crisis and conflict chapter 4: authoritarian regimes — case study: nazi germany an enquiry...

Crisis and Crisis and ConflictConflict

Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Authoritarian Regimes Authoritarian Regimes

— — Case Study: Case Study: Nazi GermanyNazi Germany

An Enquiry Approach to Modern World An Enquiry Approach to Modern World

HistoryHistory

Secondary 3Secondary 3

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Crisis and Conflict: Nazi Germany Copyright 2007

Was the rise of Nazism in Was the rise of Nazism in Germany inevitable?Germany inevitable?

How was Hitler able to become the leader of

Germany?

What was the impact of Hitler’s rise to power on

Germany?

Factors which led to Hitler’srise to power.

Effects of Hitler’s rule.

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In a NutshellIn a Nutshell Prior to Hitler’s appointment as the Chancellor of Prior to Hitler’s appointment as the Chancellor of

Germany, the ruling Weimar Government was unpopular Germany, the ruling Weimar Government was unpopular among the Germans.among the Germans.

The Weimar Government was blamed for its inability to The Weimar Government was blamed for its inability to solve many of the post-war problems Germany inherited solve many of the post-war problems Germany inherited from its defeat in World War I.from its defeat in World War I.

The Weimar Government was also blamed for its role in The Weimar Government was also blamed for its role in the surrender in World War I and the signing of the Treaty the surrender in World War I and the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.of Versailles.

Hitler was able to gain support by promising to overturn Hitler was able to gain support by promising to overturn the Treaty of Versailles and regain Germany’s pride.the Treaty of Versailles and regain Germany’s pride.

Hitler and his Nazi Party were able to gain total control of Hitler and his Nazi Party were able to gain total control of Germany by 1933, turning it into a totalitarian Nazi state. Germany by 1933, turning it into a totalitarian Nazi state.

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How was Hitler able to become the How was Hitler able to become the leader of Germany?leader of Germany?

The weakness of the Weimar Government

Hitler’s abilities

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The The constitution constitution

and system of and system of proportional proportional

representationrepresentation

Opposed by Opposed by the rightthe right

Opposed by Opposed by the leftthe left

Unable to Unable to keep order keep order

in the in the countrycountry

Lost the Lost the support of support of the middle the middle

classclass

Lost a Lost a capable capable leaderleader

The The weakness of weakness of the Weimar the Weimar GovernmentGovernment

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The constitution and system of proportional representation

•Germany had been controlled by Germany had been controlled by

authoritarian rulers for a very longauthoritarian rulers for a very longtime.time.

•After the German surrender inAfter the German surrender inWorld War I, a new constitution was World War I, a new constitution was drawn up which established a drawn up which established a democratic government.democratic government.

•The democratic Weimar Government The democratic Weimar Government had a President who was chosen by had a President who was chosen by the people.the people.

•The President chose the Chancellor The President chose the Chancellor and the cabinet ministers.and the cabinet ministers.

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The constitution and system of proportional representation

However, under this new system, governments However, under this new system, governments did not last long.did not last long.

Regular changing of the governments proved to Regular changing of the governments proved to be disruptive to the stability of the country.be disruptive to the stability of the country.

Moreover, most of the ruling parties were Moreover, most of the ruling parties were coalition parties that lacked unity.coalition parties that lacked unity.

Many people had little faith in the ability of the Many people had little faith in the ability of the government.government.

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Opposed by the right

The ‘right’ comprised mainly of the The ‘right’ comprised mainly of the German Army which objected to the German Army which objected to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.signing of the Treaty of Versailles.

This group claimed the army had been This group claimed the army had been ‘stabbed in the back’ and could have ‘stabbed in the back’ and could have continued fighting.continued fighting.

Deeply resentful, they were determined to Deeply resentful, they were determined to obstruct the work of the Weimar obstruct the work of the Weimar Government.Government.

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However, their claims were untrue.However, their claims were untrue.

Germany’s allies, Turkey and Bulgaria, were ready to Germany’s allies, Turkey and Bulgaria, were ready to stop fighting and negotiate for peace, leaving stop fighting and negotiate for peace, leaving Germany’s south open to attack.Germany’s south open to attack.

Since 1915, the British naval blockade of Germany’s Since 1915, the British naval blockade of Germany’s ports had prevented food and raw materials from ports had prevented food and raw materials from reaching Germany.reaching Germany.

Starved of food and basic goods, the Weimar Starved of food and basic goods, the Weimar Government had no choice but to sign the Treaty Government had no choice but to sign the Treaty of Versailles.of Versailles.

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Opposed by the left

The ‘left’ refers to the Communists.The ‘left’ refers to the Communists. One of the Communist groups was known as the One of the Communist groups was known as the

Spartacists, a group which wanted to set up a Spartacists, a group which wanted to set up a government similar to the one in the Soviet Union.government similar to the one in the Soviet Union.

Frequent uprisings by the Spartacists occurred between Frequent uprisings by the Spartacists occurred between 1918 and 1919. 1918 and 1919.

The Spartacists were opposed by anti-Communist ex-The Spartacists were opposed by anti-Communist ex-servicemen, the servicemen, the FreikorpsFreikorps (or the Free Corps). There (or the Free Corps). There were frequent battles between both groups.were frequent battles between both groups.

