The Nazi Dictatorship, 1933–1939 (A-level only) revision notes

The Nazi Dictatorship: Key Concepts

Hitler’s Consolidation of Power (1933-1934)

• Governmental and Administrative Change: After becoming Chancellor in January 1933, Hitler quickly moved to dismantle the Weimar Republic's democratic structures. The Reichstag Fire in February 1933 allowed him to push through the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and enabled the arrest of political opponents.
• Establishment of the One-Party State: The Enabling Act of March 1933 gave Hitler the power to enact laws without Reichstag approval, effectively sidelining the parliament and establishing a legal dictatorship.
• Night of the Long Knives: In June 1934, Hitler purged the SA leadership, consolidating his power and securing the loyalty of the army, which viewed the SA as a threat.
• Impact of Hindenburg’s Death: The death of President Hindenburg in August 1934 allowed Hitler to merge the positions of Chancellor and President, declaring himself Führer.

The 'Terror State'

• Role of the SS and Gestapo: The SS (Schutzstaffel) and Gestapo (secret police) played crucial roles in enforcing Nazi ideology and suppressing dissent. Their methods included surveillance, intimidation, and violence.
• Judicial System: The Nazis manipulated the courts to serve their interests, often bypassing legal norms to punish political opponents and dissenters.
• Opposition and Non-Conformity: While there was some opposition, it was largely ineffective due to the regime's brutal repression and the climate of fear.
• Propaganda: The regime used propaganda extensively to promote its ideology, utilizing media, rallies, and education to shape public perception and maintain control.

Economic Policies

• Economic Recovery: The Nazis implemented policies aimed at reducing unemployment and stimulating the economy, including public works projects and rearmament.
• Key Figures: Hjalmar Schacht, as Minister of Economics, initially guided the recovery, while Hermann Göring later took charge of the Four Year Plan, focusing on autarky and military production.
• Industrial Elites: The regime fostered relationships with industrialists, ensuring their support in exchange for favorable policies and contracts.

Social Policies

• Target Groups: The Nazis aimed to reshape society by focusing on youth, women, and workers, promoting traditional gender roles and the idea of a Volksgemeinschaft (people's community).
• Churches: The regime sought to control religious institutions, leading to tensions with both Protestant and Catholic churches.
• Benefits and Drawbacks: While some social policies improved living standards for certain groups, they often came at the cost of individual freedoms and were rooted in oppressive ideologies.