Totalitarianism + Nazi Political System Flashcards
*** After 1933, the German constitution became what?
‘The will of the fuhrer’
The Nazi state has sometimes been described as what?
TOTALITARIAN
An example of Totalitarianism is that during 1933, almost every organisation in Germany was…
Abolished or Nazified
What about those who unenthusiastic about the regime?
They were reading newspapers unaware that they were absorbing Nazi propaganda
How did the Nazi state REALLY function?
It was often chaotic and disorganised, and Hitler was far from organised
Role of Hitler:
What was his role DESCRIBED as?
His role had been described as charismatic and all power stemmed from Hitler himself.
Role of Hitler:
What was Hitler actually like?
He was lazy and watched films til late, in his Eagle’s Nest. He rarely held meetings or read reports
Role of Hitler:
What can be concluded about the reality role of Hitler?
The reality of Hitler’s rule was obscure from that mentioned in the Hitler Myth
What was the Hitler myth?
An ideology which presented Hitler as an almost God-like figure
Chaos of Nazi state:
What did the whole system work on?
It worked on a ‘divide and rule’ principle
Chaos of Nazi state:
What can be argued to have worsened the chaotic Nazi state?
Hitler tended to appoint several people to practically the same job
Chaos of the Nazi state:
With such a confused system of rule, what was the key to power and influence?
‘working towards the Fuhrer’ - to gain the ear and support of Hitler himself
Chaos of the Nazi state:
What do intentionalist historians argue?
That Hitler intended for the system to be confused. They argue that he deliberately adopted the ‘divide and rule’ principle to enhance his own power. They use this as evidence that he was a strong leader
Chaos of the Nazi state:
What do structuralist historians argue?
That Hitler was constrained by the structure of the state and didn’t intend for the Chaos state. They used this as evidence that he was a weak leader
In Dec. 1933 what did Hitler pass?
The “law to ensure unity of party and state”