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Unable to keep order in the country

The government spent much of its time trying to The government spent much of its time trying to suppress riots and attempts to overthrow the suppress riots and attempts to overthrow the government.government.

It relied heavily on the It relied heavily on the FreikorpsFreikorps to suppress to suppress revolts.revolts.

The The FreikorpsFreikorps themselves tried to overthrow the themselves tried to overthrow the government in the 1920 Kapp government in the 1920 Kapp PutschPutsch which which almost succeeded.almost succeeded.

In November 1923, Hitler himself attempted to In November 1923, Hitler himself attempted to overthrow the government in the Munich Beer overthrow the government in the Munich Beer Hall Hall PutschPutsch..

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Members of the Weimar Government became Members of the Weimar Government became targets for attack.targets for attack.

Between 1919 and 1922, there were 376 Between 1919 and 1922, there were 376 political murders.political murders.

Many people were deeply shocked by the level Many people were deeply shocked by the level of violence in the country and lost confidence in of violence in the country and lost confidence in the government’s ability to maintain law and the government’s ability to maintain law and order.order.

The judges and police, many of whom preferred The judges and police, many of whom preferred the days of autocratic rule under the Kaiser, the days of autocratic rule under the Kaiser, were sympathetic towards the murderers and were sympathetic towards the murderers and the murderers mostly received light sentences. the murderers mostly received light sentences.

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Lost the support of the middle class

The Weimar Government was heavily in debt The Weimar Government was heavily in debt due to the payment of war reparations.due to the payment of war reparations.

Germany’s problems were worsened by the Germany’s problems were worsened by the hyper-inflation caused by the overprinting of hyper-inflation caused by the overprinting of money which the government used to pay off its money which the government used to pay off its debts. debts.

Many Germans lost their savings overnight and Many Germans lost their savings overnight and they blamed the government.they blamed the government.

The middle class was the worst hit and they The middle class was the worst hit and they stopped supporting the government, believing stopped supporting the government, believing that the government and its democratic system that the government and its democratic system had failed.had failed.

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Lost a capable leader Despite its weaknesses, the Weimar Government did not Despite its weaknesses, the Weimar Government did not

collapse.collapse. This was due to the efforts of Chancellor This was due to the efforts of Chancellor Gustav Gustav

StresemannStresemann.. He was able to negotiate for a longer term for the He was able to negotiate for a longer term for the

repayment of reparations through the Dawes Plan and repayment of reparations through the Dawes Plan and the Young Plan.the Young Plan.

He also improved relations with the Allies and Germany He also improved relations with the Allies and Germany was admitted to the League of Nations. was admitted to the League of Nations.

These positive developments led some people to These positive developments led some people to describe the years between 1924 and 1929 as a describe the years between 1924 and 1929 as a golden golden ageage for Germany. for Germany.

His death in 1929 was a big blow to Germany.His death in 1929 was a big blow to Germany.

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Lost a capable leader

Germany’s economic recovery relied on US Germany’s economic recovery relied on US loans.loans.

This made Germany vulnerable as it depended This made Germany vulnerable as it depended on America’s ability to keep lending. on America’s ability to keep lending.

When the Great Depression hit and America When the Great Depression hit and America was badly affected, the loans from America to was badly affected, the loans from America to Germany dried up.Germany dried up.

Germany suffered as a result of this and was on Germany suffered as a result of this and was on the verge of collapse.the verge of collapse.

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Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking

What do you learn about the early years of What do you learn about the early years of democratic Germany from the two viewpoints?democratic Germany from the two viewpoints?

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The The constitution constitution

and system of and system of proportional proportional

representationrepresentation

Opposed by Opposed by the rightthe right

Opposed by Opposed by the leftthe left

Unable to Unable to keep order keep order

in the in the countrycountry

Lost the Lost the support of support of the middle the middle

classclass

Lost a Lost a capable capable leaderleader

The The weakness of weakness of the Weimar the Weimar GovernmentGovernment

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Hitler’s abilities Hitler overcame the failures in his life and rose to become one of the Hitler overcame the failures in his life and rose to become one of the

most powerful leaders of Germany within a very short time.most powerful leaders of Germany within a very short time. He used his abilities and took advantage of the opportunities present He used his abilities and took advantage of the opportunities present

to rise to power.to rise to power.

Excellent Excellent speaker and speaker and charismatic charismatic

leaderleader

Reorganised the Reorganised the Nazi PartyNazi Party

Exploited fear of Exploited fear of Communism to Communism to

win supportwin support

Skilful at Skilful at making deals making deals

with politicianswith politicians

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Hitler had the natural ability to capture people’s attention with Hitler had the natural ability to capture people’s attention with his public speaking skills.his public speaking skills.

He was able to inspire confidence and belief among Germans He was able to inspire confidence and belief among Germans that he could be the one to lead Germany out of its problems.that he could be the one to lead Germany out of its problems.

Under Hitler’s leadership, the National Socialist German Under Hitler’s leadership, the National Socialist German Worker’s Party (NSDAP) or Nazi Party grew and came up with Worker’s Party (NSDAP) or Nazi Party grew and came up with its first programme known as the its first programme known as the Twenty-five PointsTwenty-five Points in 1920. in 1920.

