Shamin Choudhury Why did the Nazis come into power in 1933?

Nazi Germany

The main reasons were that Hindenburg had struggled to gain control of the Reichstag through people such as von Papen, who were not very popular. After the Nazis had gained around 44% of votes by 1933 Hindenburg knew that he needed Hitler. And therefore, in January 1933, he appointed Hitler the Chancellor of Germany. This led to the run of power for the Nazis. What was the ideology of the Nazi party? Nazi ideology was essentially a loose collection of ideas. It seems their aim was to be as inclusive as possible for the entirety of Germany. They rejected the idea of a democracy and wanted to return to what was Germany pre-1914. Hitler believed that Germany needed a war in order to bring strength back. He wanted a physically powerful nation which was built around the master race of Aryans in the Volksgemeinschaft. Jew, blacks, gypsies, disabled people and prostitutes were all frowned upon and were considered inferior. Hitler wanted to remove them from his racially pure nation which would survive in the idea of social Darwinism. Adding to this, the Nazis used stereotypes by promoting them through propaganda. Both negative and positive propaganda was used. Eg. Positive portray of Aryans, farmers and traditional women, whilst negative portrayals of Non-Aryans, Communists, Feminists, Intellectuals etc. Overall however, Nazi ideology was very much contradictory and loose. This is evident in some cases where Hitler removed some radical economic ideas like those against large businesses in order to gain their support. Furthermore the lack of concise and succinct ideas meant that it was wholly open to everyone and therefore gaining more support. Many consider it hard to accepted Nazi ideas an actual ideology as they were simply a bunch of ideals placed together. How did the Nazis consolidate their power in January 1933 August 1934? Terror was a key factor that Hitler used. The SA was at the front of this, especially in March 1933 when Hitler needed to pass the Enabling act with a two-thirds majority. He did this through terror mainly, in order to gain full legal dictatorship. Having done that, he turned his attention to political parties and trades unions which were heavily involved with the SPD. Hitler used the SA to raid trade unions and have political powers removed from local governments and be replaced with Nazi ones. By 2nd May 1933, trade unions were legally banned and the Nazis had control. Much of the suppression however was not controlled. The SA made attacks on Communist, Jews etc. without being planned. However Hitler did not condemn it. He allowed it to continue as it worked in his favour so long as the police and army was not attacked as he could not alienate those which helped him into power (He also needed the army later in 1934). Hitler finally called an end to the revolution consisting of violence in July 1933. However the leader of the SA, Ernst Rohm, had not finished. He wanted a second revolution and for the army to be absorbed into the SA which would be the dominant military force.

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Hitler did not want this and knew he could not do this. Therefore the SA became an embarrassment to the regime. Drunken brawls and fights with the police and army meant that Hitler had to do something as the SA had grown to about 4.5mil in January 1934. Hitler knew he had to bring this reign of terror to an end in order to advance, and so he did in The Night of Long Knives. This was needed as the SA served no real purpose anymore as Germany was now a one party state. The Night of Long Knives (June 30th 1934) allowed Hitler to remove army leaders of the SA and weaken them and other political opponents that remained. He had to do this as the official army become suspicious and they were the only ones who could over throw Hitler, so he needed their support he did just that. Also Hitler needed to remove internal threats and de-radicalise the party. Compromise was used side by side in the same timeframe for the army, leaders of big businesses and profession civil service. For the army, on 3rd of February 1933, Hitler held a dinner with Hammerstein the commander in chief of the army to assure the army that the SA power would not overtake the army. He also made clear that plans for rearmament. Whilst Hitler had to make sure that the SA was minimalized in exchange for a free run at making a dictatorship. For gaining the support of big businesses, Hitler needed them firstly to fund the parties work but also to help with rearmament of Germany and to achieve economic growth. However in return, he had to remove anti-capitalist ideals for businesses which he did. However, by 1934, they were still subject to Gleichschaltung in January where they all came under the control of the Reich Economic Chamber. For the Professional Civil Services, Hitler did not completely take over the Civil Services, instead he just removed racial/political enemies and then just left the well learned to continue as he knew that he could not place incompetent Nazi officials in charge of local Governments. This shows that Hitler compromised as he did not commence a full takeover, just a half decent attempt in order to not alienate. Legal Power was definitely one of the most important alongside terror (they possibly go hand in hand, but will have to choose one over the other if asked in a question). The Emergency Decree in February 1933, signed by Hindenburg right after the Reichstag Fire gave Hitler the power to use increased police force and to imprison opposition legally and take over local government. The Enabling Act in March 1933 (often said to be forced through with terror thanks to the SA) was signed after a 2/3 vote majority. This allowed Hitler to essentially be the legal dictator of Germany. This allowed Hitler to ban the formation of new parties, force current ones to disband and lead to the creation of a one party state. The use of Propaganda was vital throughout Nazi reign. In 1933 the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda was set up. This was an attempt to control the media with their new powers over the state. Radio and Press were the main forms of media used. The radio in 1933 reached 4.5 million people which allowed Hitler to use speeches for the masses. Press was taken

