Nazi Rule in Germany

1. Study document A in Chapter 3. Make a detailed list of the kinds of people who were likely to be arrested as "Enemies of the State" in Nazi Germany.

 Answer: 

1. Politicals: Communists, members of the reichstag, 

2. Workshy: people who would not do just any job, they were picky about their work.

3.Bibleforcher: those who were pushing for power via religion, they also would not serve militarily. 

4. Homosexuals.

5. Jews

6. Professional Criminals

2. Provide detailed notes on the following sub-topics in Chapter 4 (Jews in Nazi Germany)

Hitler's anti-Semitic ideas

-Hitler believed that the jews were responsible for Germany's defeat in the Great War.

-Hitler believed that the Jews were looking to take power, through the buisness world.

-Hitler thought that Jews were an inferior race; and ought to not mix with powerful aryan Germans.

-Hitler ordered the SA Storm-Troopers; make life difficult for those who were jewish. 

The dismissal of Jews from jobs, 1933

-Jews were removed from the jobs in broadcasting, news, government jobs, and universities.

- Jewish owned shops were marked with a star, or the word Juden. 

-Jews had different seats on trains and busses; 

- Students were also taught anti-semetic ideas.

The Nuremberg Laws, 1935

- removal of German Citizenship

-no marriages between jews and non jews.

-life became even more difficult, they foudn it hard to find food, medicine, or shelter; many places had signs "No Jew's admitted".

The "Night of Broken Glass"

- a jew shot a Nazi official and began the week of violence.

-10,000 jewish shop keepers had their windows smashed.

-counters and goods were looted by nazi officials.

-homes and synagogues were burned.

-dozens killed, thousands arrested.

-jews were forced to pay fines, and also to clean up on hands and knees with brushes.

1938 Violence against Jews

dozens killed,thousands arrested. fines were needed to be paid by jewish shop keepers.

- orders for expansion of concentration camps

- murder of Nazi official by a jewish man.

-Himmler orders SA violence.

3. Why do you think Hitler and the Nazis put so much effort into organizing the lives of young people? (Chapter 5)

The Young People would be the future of the "1000 year Reich", the people that were currently in support of hitler would not be around much longer, they would not be creating the future Aryan children, or being in support of Hitler. Therefore he organized and influenced them from their youth so that he would be able to control them as they grow up, and have support for the NSDAP. Also; Hitler could then use the practices learned in the Maidens League, as well as Hitler youth, to breed perfect Germans.

4. Study the photographs carefully in Chapter 5. Then, using the information and evidence you have read about young people, write a diary of one day in a Hitler Youth camp.
Day 2
Dear  Diary,
Today we marched, and heard another one of Hitler's amazing speeches, the Fuher's words are the best thing for the future of Germany. You know, it's funny how little food we bring with us on our marches, we went roughly 14 miles today... I was so exhausted, but I never faltered, I must be strong for the future of the Reich! I also practiced my Gymnastics today, and pitched my tent perfectly the first time; I am improving. Next year i will be in HJ!
Hail Hitler.
Johnny

5. What effect did "the three Ks" have upon women. (Chapter 6)
The three K's; that in english stand for Children,Church and Cooking had a large effect on the women of Germany because of their status. They found that they would have to stay at home, and as Hitler rose to power professional women were dismissed and sent back to the home. Make up and fashion were both frowned upon for Nazi women, along with thinning, Nazi women should be strong and healthy for childbearing; even at home they were not totally free to do as they pleased. They would also be given money based on the amount of healthy aryan children they produced; The national Reich church must also be important to the women of Nazi germany.

6. Study the photograph in Chapter 6 (2nd page) and read the rules of the National Reich Church. Explain in your own words the kind of religion which the Nazis wanted Germans to follow.
The Nazi's followed a religion of Hitler, the Sun, and Nazism... the entire religious practice would be based off of Hitler, and his beliefs and texts, and the Nazi views on how one should live their life. Only those faithful to the reich, and powerful in the reich should teach, and only Hitler's word should be reveared. 

7. How did Hitler address the massive unemployment situation in Germany when he came to power? (Chapter 7)

 When Hitler came into power his first action against the massive unemployment situation in Germany was to set up the National Labour Service, this group of men would do government building projects such as building hospitals and schools, or digging drains on farms, and building a network of motorways.