For his role in the Munich Beer Hall For his role in the Munich Beer Hall PutschPutsch, he was arrested. , he was arrested. However, his stirring speech made the judges sympathetic However, his stirring speech made the judges sympathetic

towards him and he received a light sentence of a five-year jail towards him and he received a light sentence of a five-year jail sentence. He was released on parole after only nine months.sentence. He was released on parole after only nine months.

Excellent speaker and charismatic Excellent speaker and charismatic leaderleader

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The jail term proved to be a turning point.The jail term proved to be a turning point. It convinced Hitler that legal means and not It convinced Hitler that legal means and not

force alone would help him gain power.force alone would help him gain power. Upon release, he concentrated his efforts on Upon release, he concentrated his efforts on

reorganising the Nazi Party.reorganising the Nazi Party. Among the changes made was the setting up Among the changes made was the setting up

of branches in different parts of Germany as of branches in different parts of Germany as well as the creation of a youth movement.well as the creation of a youth movement.

Reorganised the Nazi PartyReorganised the Nazi Party

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Initially, the Nazi Party had very little support from the people.Initially, the Nazi Party had very little support from the people.

The working class supported either the Social Democratic Party or the The working class supported either the Social Democratic Party or the Communists.Communists.

The years 1924–1929 saw general economic prosperity and political stability. The years 1924–1929 saw general economic prosperity and political stability. Thus, the people did not see the need to vote out the Weimar Government.Thus, the people did not see the need to vote out the Weimar Government.

At the time, most Germans were not interested in Nazi calls to keep Jews out of At the time, most Germans were not interested in Nazi calls to keep Jews out of German political life nor in the Nazi plan to invade other countries. The people German political life nor in the Nazi plan to invade other countries. The people also did not like the way the Nazis beat up their opponents to intimidate them.also did not like the way the Nazis beat up their opponents to intimidate them.

After the Great Depression in 1929, many Germans suffered. The After the Great Depression in 1929, many Germans suffered. The Weimar Government’s popularity dipped even further.Weimar Government’s popularity dipped even further.

With improved organisation, Hitler was able to gain much popularity and With improved organisation, Hitler was able to gain much popularity and support.support.

Reorganised the Nazi PartyReorganised the Nazi Party

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The Nazi Party and the Communists became popular during the difficult times The Nazi Party and the Communists became popular during the difficult times after the Great Depression.after the Great Depression.

Many Germans believed that the Weimar Government had failed them and Many Germans believed that the Weimar Government had failed them and were open to trying out alternative forms of government.were open to trying out alternative forms of government.

Hitler made use of propaganda to spread fear about the aims of Communism.Hitler made use of propaganda to spread fear about the aims of Communism. He convinced people that the Nazi Party was the only party capable of He convinced people that the Nazi Party was the only party capable of

providing order and stopping the Communists.providing order and stopping the Communists. Many rich industrialists supported the Nazis as they wanted an anti-Many rich industrialists supported the Nazis as they wanted an anti-

Communist government.Communist government. With strong financial support, Hitler was able to build a sizeable private army With strong financial support, Hitler was able to build a sizeable private army

— the — the SturmabteilungSturmabteilung (SA) or Stormtroopers. (SA) or Stormtroopers.

Exploited fear of Communism to Exploited fear of Communism to win supportwin support

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The Nazis won less than three per cent of the votes in the 1928 The Nazis won less than three per cent of the votes in the 1928 Elections.Elections.

By 1930, they had won 37.3 per cent, making them the party By 1930, they had won 37.3 per cent, making them the party with the most seats in the Reichstag.with the most seats in the Reichstag.

In 1932, President von Hindenburg was pressurised to agree to In 1932, President von Hindenburg was pressurised to agree to Hitler’s demand for chancellorship. He was persuaded by Franz Hitler’s demand for chancellorship. He was persuaded by Franz von Papen who thought that the conservatives could channel von Papen who thought that the conservatives could channel their support for Hitler into support for the policies of the their support for Hitler into support for the policies of the cabinet.cabinet.

Furthermore, it was hoped that Hitler could help the Furthermore, it was hoped that Hitler could help the government to control the Communists.government to control the Communists.

This was welcomed by the rich industrialists who then This was welcomed by the rich industrialists who then supported the appointment of Hitler as Chancellor.supported the appointment of Hitler as Chancellor.

On 30 January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor. Within On 30 January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor. Within months, he ended Weimar Germany and started the Third months, he ended Weimar Germany and started the Third ReichReich..

Skilful at making deals with Skilful at making deals with politicianspoliticians

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Hitler’s abilities Hitler overcame the failures in his life and rose to become one of the Hitler overcame the failures in his life and rose to become one of the

most powerful leaders of Germany within a very short time.most powerful leaders of Germany within a very short time. He used his abilities and took advantage of the opportunities present He used his abilities and took advantage of the opportunities present

to rise to power.to rise to power.