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over to eradicate external influences. E.g. the Emergency Decree allowed bans on Socialist and Communist press (Feb 1933). Also the Nazis bought 27 papers in 1933 to monopolise the industry and the Editors Law (October 1933) made them responsible so they self-censored. This all centralised power of media to the Nazis. The use of policies gave every group something. Law for the Protection of the Retail Trade (May 1933) Stopped the expansion of large businesses, helped smaller ones, but became very radical and industry we not happy with it. Law to Reduce Unemployment (June 1933) Schemes like the Autobahn to create jobs, 1934, radical fall in unemployment but mainly due to incentives to remove women from labour. Reich Entailed Farm Law (September 1933) Prevented people from leaving farms as they were entailed not good thing.

How did the Nazis use propaganda to gain support? (1933-1945) Nazis used press, parades, radio, films, music, posters, photos, art, literature, education and Hitler Myth to gain support. Parades They were useful as they showed Nazi power through discipline, size and power. They also bought together the community to celebrate e.g. the Nuremburg rallies where 100,000 involved (1937) and occasions like Hitlers Birthday in April. SUCCESSFUL Press Removing politically and racially wrong in 1935 removed 1,300 Jews and Communists. In 1944 the Nazis owned 75% of press, thus could write what they wanted. BUT readership began to decline therefore failing propaganda. FAILED. Radio 70% owned radio by 1939 as they only cost 35RM. In 1933, 4.5 million, in 1941, 15 million. Therefore showing a huge audience which Hitler spoke to directly. SUCCESSFUL. Music Bans on Jazz and Swing which was in Weimar, but could not uphold classical and Germanic music due to tradition of music at home. FAILED. Cinema Goebbels places subtle messages in films as he knew outright politics would not work. Ban on foreign influences. US films from 64 in 1933 to 5 in 1940. Films like The Eternal Jew failed due to disgust of the people. FAILED. Education Changes made to the curriculum and Re-Establishment Law of 1933 removed Jews and Communists. 97% of teachers joined the National Socialist Teachers League in 1936. Emphasis of physical strength, changes to biology lessons, lessons of domestics for girls etc. As it targeted the weak minds of the youth it was working as they were raised with these ideas. SUCCESSFUL. Censorship Removal of foreign influences to create cultural autarky. Bans on Communist, Jewish and Socialist publishing and purging them from arts and media. The Editors law (October 1933) created self-censor. Also book burning by Nazi Students Organisation in Berlin 1933 May shows it was successful as by 1936 censors were tightened but dull. SUCCESSFUL.

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Hitler Myth Created by Goebbels solely with propaganda. It could only be a successful tool of propaganda if the audience was receptive which it was. It gained the support of Industry/upper class (Suppression of Communism) , conservatives (anti-democratic views) and suppression of SA in 1934 showed Hitlers power and authority. There was a massive Cult. SUCCESSFUL. Most successful in gaining support? (Propaganda, Terror, Compromise, Economics Policies.) Propaganda Limited other influences through bans and demonising and only Nazi positivity. Reached massive number 15 mil by 1941 (radio), involved masses of 100,000 in rallies (1937 Nuremburg). Censor only painted a positive image of the Nazis. The Hitler Myth created a following which helped to hide the faults in the regime BUT press readership declined, music was still played in homes. Terror SA bully party members to vote for the Nazis in Reichstag elections after the fire. (March) Removed and disrupted communists etc. Suppression of Communists by force gained support, Night of Long Knives got the support of Hitler going as he seen as a true leader. BUT Terror was used in the early stages to centralise power therefore not as important. Terror lost the support of the main army. But it was used CONSTANTLY to intimidate any opposition and eliminate them. Compromise Purging the SA got the support of the army which compromised Hitlers military strength. The reduction of the radical economic policies (The Law for the Protection of the Retail Trade 1933) allowing expansion got the support of big businesses to fund/support rearmament. Also did not remove many members of civil services apart from Re-establishment in 1933, did not put in Nazi members to protect the high classes. BUT limited to just the superior powers and did not gain support of the masses. Legal Power The Emergency Decree and the Enabling Act (1933 February and March) both gave the Nazis the power to eliminate communism which gained the support of the wealthy. Retained Nazi control and reduced any threats. Banning the formation of parties in 1933 and the banning of other parties led to a totalitarian state. Out of the four, Legal and Terror were the most important in retaining control as they went hand in hand. Terror helped to pass the Acts and then Legal power abolished other parties. Propaganda was definitely a powerful factor due to the fact that it actually did work in keeping the support of the people, e.g. Rallies and Myth. IMPACT OF JUNE 1941 INVASION OF USSR Propaganda switched to maintain morale of the people and Hitler gave speeches in order to lift Morale. Propaganda focused on helping the war effort such as ones to get women to help on the home front. Total War led to the emphasis of propaganda to Bolsheviks, Jews, Strength and Retaliation. Instilling fear in people so that they remain helpful and prepared for war whilst maintain morale that they would win regardless.