8. What is the significance of the German Labor Front? (Chapter 7)
The significance of the German Labor Front was that trade unions were abolished and the German workers were united together as workers, instead of divided. Although many rights were taken from workers, they would not rebel, mostly because of fear but also of course because of the upturn in wages that were being brought home in relation to 1932.

9. In your own words, discuss the significance of the Strength through Joy program. (Chapter 8)
The significance of the Strength through Joy program was not only to keep the workers happy so they would not go against the power, but also to make sure the people did not have too much free time to be able to simply think and do nothing, if they did this they might begin to flourish with non-nazi ideas, and rebel against the government. 

10. Describe Dr. Joseph Goebbels propaganda and censorship tactics. What effect did they have upon the German citizen? (Chapter 9).
Goebbels used propaganda and censorship in order to keep the german citizen pleased, and instill nationalistic pride.  Only the things that the Nazi's supported would be allowed into Germany, only German made films would be allowed, and foregin films and Jazz music would be outlawed. People were not supposed to know about what was going on in other nations, in order for them to be indoctrinated into the Nazi ways of life, and believing that this was the only and greatest choice.

How Hitler Got Away with Murder in NOLK

1. Find the sources on page 178. What reasons can you infer from each source (Sources 10.12 to 10.20) as to why Hitler got away with the Night of the Long Knives?

Source 10.12:Because the Reichstag passed a law that made the Night of the Long Knives a opposition against Treason, Hitler's murders on the night of the long knives were " legal" and appeared to be good for Germany.

Source 10.13: Hitler set himself up to appear that he was higher than the common man, he was the judge and jury-- and in this case he believed all that all who opposed his ideal of the perfect German state ought to receive the death penalty and through his " god like" cult of the offensive he is able to do whatever he pleases.

Source 10.14: Because Hitler was so persausive in his speaking skills, he makes it seem like that there would have been a worse off fate, he is persausive and has a keen ability to play up on the people's fears.

Source 10.15: The ability of Hitler to let other people to take the fall for his mistakes, and in some ways completely disconnecting himself from certain aspects, such as who is killed;; makes him un-liable. 

Source 10.16: The other government officials are able to glorify Hitler, and make it seem as if he has been able to eliminate something for the people or " taken one for team" through exceptional "courage"; he seems like a god, and someone who is the strength.
Source 10.17:This source makes it hard to believe that hitler could get away with it, however- because everyone lived in such fear no one would dare challenge hitler. So since no one would challenge or stand up to him out of sheer fear, he was able to get away with anything he liked.

Source 10.18:President von Hindenberg's original insecurities about Hitler disappeared because he was now in support thinking that Hitler was so innovative, getting so much done, and being able to eliminate opposition. Therefore Hitler was gaining the needed support he did not orginally have in the government. 

Source 10.19:Hitler wanted the entire nation to support his decisions, and if not- fall prisioner to him. So therefore another scare tatic is used, because the people are afraid that they will have the same fate if they do not support the Fuher.

Source 10.20: The people who were benefitting from the Nazi regime, ( buisness owners) and were supporting him; they were speaking highly of Hitler, and revearing him for being the eliminator of the Marxist ideas. 

2. Read page 179. Why was the Night of the Long Knives so significant in Hitler's consolidation of power? (Be sure to use specific details in your answer.)

The Night of the Long Knives was so significant to hitler's consolidation of power because of the ability to secure him with his supporters. He helped the military realize that they would be the future of a newly militarized Germany, something that the nation had lost during the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler inevitable wins by using terror, and military strength the people of Germany lived in fear of Hitler because of his tyrannical murdering ways, and therefore no one would oppose him, however the reichstag believed that since Hitler was representing him that he would be doing what was right. 

Nazi Propaganda

Nazi Propaganda- Aims and Methods Part 1:


a. The chief aims of Nazi propaganda
Nazi Propaganda may have very well been the driving force that lead Hitler and his party into absolute power. Goebbels, a master at Propaganda made his aims very clear, the Ministry of Propaganda,  ought to have all control over the means, and ways of which the masses receive information and media within the state, and conform to the same policies of National Socialism. Goebbels also aimed to ensure complete understanding of the message, all German people: children, illiterate, under-educated, and highly educated ought to be able to understand the message that he was putting forth.