Excellent Excellent speaker and speaker and charismatic charismatic

leaderleader

Reorganised the Reorganised the Nazi PartyNazi Party

Exploited fear of Exploited fear of Communism to Communism to

win supportwin support

Skilful at Skilful at making deals making deals

with politicianswith politicians

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Hitler’s Actions Circumstances

Good leadershipGood leadership Wall Street Crash and the World Wall Street Crash and the World DepressionDepression

Promised to make Germany Promised to make Germany a great country againa great country again

Fear of CommunismFear of Communism

Excellent party organisationExcellent party organisation Weak and short-lived Weak and short-lived governmentsgovernments

Extensive use of propagandaExtensive use of propaganda Politicians decided to make deals Politicians decided to make deals with Hitlerwith Hitler

Study the table below. Do you think Hitler came to Study the table below. Do you think Hitler came to power because of his own actions or due to power because of his own actions or due to circumstances in Germany after World War I? Why?circumstances in Germany after World War I? Why?


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Social Social ImpactImpact

Economic Economic ImpactImpact

Political Political ImpactImpact

What was the What was the impact of impact of

Hitler’s rise to Hitler’s rise to power on power on Germany?Germany?

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Hoping for full control, Hitler dissolved the Reichstag and Hoping for full control, Hitler dissolved the Reichstag and called for fresh elections in March 1933.called for fresh elections in March 1933.

A week before the elections however, the Reichstag A week before the elections however, the Reichstag building caught fire.building caught fire.

Blaming the incident on the Communists and claiming that Blaming the incident on the Communists and claiming that the state was in danger, Hitler managed to convince the the state was in danger, Hitler managed to convince the President to grant him emergency powers.President to grant him emergency powers.

Using these powers, Hitler arrested the Communists and Using these powers, Hitler arrested the Communists and other political opponents.other political opponents.

On 5 March 1933, the Nazis won 43.9 per cent of the On 5 March 1933, the Nazis won 43.9 per cent of the votes in the Reichstag.votes in the Reichstag.

February 1933 Reichstag FireFebruary 1933 Reichstag Fire

Democracy in Germany was Democracy in Germany was destroyeddestroyed

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This act gave Hitler full dictatorial powers for four years.This act gave Hitler full dictatorial powers for four years. To pass the Enabling Act, Hitler needed a two-thirds To pass the Enabling Act, Hitler needed a two-thirds

majority of the Reichstag.majority of the Reichstag. To achieve this, Hitler outlawed the Communist Party and To achieve this, Hitler outlawed the Communist Party and

arrested most of them to prevent them from voting arrested most of them to prevent them from voting against him.against him.

On March 1933, he got two-thirds of the votes with the On March 1933, he got two-thirds of the votes with the support of the Nationalists and the Catholic Centre Party.support of the Nationalists and the Catholic Centre Party.

Within a month, Hitler made use of his powers to Within a month, Hitler made use of his powers to strengthen his control.strengthen his control.

23 March 1933 Enabling Act23 March 1933 Enabling Act


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April 1933New laws were passed to remove all members of other political parties from all government departments.

May 1933 All trade unions were banned and reorganised into a Nazi-controlled organisation, the German Labour Front or DAF (Deutsche Arbeitsfront). The Social Democratic Party was dissolved.

July 1933All other political parties in the country were banned. Germany thus became a one-party dictatorship.

23 March 1933 Enabling Act23 March 1933 Enabling Act


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The SA was Hitler’s private army and played a crucial role in his The SA was Hitler’s private army and played a crucial role in his rise.rise.

By 1934, the SA (also known as Brownshirts) had grown into a By 1934, the SA (also known as Brownshirts) had grown into a four-million strong army under Ernst Rohm.four-million strong army under Ernst Rohm.

Hitler was worried about the potential threat from the SA.Hitler was worried about the potential threat from the SA. Rohm’s calls for the SA to be made into a second German Army Rohm’s calls for the SA to be made into a second German Army

and large firms nationalised worried the generals, industrialists and large firms nationalised worried the generals, industrialists and Hitler, who was afraid that the SA might challenge his and Hitler, who was afraid that the SA might challenge his position.position.

On 29 and 30 June 1934, Hitler had Rohm and many SA leaders On 29 and 30 June 1934, Hitler had Rohm and many SA leaders arrested and executed, together with other political leaders who arrested and executed, together with other political leaders who opposed him. This event was known as theopposed him. This event was known as the Night of the Long Night of the Long KnivesKnives.. BackBack

Threats to Hitler within the Nazi Party were Threats to Hitler within the Nazi Party were removedremoved


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One of Hitler’s aims was to gain One of Hitler’s aims was to gain completecomplete control of the state.control of the state.

After getting political control of the state, After getting political control of the state, he proceeded to gain tight control over the he proceeded to gain tight control over the people in order to achieve his goals.people in order to achieve his goals.

German people had little freedomGerman people had little freedom

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Hitler used his emergency powers to suspend political Hitler used his emergency powers to suspend political and civil rights after the Reichstag fire. and civil rights after the Reichstag fire.

The government had the power to arrest anyone The government had the power to arrest anyone suspected of being against the government.suspected of being against the government.

Suspects could be imprisoned for an indefinite period of Suspects could be imprisoned for an indefinite period of time, without being brought to a court of law.time, without being brought to a court of law.