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What were the aims, success and failures of the economic policies introduced by the Nazis from 1933-39? Aims To increase employment and recovery from the depression in the SHORT TERM. In the LONG TERM, make the state has the capability to sustain rearmament and geared to war needs. Schacht (1933-36) Recovery Stage Put money into labour heavy areas (autobahn) Tax concessions to increase consumer demand Subsidies to give incentive to employ more people by firms The New Plan of 1934 to control trade deficit Controls of wages and prices led to shortages and lower living standard He was put aside for Goring because the deficit was too big and it was too slow a process for war preparation.

Goring (1936-45) War Stage New Plan was tweaked to speed up armament and autarky aims Controls on labour supply, prices, material and foreign exchange New production targets for private firms (they were not met, thus failing policy) State owned industry e.g. Hermann Goring Steelworks success due to size Encouraging R&D which moved towards autarky

Successes Official reports show that there was a dramatic fall in unemployment by 1934. Autobahn and other scheme did create more jobs, and increased income by 1939. Rising living standard as some could afford to go on holidays etc. (Strength Through Joy)

Failures 1/3 of raw materials were still imported by 1939. Rationing in the late 1930s which highlights failure of autarky establishment. German-Soviet Pact of 1939 August imported more grain from abroad.

Economic policy was NOT A SUCCESS Recovery had already begun before 1933 for the 1929 depression. Jobs increased as women were given incentives to leave jobs and be child bearers. Conscription of men aged 18-25 decreased unemployment Autarky was not achieved in the long term as they still depended on imports.

The larger businesses were far better off as they were needed by Hitler for rearmament. Their profits such as I.G. Farben saw their profits rise 150%. However, small businesses suffered as around 20% closed as they were not seen as important to the war economy. Consumer goods production

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fell and therefore many businesses were struggling. Farmers did see a small improvement as they were the suppliers of food however due to price controls by Goring, they did not benefit greatly. How did the Nazis exploit the opportunities provided by the hosting of the Olympic Games in 1936? Aims To show the power, strength, success and beauty of the Reich. Also to show how perfect the Aryan race was and to unite the nation in one single event. Methods Propaganda, mass spending on the games/ceremonies, victories of the German squad in the game. Successes Germans won a lot of medals and came in the top 3. They put on a massive spectacle which impressed many of the invited nations. First televised Olympics and film by Riefenstahl. Failures Jesse Owens was black, and won. Therefore it ended up undermining the Aryans race. FAIL. What were the aims, methods, successes and failures of the Nazi policy towards Youth 1933-1945? Aims The aim was to indoctrinate the youth and create a new generation of Nazis as they were prone to indoctrination. Methods The use of Youth groups (HJ and BDM), and Education to mould ideal Nazis. Successes The HJ grew rapidly from 1933 of 2.3 million to 9 million in 1939 (Compulsory) In 1936, Incorporation of German Youth made the HJ legal as important as school (5.4 million). Many children enjoyed the activities as they had no other things to do. Education was changed to fit with Nazi Ideology e.g. Biology, maths and German was changed to fit Nazi ideas and teachers were purged (Reestablishment Law 1933). New Adolf Hitler Schools and NAPOLA schools which were purely for Nazi ranks which did work as they had many of these schools across the country. Failures Compulsory HJ and BDM led to the creation of alternative groups during the years of war such as the Edelweiss Pirates, White Lotus and the Swing Movement. They rebelled against the HJ etc. some were not politically encouraged. Therefore COULD NOT CO-ORDINATE THE YOUTH, so policies had failed. What were the aims, methods, successes and failures of the Nazi policy towards workers 19331945? Aims- To get the 46% population of workers to support the Nazi party in order have control over the entire country without any opposing forces. Methods The use of the DAF after closing down all trade unions after May 1933. The use of Strength Through Joy (KfD) and Beauty of Labour was to give incentives for workers to support the party. Successes The gained 22mil members by 1939 without compulsory membership which showed that there must have been a success for this to happen. People were happy with the KfD as workers received discounts and holidays which they made the most of. 36mil members in KfD.

