's loyalty.
6. After President Hindenburg died in August 1934, Hitler merged the roles of Chancellor and President, calling himself Führer.

Hitler’s Pre-War Domestic Policies (Economic, Social, Political)

Economic Policies

1. Hitler aimed to reduce unemployment, which had been over 6 million when he took power.
2. Through public works projects like the Autobahn, and rearmament, unemployment fell dramatically.
3. The German Labour Front (DAF) replaced trade unions and organized labor to serve Nazi goals.
4. Programs like the Strength Through Joy (KdF) scheme provided cheap holidays and entertainment to keep workers happy.

Social Policies

1. Nazi ideology emphasized a racially pure "Volksgemeinschaft" (people’s community), excluding Jews, Roma, and others.
2. Women were encouraged to focus on "Kinder, Küche, Kirche" (children, kitchen, church). They received medals for having many children.
3. Education was redesigned to instill Nazi values, with subjects like "Race Studies" introduced, and the Hitler Youth became mandatory.
4. Jews were gradually excluded from public life through laws like the Nuremberg Laws (1935), which stripped them of citizenship and banned mixed marriages.

Political Policies

1. Elections were held, but only Nazi-approved candidates could run.
2. Opposition parties and independent media were banned; propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels controlled all messaging.
3. The Gestapo and SS enforced obedience through fear, surveillance, and imprisonment.

Nature of the Nazi State

1. The Nazi state was totalitarian, aiming to control all aspects of life
2. It was a police state, with the Gestapo spying on citizens and the SS running concentration camps.
3. Propaganda in the form of posters, radio, films, and education were all tools to shape public opinion.The state combined a strong, charismatic leader (Führerprinzip) with loyalty-driven institutions like the SA and SS.
4. Fear and indoctrination coexisted with genuine support. Many Germans accepted the regime due to improved jobs, restored pride, and stability.

The Extent of Resistance to the Nazis

1. There was resistance, but it was limited and often crushed quickly.Some youth groups like the Edelweiss Pirates rejected Nazi control, and the Swing Youth opposed cultural restrictions.
2. A few church leaders (e.g., Pastor Niemöller, Bishop Galen) spoke out but were silenced or imprisoned.
3. Political resistance from the left was largely destroyed by 1934, though some underground groups continued to operate.
4. Most Germans either supported the regime, remained silent, or were afraid to resist due to the risk of arrest or execution.