The courts were also under the total control of the Nazis.The courts were also under the total control of the Nazis.

Only Nazis or Nazi supporters could become judges.Only Nazis or Nazi supporters could become judges.

Hence, it became impossible to get a fair trial in Nazi Hence, it became impossible to get a fair trial in Nazi Germany.Germany.

Emergency laws were usedEmergency laws were used

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The SS (The SS (Schutzstaffel Schutzstaffel or Elite Guard) and the or Elite Guard) and the GestapoGestapo (the secret police)(the secret police) often arrested and killed opponents of often arrested and killed opponents of the Nazi Party. the Nazi Party.

The The Gestapo Gestapo were not accountable to the courts or to were not accountable to the courts or to any law.any law.

The SS and The SS and GestapoGestapo struck fear in all Germans. struck fear in all Germans.

Nazi Germany is sometimes called a Nazi Germany is sometimes called a police statepolice state, , because of the virtually unlimited power of its police because of the virtually unlimited power of its police force.force.

The SS and the The SS and the GestapoGestapo

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The Nazis divided each town into smaller units called The Nazis divided each town into smaller units called viertelsviertels or quarters. or quarters.

Each quarter had its own Nazi Quarter Warden who Each quarter had its own Nazi Quarter Warden who would visit the houses in hiswould visit the houses in his quarter every week to check quarter every week to check and gather information on everyone. and gather information on everyone.

The Quarter Wardens acted asThe Quarter Wardens acted as informersinformers to the Nazi to the Nazi Party of any possible opposition.Party of any possible opposition.

People were encouraged to report on their families and People were encouraged to report on their families and neighbours who did not show total support for Hitler and neighbours who did not show total support for Hitler and the Nazi Party.the Nazi Party.

InformersInformers

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Concentration camps were built to house the huge Concentration camps were built to house the huge number of people arrested for being anti-government.number of people arrested for being anti-government.

Between 1933 and 1939, more than 200 000 Germans Between 1933 and 1939, more than 200 000 Germans were arrested and sent to the concentration camps.were arrested and sent to the concentration camps.

The people were very badly treated there The people were very badly treated there —— they were they were forced to work very hard and had very little food to eat.forced to work very hard and had very little food to eat.

As a result of the hardship and suffering they had to As a result of the hardship and suffering they had to endure, there were many deaths in the concentration endure, there were many deaths in the concentration camps. camps.

Concentration campsConcentration camps

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Under Nazi rule, all cultural activities, such as Under Nazi rule, all cultural activities, such as musical performances, films and art exhibitions, musical performances, films and art exhibitions, were aimed at shaping the minds of the were aimed at shaping the minds of the Germans to think like Nazis.Germans to think like Nazis.

The Nazis organised a lot of cultural activities to The Nazis organised a lot of cultural activities to encourage the Germans to support Hitler.encourage the Germans to support Hitler.

The development of other forms of culture was The development of other forms of culture was not permitted.not permitted.

Only pro-Nazi cultural activities were Only pro-Nazi cultural activities were allowedallowed

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Joseph GoebbelsJoseph Goebbels, one of Hitler’s most trusted ministers,, one of Hitler’s most trusted ministers, was put in charge of the Nazi propaganda programme. was put in charge of the Nazi propaganda programme.

He played an important role in spreading Nazi He played an important role in spreading Nazi propaganda in Germany to gain the people’s support for propaganda in Germany to gain the people’s support for the the ‘Führer and the‘Führer and the Fatherland’Fatherland’..

The Nazis brought all radio stations under their total The Nazis brought all radio stations under their total control. All Germans were encouraged to buy radios control. All Germans were encouraged to buy radios which were sold very cheaply in Germany, and radio which were sold very cheaply in Germany, and radio loudspeakers were also installed in all public and work loudspeakers were also installed in all public and work areas.areas.

Whenever Hitler gave speeches, orders would be given Whenever Hitler gave speeches, orders would be given for everyone to switch on their radios and listen to his for everyone to switch on their radios and listen to his speech.speech.

PropagandaPropaganda

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The Nazis also controlled the cinemas, a very popular The Nazis also controlled the cinemas, a very popular form of entertainment in the 1930s.form of entertainment in the 1930s.

Only movies approved by the Nazis could be shown.Only movies approved by the Nazis could be shown. Short films which highlighted the achievements of the Short films which highlighted the achievements of the

Nazis and which contained Nazi beliefs had to be Nazis and which contained Nazi beliefs had to be screened before the start of all movies.screened before the start of all movies.

German movies in the 1930s usually praised the Nazis German movies in the 1930s usually praised the Nazis or showed the Jews as the enemies of the Germans.or showed the Jews as the enemies of the Germans.

The Ministry of Propaganda made sure the only The Ministry of Propaganda made sure the only information the German people got was what the information the German people got was what the government wanted them to hear, read and see.government wanted them to hear, read and see.

PropagandaPropaganda

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The Nazis controlled all forms of media and there was The Nazis controlled all forms of media and there was very strict censorship.very strict censorship.

Publications, including newspapers, could publish only Publications, including newspapers, could publish only what was approved by the Ministry of Propaganda.what was approved by the Ministry of Propaganda.

