The Rise of Nazism and Totalitarian Control in Germany

The Rise of Nazism in Germany

The elections of 1932 saw 196 Nazi deputies elected. Conservative forces preferred to reach an agreement with Hitler, who subsequently became Chancellor. Although he swore to uphold the constitution, his true intention was to transform the republic into an authoritarian state. He was supported by:

• The middle classes
• Ruined peasants
• Desperate workers
• Soldiers and former combatants
• The bourgeoisie
• Figures from industry and finance

Establishing a Totalitarian Regime

The Nazis transformed Germany into a totalitarian regime where Hitler and the Nazi Party controlled institutions, society, and individuals. In 1934, they decreed the dissolution of political parties and trade unions, and public administration liberties were abolished. The judiciary, as an independent power, disappeared. Local authorities were abolished and transferred to the Reich.

Ideological and Social Control

German society was to achieve absolute ideological unity. The Ministry of Culture and Science and Culture Propaganda was established. Culture was 'Nazified'; authors created lists of prohibited books, and Nazi book burnings were common. Nazism devoted extensive efforts to the education of young people:

• Censorship was introduced in classrooms and books.
• Recreational organizations and youth education were promoted.

Key Terms Defined

Totalitarianism:

A political system that concentrates all state powers in the hands of one group or party, allowing no opposition.

Dictatorship:

A government that ignores the legal system to exercise unlimited authority in a country, with power concentrated in one person.

Nazism:

A doctrine founded by Hitler, advocating expansionist nationalism based on the supremacy of the Germanic race and a fundamentally anti-Semitic, pseudo-scientific racism.

Nazification:

The process by which an entire social, political, cultural, or economic sphere is assimilated and adopts the principles of Nazism.

Autarky:

The organization and economic policies of a state seeking to become self-sufficient through domestic production to avoid imports.

Racism:

A doctrine that extols the superiority of one's own race against others, based on perceived biological traits.

Anti-Semitism:

An attitude, thought, or hostile action, rejection, or hatred of people of Jewish origin.

Expansion:

The tendency of a country to extend its political or economic influence beyond its borders.