Chapter 14- the terror state Flashcards
(18 cards)
What was the role of the SS in Nazi Germany?
The SS (Schutzstaffel) were Hitler’s bodyguards.
they beat up and dealt with opposition
they ran the concentration and death amps
Who led the SS and expanded its power?
Heinrich Himmler. Himmler transformed the SS from a bodyguard unit for Hitler into a vast institution responsible for terror
gestapo
relied on informants
20k members at its peak in 1939
Secret police
What was the SD (Sicherheitsdienst)?
Intelligence service
Led by heydrich
Key role was to identify those who voted no in plebiscites
50k officers 1939
What were concentration camps initially used for?
Initially they were used to house political prisoners and opposition to the Nazis
How did the legal system change under the Nazis?
Traditional courts were replaced with special courts that handled political crimes with Nazi “judges”
What was the role of judges under Nazi rule?
Judges were expected to be loyal to the Nazi regime and to rule in accordance with Nazi principles. The legal system was not independent
What was the aim of Nazi propaganda?
Nazi propaganda aimed to control public opinion
Who was Joseph Goebbels?
Joseph Goebbels was the Nazi Minister of Propaganda
What forms of media were controlled by the Nazi regime?
newspapers and radios
What was the purpose of the 1936 Berlin Olympics?
The 1936 Berlin Olympics were used by the Nazi regime to showcase Nazi Germany’s power and superiority. Hitler sought to use the event to promote Aryan racial ideals
How did the Nazis use censorship?
they censored books, radio, film, newspapers, music and literature
they also banned any content that was anti-nazi
How did the Nazis control the education system?
The Nazis restructured the education system to promote Nazi ideals. Teachers were required to swear loyalty to Hitler by joining the German teachers league
What was the Hitler Youth?
The Hitler Youth was a Nazi organization aimed at indoctrinating young people with Nazi values. It trained boys in military discipline
What was the Concordat of 1933?
agreement between the Vatican and Nazi Germany that aimed to protect Catholic interests in Germany. In exchange for the Catholic Church allowing nazis to do whateva
Did the Nazis honor the Concordat?
No
Who was Martin Niemöller?
Protestant pastor who initially supported Hitler but later became a vocal critic of the regime.
He was arrested by the Gestapo and spent years in concentration camps due to his opposition to Nazi policies.
How effective was resistance to the Nazi regime from within Germany?
Resistance within Germany was limited