Any publication that did not follow this was closed down Any publication that did not follow this was closed down and the people responsible arrested and thrown in the and the people responsible arrested and thrown in the concentration camps.concentration camps.

Books written by Jews and other ‘undesirable’ people Books written by Jews and other ‘undesirable’ people were removed from libraries and shops, and burnt in were removed from libraries and shops, and burnt in public. public.

CensorshipCensorship

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Even after gaining political control of the state, the Nazis Even after gaining political control of the state, the Nazis continued to use spectacular and colourful rallies just as continued to use spectacular and colourful rallies just as they had done before coming to power.they had done before coming to power.

The biggest rally was an annual one held in Nuremburg. The biggest rally was an annual one held in Nuremburg. Hundreds of thousands of people witnessed or took part Hundreds of thousands of people witnessed or took part in the rally.in the rally.

The people were very impressed by the Nazi uniforms, The people were very impressed by the Nazi uniforms, colourful flags, searchlights and torchlight processions. colourful flags, searchlights and torchlight processions. These gave an impression of power and unity, which These gave an impression of power and unity, which greatly appealed to the Germans.greatly appealed to the Germans.

Parades and ralliesParades and rallies

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Nazi youth organisationsNazi youth organisations were set up for both sexes.were set up for both sexes.

Boys went through programmes of military athletics while Boys went through programmes of military athletics while girls were prepared for eventual motherhood. girls were prepared for eventual motherhood.

German youths who were not members of these youth German youths who were not members of these youth organisationsorganisations found it difficult to enter universities or found it difficult to enter universities or obtain jobs. obtain jobs.

Through these programmes, German youths were Through these programmes, German youths were brainwashed by the Nazis.brainwashed by the Nazis.

Youths were brainwashed by the Youths were brainwashed by the NazisNazis

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Though many young people enthusiastically joined these Though many young people enthusiastically joined these organisations, others did not. One of the largest anti-Nazi organisations, others did not. One of the largest anti-Nazi youth groups was the ‘Edelweiss Pirates’.youth groups was the ‘Edelweiss Pirates’.

The ‘Edelweiss Pirates’ were youths who did not like the The ‘Edelweiss Pirates’ were youths who did not like the strictly-controlled life required by Nazi youth organisations.strictly-controlled life required by Nazi youth organisations.

The Nazis punished the members of the ‘Edelweiss The Nazis punished the members of the ‘Edelweiss Pirates’ by putting thousands of them in prison and hanging Pirates’ by putting thousands of them in prison and hanging the leaders of the group, but this did not deter them.the leaders of the group, but this did not deter them.

The presence of these groups showed that the Nazis did The presence of these groups showed that the Nazis did not have complete control over the German people.not have complete control over the German people.

Youths were brainwashed by the Youths were brainwashed by the NazisNazis

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Hitler made sure that schools encouraged loyalty and Hitler made sure that schools encouraged loyalty and obedience to Nazi beliefs.obedience to Nazi beliefs.

All teachers had to attend special training camps to help All teachers had to attend special training camps to help them teach Nazi beliefs more effectively.them teach Nazi beliefs more effectively.

Physical Education was emphasised to ensure all Physical Education was emphasised to ensure all German children were healthy.German children were healthy.

Students were taught how unfair the Treaty of Versailles Students were taught how unfair the Treaty of Versailles was.was.

Textbooks portrayed the Jews and the Communists Textbooks portrayed the Jews and the Communists negatively.negatively.

Students were also taught the superiority of the German Students were also taught the superiority of the German (Aryan) race.(Aryan) race.

Education system was controlled Education system was controlled by the Nazisby the Nazis

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Nazi-controlled education system:The Nazis had total control over the subjects and textbooks. The main objective of education was to teach Nazi ideas and to instill in all young Germans a sense of loyalty to Nazism.

Teachers had to attend special training camps to learn how to teach Nazi ideas. Those who refused to attend lost their jobs.

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Use of terror to control Germany:The Nazis used violence to make sure that they did not face challenges to their power. Many opponents of the Nazis were beaten up, sent to prison or killed.

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The Nazis believed that women should only be The Nazis believed that women should only be concerned about concerned about ‘children, church, kitchen’‘children, church, kitchen’ ( (kinder, kinder, kirche, kuchekirche, kuche).).

Hitler thought the role of German women was to produce Hitler thought the role of German women was to produce racially pure and healthy German babies and to look racially pure and healthy German babies and to look after their families.after their families.

Many professional women were forced to give up their Many professional women were forced to give up their jobs and stay at home.jobs and stay at home.

Women who bore many children received special awards Women who bore many children received special awards and cash to encourage them to have more children. and cash to encourage them to have more children.

Women were given limited Women were given limited responsibilitiesresponsibilities

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These statements These statements were on a Nazi were on a Nazi leaflet given to all leaflet given to all young women.young women.

Do you agree with Do you agree with the statements?the statements?

