The Nazi experiment, 1929–1949 (A-level only) common mistakes

Common mistakes

• Confusing Hindenburg's role with Hitler's actions

  Students often attribute the establishment of the Nazi regime solely to Hitler without recognizing Hindenburg's crucial role.

  Fix itAcknowledge that Hindenburg's appointment of Hitler as Chancellor was a significant factor in the Nazis' rise to power.

• Confusing the roles of different Nazi organizations

  Students often mix up the functions of the SS, Gestapo, and SA.

  Fix itClarify that the SS was primarily responsible for security and concentration camps, the Gestapo for state security and surveillance, and the SA for street violence and intimidation.

• Confusing the Berlin Blockade with the Berlin Wall

  Students often confuse the Berlin Blockade (1948-49) with the Berlin Wall (1961-89).

  Fix itRemember that the Blockade was an attempt to cut off West Berlin, while the Wall was built to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West.

• Confusing economic recovery with political stability

  Students often assume that economic recovery under the Nazis directly led to political stability.

  Fix itWhile the economy improved, political stability was undermined by repression and the regime's totalitarian nature.

• Overgeneralizing Nazi policies

  Students often describe Nazi policies as uniformly oppressive without acknowledging variations and specific targets.

  Fix itIt's important to specify which groups were targeted and how policies varied in their implementation and impact.

• Overgeneralizing the impact of Nazi policies

  Students often state that all Germans supported Nazi policies without acknowledging the dissent and resistance that existed.

  Fix itIt's important to recognize the complexity of public opinion and the existence of opposition groups during the Nazi regime.