b. The means used to achieve those aims
Goebbels utilized a "funnel" or " cone" like structure in achieving the aims of both mass immersion into the culture, and believes that the people of the state ought to have, as well as making it easily understood by both those learned and undereducated. This method contained all areas of German life as a means for exposure. The message, is in the middle funneled through, with the means such as Sport, Parades and Rallies, Radio, Press, Film, Posters, The arts, Literature, Youth movements, School, and Literature all stemming from this one message that Goebbels is deeming an important Nazi value, idea, or lifestyle. Nazi party propagandists also used the new advancements in film, and the improvements in technologies such as the microphone, loudspeakers, and as mentioned above film production-- this allowed pictures of important political leaders to be more readily available to the masses.

c. Explain how the Nazis used the press, radio, and film as forms of propaganda. (Pgs. 247-253)
The Nazi's utilized the press as a form of propaganda through most importantly controlling editors, journalist, photographers, and publishers through a somewhat of a forced membership into a compulsary body. The Reich press office therefore had a list of acceptable press and editors during that time period, they also kept a firm grasp on the press through clause 14;; which made sure that the editors would exclude anything that would "weaken the strength of the Reich abroad or at home", anything that was against Hitler, his views, or the NSDAP. Also, the local German press agency ( liken to today's AP) controlled over half of the media in the German news, making it hard to find anything that would be deemed against Clause 14. 
Radio was also cleverly utilized by the chancellor and his reich. The radio had been state regulated since 1925, however it was not until 1934 that the NSDAP created a unified system for the radio. The radio was an essential tool in indoctrinating the people of Germany; importantly Hitler's speeches were broadcast to over 70% of homes that owned a radio, and over loudspeakers all over Germany; the radio was an excellent "nationalistic" tool that helped to involve the people of the totalitarian state. 
Finally Film as a form of propaganda was used my the Nazi party in order to "Relax" the people of Germany, it was originally not seen as a propaganda vehicle and was not quickly state owned and run. However, over 1,000 feature films were created during the Reich era, many american films were banned and many films depicted anti-semitism, or rallies conducted by the Fuher. The film " The Eternal Jew" for example, a propaganda film- was eventually a total disaster, many fainted, the movie was too horrific; instead it was replaced with yet another anti-semetic film of a more timid genre.


d. Explain Goebbels' contribution to the creation and development of the Third Reich
Goebbel's contribution to the creation and developement of the Third Reich are very important. Although not the leader of the Reich himself Goebbel's is extremely essential to the rise of the Reich. He found his "mission" essentially in selling Hitler to the German people as the perfect leader for the time, a man who would be able to lead them out of the current declining situation, being himself extremely faithful to the Fuher; he was able to establish the cult of personality Hitler needed in order to achieve totalitarianism. A very eloquent man Goebbel's was able to rally most of the 1933 support for the NSDAP. Throughout the reich Goebble's is essential to keeping morale up, and painting the perfect image that Hitler wanted to be seen, an aryan race, and the sneaky Jew.


Read Nazi Propaganda - Other Methods - Part 2

e. Explain how the Nazis used the activities described on pages 254-259 as a form of propaganda.
The Nazi party utilized the Autobahn's, Rallies and Festivals, Sport, and Social Society as other means of propaganda aside from film, photos, radio, and press. The autobahn's, are important to the image of a unified Germany for Hitler; although they were more important militarily and economically the autobahn's are a large scale representation of the German people all coming together for the good of the state, to create the autobahn. Rallies, Meetings, and Festivals were also pivotal during the Third Reich; in attendance of course were the Nazi party members, showing their commitment to the party; there would also be bystanders who would hear the words, see the images and essentially be won over by the party to gain support. Intense arcitechture is used in these rallies to show off flags, lighting, and utilize the music so that the people would feel a sense of wanting to belong, and inpowerment. Hitler however, was the most essential to these rallies-- he was able to manipulate the feelings and emotions of the people whom he cultivated, he held an audience excellently. There is truely however, nothing like a Gestapo enforced festival... the Nazi party established festival days within their calendar where they would celebrate key dates in the history of the party. Failure to report and celebrate could be dealt with by the Gestapo, flags and Nazi symbols were laden during these times. Sports, and Hitler youth were important to the state in order to control the future supporters. It was said that through sport they could achieve the fit bodies that soldiers and child-bearers would need, and would show a glorofied, fit,unified state. Hitler also used the olympics, held in Berlin 36' as a way to show the Germans as a surperior race. Finally social society was used as propaganda as well, the social policy was aimed at the conscious, more than their social position- photographs of the Fuher and his cabinet were severely utilized here. 