1.1. Remember that you are a German!Remember that you are a German!

2.2. If you are healthy, do not stay single!If you are healthy, do not stay single!

3.3. Keep your body pure!Keep your body pure!

4.4. Keep your mind and spirit pure!Keep your mind and spirit pure!

5.5. Marry only for love!Marry only for love!

6.6. As a German, choose only a husband of As a German, choose only a husband of the same blood!the same blood!

7.7. In choosing a husband, ask about his In choosing a husband, ask about his forebears!forebears!

8.8. Health is essential to beauty!Health is essential to beauty!

9.9. Don’t look for a playmate but for a Don’t look for a playmate but for a companion!companion!

10.10. You should want to have as many children You should want to have as many children as possible!as possible!

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Jews were treated cruellyJews were treated cruelly

Hitler was also known for his anti-Jewish stance and Hitler was also known for his anti-Jewish stance and laws. laws.

Hitler and the Nazis believed that Germans were part of Hitler and the Nazis believed that Germans were part of the Aryan race. They believed that the Aryans were the the Aryan race. They believed that the Aryans were the superior race (superior race (UbermenschUbermensch) and the non-Aryans were ) and the non-Aryans were the inferior race (the inferior race (UntermenschUntermensch), and that the inferior ), and that the inferior races should be the slaves of the superior race.races should be the slaves of the superior race.

Hitler had made it clear from the time he entered politics Hitler had made it clear from the time he entered politics that he hated the Jews and that they should not be that he hated the Jews and that they should not be allowed to take part in German life.allowed to take part in German life.

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Hitler was strongly opposed to marriages between Hitler was strongly opposed to marriages between Germans and Jews for he felt that this weakened the Germans and Jews for he felt that this weakened the German race. He wanted the Germans to remain racially German race. He wanted the Germans to remain racially pure.pure.

Although the Jews were only about one per cent of the Although the Jews were only about one per cent of the German population, Hitler convinced many Germans that German population, Hitler convinced many Germans that the Jews were responsible for all the bad things that the Jews were responsible for all the bad things that were happening in Germany.were happening in Germany.

When the Nazis came to power in 1933, they When the Nazis came to power in 1933, they immediately began to take measures against the Jews.immediately began to take measures against the Jews.

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1933• All Jews were

sacked from government jobs.

• The government called for the boycott of Jewish shops.

• Jews could not own farms.

• Jews were banned from jobs that involved the media.

1935• Jews were banned

from joining the Army.

• Jewish authors could not publish their works.

• Jews were not allowed to own radios, typewriters and bicycles.

• The Nuremberg Laws were passed.

• Jews were stripped of their citizenship.

• Jews were banned from marrying Germans.

1938• Jewish doctors and

lawyers were not allowed to have German clients.

• Jews were banned from entering public places of entertainment.

• Jews were not allowed to buy newspapers and magazines.

• Jews were not allowed to attend state schools and universities.

• Jews were banned from owning businesses.


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On 7 November 1938, following the killing of a German On 7 November 1938, following the killing of a German official, Ernst vom Rath, by a Jew, the Nazis used this as official, Ernst vom Rath, by a Jew, the Nazis used this as an excuse to organise a night of violence against the an excuse to organise a night of violence against the Jews.Jews.

More than 7 500 Jewish shops and over 400 More than 7 500 Jewish shops and over 400 synagogues were destroyed.synagogues were destroyed.

More than 90 Jews were killed while another 30 000 More than 90 Jews were killed while another 30 000 were arrested.were arrested.

This event was known in history asThis event was known in history as Kristallnacht Kristallnacht (Night of (Night of Broken Glass)Broken Glass)..

52


Jews were treated cruellyJews were treated cruelly Hitler was also responsible for carrying out ‘The Final Solution’ which Hitler was also responsible for carrying out ‘The Final Solution’ which

killed more than 6 million Jews through mass execution death camps killed more than 6 million Jews through mass execution death camps in parts of Germany and Poland. This event is known as the in parts of Germany and Poland. This event is known as the HolocaustHolocaust..

53


The Reich Church was established by Hitler.The Reich Church was established by Hitler. The Reich Church controlled all Protestant churches and The Reich Church controlled all Protestant churches and

preached Nazi values. preached Nazi values. Members of the Catholic church who opposed the Nazi Members of the Catholic church who opposed the Nazi

party were arrested and sent to concentration camps.party were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Hitler was able to reduce the influence of Christian Hitler was able to reduce the influence of Christian

churches over the people significantly.churches over the people significantly. This was achieved through closing all church schools This was achieved through closing all church schools

and church youth groups.and church youth groups.

Christian churches were Christian churches were controlled by Naziscontrolled by Nazis

BackBack

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Hitler’s three main economic policies were :Hitler’s three main economic policies were : To reduce unemployment.To reduce unemployment. To build up the German weapons building To build up the German weapons building

industry so as to create jobs and make Germany industry so as to create jobs and make Germany a great military power again.a great military power again.

To achieve autarky or economic self-sufficiency.To achieve autarky or economic self-sufficiency.

To ensure that the industries were not disrupted, To ensure that the industries were not disrupted, Hitler banned all trade unions and declared strikes Hitler banned all trade unions and declared strikes illegal in 1933.illegal in 1933.

Economic impact

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The German Labour Front (DAF) replaced the trade The German Labour Front (DAF) replaced the trade unions.unions.

