Hitler established a totalitarian police state in Germany from 1933-1939. He eliminated opposition parties, indoctrinated youth through the Hitler Youth, and censored culture. The Nazi propaganda machine spread racial ideology while the Gestapo and SS terrorized citizens and imprisoned Jews, Communists, and others in the first concentration camps. By 1939, Germany had been transformed into a single-party Nazi state based on extreme militarism, racism, and the personal dictatorship of Adolf Hitler.
3. The Economic Miracle
Hybrid Economy:
No restrictions of VT.
Some industry
nationalized (VW)
Capitalist
(free business)
allowed to flourish
4. The Economic Miracle
The RAD:
Reichsarbeitdienst
Public works
projects :
roads(the
autobahn), parks,
Dams, and
rebuilding industry.
5. The Economic Miracle
Unemployment rates drop dramatically!
- 6 million in January 1932
- 2.5 Million in July 1933 and continues to
decrease.
HUGE “BUY IN” factor for the Nazis!
6. The Military under the Nazis
No restrictions of VT
No size limitations
Industry geared up for
war material
= greatness of
Germany and the
Reich
7. The Youth: “Blood and Honor”
Education was national
socialized. (1936)
1934 all youth
organizations are
disbanded
All youth are required to
join the Hitler Youth
and conform to the
ideals of National
Socialism.
8. The Youth
The Reich’s future
Taught boys to be
obedient soldiers
Taught girls to have
children for the
Fuehrer and support
families
10. Culture & Art
Roman architecture
Art idealized the
perfect human body,
seen as “Aryan”
Idealized Nature
Idealized Nazism.
11. Society: Living in Nazi Germany
Press and radio were
censored
Book, art, music, movies,
and clothing were
regulated by the state.
Civil Rights suspended for
the good of the country.
12. Society: Racial Superiority
A German woman
undergoes a "racial
examination," in which
her facial features are
measured. Many Germans
accepted this propaganda
as scientific truth. Circa
1933-1939.
Eugenics
13. Maintaining Control
SA-Original Nazi Street thugs
Sturmabteilung
The Secret Police-
Gestapo
The SS-Originally Hitler’s Body Guards
Schutzstaffel
The SD- Secret police of the SS
Sicherheitsdienst
14. Maintaining Control: rule of fear
Youth “brainwashed”
Neighbors turn one
another into the authorities
Opposition killed or
punished severely
First Concentration Camp,
Dachau, opened in 1933
15. Maintaining Control
“When the Nazis arrested the Communists, I
said nothing; after all, I was not a Communist.
When they locked up the Social Democrats, I
said nothing; after all, I was not a Social
Democrat.
When they arrested the trade unionists, I
said nothing; after all, I was not a trade
unionist.
When they arrested the Jews, I said nothing;
after all, I was not a Jew.
When they arrested me, there was no longer
anyone who could protest.”