Read Nazi Propaganda - Culture - Part 3 and Part 4

f. Explain how the Third Reich used painting, sculpture and architecture for propaganda purposes (Pgs. 260-270).
The arts were also important to Third Reich propaganda; Hitler and the NSDAP used Architecture, Painting and Sculpture in order to influence the thoughts of the German people as well. Architecture has been seen as possibly the most influencial form of artistic propaganda used, the buildings were large in scale and created of materials that would last; also showing the 1,000 year Reich the party was building. Hitler favored neo-classical buildings of monumental scale; these were used to show power to foreign authority, and display strength. Hitler had even planned a large scale architecture project to bring the new " World Capitol" to Germania, ( present day Berlin); however although there are plans, this never was fulfilled. Also important as a form of propaganda is painting; upon gaining power Hitler sought out to remove all degenerate art and replace it with well represented Aryan art, and as Hitler believed it should be unlike during the Weimar era; Nazi art was direct, clear, and heroic. During Hitler's time of power he believed that the art should be of the Masses, both appealing and available to all, large scale art exhibits were put on, and many of the art was then reproduced into print copies of paintings, stamps, or postcards. However, in order to remain in total control, similar to the forced membership of a "union" in the press; all painters must be members of the Reich Culture Chamber. Finally sculpture was another useful form of Nazi propaganda. Sculptures were more readily accessible to the people of the German Third Reich, because they adorned all or most of the newly erected buildings, sculpture was extremely useful to creating depictions of the biologically, anatomically, and totally aryan Perfect German citizen. Dominant animals, athletic looking men, feats of strength were all depicted through sculpture on buildings and free form statues.

How Did the Depression Help the Nazis?

1a. Source 37: 
This shows that Craig's idea is somewhat true the Germans were afraid that they wouldn't be able to feed their families, get jobs, and be prosporous with the unemployment rate on the rise. They want to make sure that they would be able to get back on track, they needed what the NSDAP promised.

1b. Source 38: 
This supports Goebbles, because the image that he wanted to potray hitler, and the nsdap in was successful he wanted them to seem strong and militant, and be able to show them as a prosperous and benefital party that would be able to lead them atequately.

1c. Source 39: 
This supports Goebbles because it is showing that the propaganda is affective in creating nationalism and anger within the german people, they want change? then they need to eliminate the treaty of versailles; a NSDAP plan.

1d. Source 40: 
By showing the photograph is it supported ( in conjunction with Goebells ideas) that the NSDAP would be the best leadership for germany, look at the sheer numbers, the turn out to see hitler, the pride and faith they had in Germany and more importantly hitler.

1e. Source 41: 
This supports both, because it plays upon the mutual fears of both the people and the NSDAP, this also shows goebbels theory that by making others look bad they could make the nazi party prosperous. 

1f. Source 43: 
This source is for goebells idea, he is able to potray what germans need and want, showing strength, and showing that the can return to the old ways, and eliminate the other radical parties.


2. 
Craig's Idea:
- fears of not having enough food, jobs, freedom.
- fear of the brown shirts.
- fear of Jew's and their influence. 
- SA and SS influence. 
-fear of Nazi aggression. 
- bred people with dislike of democracy



Scale of 1-5 with 5 being you agree fully.
3a. Score:  3   Very few people fully supported the Nazis.
Explain your score: People feared the Nazi, knew that Weimar Germany was failing. They knew that they needed something that was going to put food on their tables, and jobs for them to work at. The only way that they could do this was through electing powerful leaders- NSDAP scared power into the German people, they were frightened so they voted.

3b. Score:   4  The key factor was the economic depression. Without it, the Nazis would have remained a minority fringe party.
Explain your score: I agree, the Nazis ceased the oppertunity when the people were most vulnerable and looking for a way to get out of their immense turmoil, Germany had no money and very little jobs, things that the German people needed to survive therefore when the NSDAP promised these things, there was nothing they could do but be drawn to the idea. Without desperate German's there would be no need for Nazi extremeist ideas.


3c. Score:   1  The politicians of the Weimar Republic were mainly responsible for the rise of the Nazis. 
Explain your score: Although von Hinderburg, and von Papen thought that they could control Hitler and the Nazi party via the constitution, they could not have prevented the rise, due to the depression. They certainly were influencial however they did not alone allow the NSDAP to take power, the depression was just the oust they needed. 