The DAF controlled the workers to ensure that wages The DAF controlled the workers to ensure that wages were fixed according to the employers.were fixed according to the employers.

Efforts were made to improve the lives of the workers, Efforts were made to improve the lives of the workers, e.g. the ‘Strength through Joye.g. the ‘Strength through Joy’’ ( (Kraft durch Kraft durch Freude) Freude) programmes included cheap holidays, cruises and programmes included cheap holidays, cruises and sporting activities to encourage the workers.sporting activities to encourage the workers.

The DAF also included a programme that enabled all The DAF also included a programme that enabled all workers to own cars at low prices. This was stopped workers to own cars at low prices. This was stopped however, when war broke out. Many workers paid their however, when war broke out. Many workers paid their instalments but did not receive their cars.instalments but did not receive their cars.

Working conditions partly Working conditions partly improvedimproved

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Hitler spent large sums of money on government projects Hitler spent large sums of money on government projects that involved many workers.that involved many workers.

The National Labour Service employed many jobless The National Labour Service employed many jobless people in government building projects. Schools, hospitals people in government building projects. Schools, hospitals and highways (and highways (autobahnsautobahns) were built using this labour.) were built using this labour.

The civil service was expanded to provide more jobs.The civil service was expanded to provide more jobs. Unemployment was further reduced with the reintroduction Unemployment was further reduced with the reintroduction

of conscription and the removal of Jews from their jobs.of conscription and the removal of Jews from their jobs. Overall unemployment fell from six million in 1933 to below Overall unemployment fell from six million in 1933 to below

one million in 1939.one million in 1939.

New jobs were createdNew jobs were created

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The rearmament programme benefited big businesses.The rearmament programme benefited big businesses. This was due to the increase in demand in the coal, This was due to the increase in demand in the coal,

steel, chemical and transport sectors.steel, chemical and transport sectors. Small businesses did not benefit as they were not Small businesses did not benefit as they were not

treated as favourably by the Nazis, compare to the large treated as favourably by the Nazis, compare to the large companies.companies.

However, due to the lack of natural resources, Germany However, due to the lack of natural resources, Germany did not achieve self-sufficiency. Germany was still did not achieve self-sufficiency. Germany was still spending money to buy goods from abroad.spending money to buy goods from abroad.

Overall, although unemployment fell, the German Overall, although unemployment fell, the German economy did not improve.economy did not improve.

Big businesses benefitedBig businesses benefited

58


Based on this illustration, what was the strength of the German economy based on?

BackBack

59


Social Social ImpactImpact

Economic Economic ImpactImpact

Political Political ImpactImpact

What was the What was the impact of impact of

Hitler’s rise to Hitler’s rise to power on power on Germany?Germany?

60


1.1. What are the differences between an What are the differences between an authoritarian regime and a democracy?authoritarian regime and a democracy?

2.2. How is democracy protected in How is democracy protected in Singapore?Singapore?


61


SummarySummaryWas the rise of

Nazism in Germany inevitable?


Impact of Hitler’s regime


Excellent speaker and charismatic

leader

Reorganised the Nazi Party

Exploited fear of Communism to win support

The constitution

and system of proportional

representation


Unable to keep order in the

country


Skilful at making deals

with politicians

Political

Social

EconomicOpposed by the

left


62


SummarySummaryBack to main

summary


The constitution

and the system of proportional representation




• The government spent much of its time trying to suppress riots and attempts to overthrow the government, e.g. Kapp Putsch.

• Also unable to maintain law and order when many political murders happened between 1919 and 1922.

Opposed by the left

• Unstable and changed hands frequently.

• Disruptive to the running of government.

• Lacked unity.

• The ‘right’ believed the army had been ‘stabbed in the back’ and could have continued fighting.

• Deeply resentful, they were determined to overthrow the government.


• Frequent uprisings by the Spartacists destabilised the government.

• Stresemann managed to help Germany for a brief period.

• His death in 1929, together with the Great Depression, was a big blow to Germany.

• The hyper-inflation caused by the government made many people lose their savings overnight, particularly the middle class.

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summary


Excellent speaker and charismatic

leader

Reorganised the Nazi Party

Exploited fear of Communism to win support

Skilful at making deals

with politicians

• Natural speaking and leadership abilities.

• Able to gather support and instill belief among Germans that he was the one who could restore glory to Germany.

• Under him, the Nazi Party grew in numbers.

• Rich industrialists supported him for fear of Communist takeover.

• President was pressurised into appointing him as Chancellor.

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summary

Impact of Hitler’s regime

Political

Social

Economic

• Democracy in Germany ended.• Threats to Hitler within the Party were

removed.

• Emergency laws were used.• The SS and the Gestapo.• Informers.• Concentration camps.• Pro-Nazi cultural activities, parades and

rallies.• Propaganda and censorship.• Youths were brainwashed by the Nazis.• Nazi-controlled education system.• Women were given limited

responsibilities.• Jews were treated cruelly.• Christian churches were controlled by

the Nazis.

• Working conditions partly improved.• New jobs were created.• Big business benefited.

crisis and conflict chapter 4: authoritarian regimes — case study: nazi germany an enquiry...

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