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Failures It is hard to figure out whether it was an outright success as workers knew they had no centralised way of protesting, and they took advantage of the incentives they had considering that they had already been paying for them. Mixed reaction because this group were very communist and supported the KPD and SPD. Furthermore there were protests, absenteeism and sabotage in firms (Laws were put in place to prosecute those who did), this showed how there was resistance and that Nazi Policy was NOT A COMPLETE SUCCESS WITH WORKERS.

What were the aims, methods, successes and failures of the Nazi policy towards peasants 19331945? Aims- To ease the struggles of peasants and have more people return to rural areas and away from the poison of cities. Also the aim to make a single chain of sale from farmers to retail Volksgemeinschaft. Methods Darres Reich Food Estate was the main tool. He wiped debts, controlled prices and amount being sold and where. Also tried to make rural life look simple and easy due to help from government and Reich Entailed Farm Law of September 1933 to restrict people moving away from rural places. Successes Debts were wiped clean for farm land from 7.5 to 125 hectares (650mil RM), farmers income rose by 41%, created a sense of stability. Failures Forced mergers by 1936 angered the people. Price controls limited the profits farmers made thus they could not employ better technology or labour. Farmers wages lower than industrial, which lead to a move of population to tows FAILED. Also there were labour shortages in 1939 which had to be filled with HJ, BDM and Women. OVERALL FAILURE OF POLICIES. What were the aims, methods, successes and failures of the Nazi policy towards women 19331945? Aims- To make a new woman which was a domestic queen. Methods Propaganda, Incentives to remove them from work, Education changed to match ideology about women. Success Many women did leave their jobs in the time period and returned to child baring. Failures The Nazis needed to conscript some women back into work, such as for harvests through the BDM for example.

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What were the aims, methods, successes and failures of the Nazi policy towards churches 19331945? Aims - To weaken the power of churches and to gain outright power over the people. Methods Concordat of 1933 to agree to a truce, use of repression with SA/SS/Gestapo, German Faith Movement, Protestant Reich Church and the compulsory youth groups (1939) to reduce Church youth groups. Successes Concordat stopped Church intervention into politics, the Protestant Church was centralised at Nazi control with the Reich Church for the 28 districts and this was supported by the Germany Christians. They gained protestant support due to similar views on Communism and Jews. The youth were easier to manipulate and prevent them from adopting religious views. Failures Alternative Confessional Church in 1933 by Bonhoeffer and Dietrich, also Von Galen speaks out against Nazis AND does not get arrested, so does Pope Pius XI in 1937 with the Papal Encyclical With Burning Concern which is read out in many/all Catholic Churches. Also the German Faith Movement was simply a small cult with 40,000 members at most based on pagan ideas led by Robert Darre (NOT Richard Darre Head of Reich Food Estate). Older members of the community were hard to move away from religion therefore POLICIES HAS FAILED TO ACHIEVE AN OUTRIGHT SUCCESS due to evident opposition from the people. It was impossible to remove religion from Germany because of the international power of Catholicism and the longstanding faith to religion on Germany. Therefore Hitlers aim to consolidate the peoples loyalty had failed and the Church still remained. What were the roles of the SS in Nazi Germany? (Himmler in charge since 1929) Hitlers bodyguards (1933-45) Ran Concentration Camps Controlled conquered lands (1939) Ran the Gestapo, SD, Waffen- SS

They were used in order to suppress rebellious groups such as the Confession Church, Swing Movement, Strikers and Communists. Had 240,000 members by 1939 and were a strong force. A STATE WITHIN A STATE they WERE the police and thus had control over the people through suborganisations. To what extent did ordinary Germans support, conform or oppose the Nazi Regime in 1939?

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To what extent did the attitudes of ordinary Germany changes towards WWII between 19391941?

What was the impact of the invasion of the U.S.S.R in June 1941 and the start of Total War in 1943 on the lives of Germans?

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What was the impact of mass bombing and military defeats Extent of weakening the support of ordinary Germany for the Regime?

What was the impact of Nazi Policy towards the Jews 1933-1945? Aims- To REMOVE Jews from the regime as they were seen as a plague on the pure people. Methods Re-Establishment of the Professional Civil Services in 1933 removed Jewish workers, Concentration Camps run by SS for Jews during the War. Kristalnacht in 1938. Constantly propaganda and attempts to remove Jews from Nazi life was a massive impact on Jewish life. The impact was heavy amount of deaths and suppression of Jews in every part of life, policies such as rationing from 1939 saw Jews get less food, and fewer than 3% of University students were Jewish. Compare and contrast the Germany of 1945 to that of 1933