Jan. '33: Hitler is Appointed Chancellor

Questions:


1. Why did Hinderburg's advisers agree to the appointment of Hitler as chancellor in January 1933?
They agreed to the appointment of Hilter as chancellor because of his popularity in the election, they believed that they could tame Hitler through surrounding him with responsible and conservative leaders.
2. Why is the term "totalitarianism" used to describe Nazi Germany?
Totalitarianism is used to describe Nazi Germany because Hitler eliminates the Reichstag, and the Chancellor position, therefore making him the sole leader of the country. He eliminated all other parties within Germany, and gave himself legal, sole power of the state. 
3. Why did the Enabling Law allow Hitler to overcome the constitutional restraints of the Weimar system?
Hitler was able to declare the state of emergency and give himself total power to be able to get rid of the Reichstag, Charge the Communists, and be able to establish a single party state, changing the constitution previously in place by the Weimar system.
4. What was the goal of Goebbels' Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda? 
 Gobbels' ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda's goal was to create the allusion that the Nazi party would be the best choice, restore beauty and prosparity, create a glorified image of hitler, and create the allusion that the Nazi's were all powerful.

5. How did Hitler destroy potential sources of opposition?
Hitler destroyed potential opposition through purging the government, and charging those who were not Nazi's ( communists) of crimes-- they were able to eliminate all other political parties.

The Troubled Infancy of the Weimar Republic

1. Explain why several segments of German society never accepted the legitimacy of the Weimar system.
Several segments of German society never accepted the legitimacy of the Weimar system because it was considered to be a shame and a weakness because it was being run by those who had signed the Treaty of Versailles which had angered and bewildered many germans.  
2. How did Hitler use anti-Semitism to further his political aspirations?
 Hitler essentially used the Jews and his Anti-Semetic attitude, in order to successfully create a scape-goat for the reason why german economy was struggling, following the treaty of versailles ( during the depression). He believed that thew jews contaminated the arts, and theatre, any good of germany. 

3. How was the French occupation of the Ruhr tied to Germany's hyperinflation?
The French occupation of the Ruhr was tied to Germany's hyperinflation because when the strikers living and working in the Ruhr area were needed to be paid, the government created more money, and then when the occupation ended, the repermations were paid and then of course, hyperinflation. 
4. Describe "Weimar culture" and explain why many Germans rejected its values.
Weimar Culture, allowed women to vote- because this does not go along with what German's normally accept women did not belong in voting, or having any sort of rights beyond the home, new realism in literature also challenged the traditional german ways.  
5. How did the conflict between the Catholic Center Party and the SPD contribute to the political crisis of the Weimar Republic?
 This added violence already tense and split debates in who would have the power, these conflicts also made it difficult to be able to find compromise in the weimar republic. Since these were the two leading parties, with such differing values; it made it hard to unite the German people. 

6. How did the economic depression that began in 1929 create an opportunity for extremist political parties in Weimar Germany?
It created an oppertunity for extremeist parties, such as the NAZI party to gain power because they could a. play on the fears of the masses and promise new improvements, and they would also be able to get more seats in the parliment because they would be more appealing. 

Unrest and the Treaty of Versailles

1. Using the information from Chapter 4, what were the threats to the new Weimar Republic? How did the Free Corps assist the government
Answer: The threats to the new Weimar Republic were that, the socialist, communists within russia were violent in their revolts against the new government. The free corps assisted by eliminating the communists, and helping the government soldiers regain control. 
2. How did the Germans react to the Treaty of Versailles?
Answer: They reacted unhappily, they had originally thought that the treaty would be fair and good, but instead Germany would be giving up land, their military and money. They were not initially keen on signing the agreement. 
3. Who were the "November Criminals"?
Answer: The politicians who signed the Armistice in November, were called the november criminals. They were treated poorly for their choices in making peace with the allies. 
4. Read chapter 5. Why didn't Field Marshal von Hindenburg and the other general fight instead of having the Weimar government sign the Treaty of Versailles?
Answer: They didn't want to fight because they knew that they could not possibly fight off a serious offensive, however-- they decided that fighting in the East would be easier than signing a pitiful and disgraceful treaty with the allies. 5. What were the major aspects of the Treaty that caused Germans to object so strongly to it? 

Answer:  The major aspects were that 1. Germany would loose land, 2. the German army would be severly limited and severly unarmed. 3. Germany would have to pay back the allies for their starting of the war. they would also not be allowed to ally themselves with their german speaking neighbor, Austria