Germany - Life in Nazi Germany (1) Flashcards
Define ‘Fuhrerprinzip’
German for ‘leader principle’
What was the ‘Hitler myth’?
1 Hitler was projected as the leader chosen by fate to lead the German people.
2 His image was of a true national leader
3 Other themes highlighted were of strength, authority, and a man who put the national interests before his own.
What were the successes of the mid-1930s?
1 The German economy revived 2 Unemployment fell 3 Agriculture recovered 4 German middle-class did well 5 Even sections of the working-class who never fully supported the regime were won over
What were the foreign policy successes?
1 The Treaty of Versailles was ignored
2 Germany rearmed itself
3 German territory was regained
4 In 1940 the French military was defeated in a mere 6 weeks
Evaluate Hitler as a person
1 A man capable of great brutality and ruthlessness, but could also display great personal charm and show consideration and kindness
2 He had no interest in money or the luxuries that came with his position as leader of the nation
3 He had constant fears of his health and developed signs of hypochondria (fear of ill health)
4 He neither drank nor smoke and forbad anyone smoke in his presence
5 Suffered from insomnia
6 Lived a simple existence
7 Had a ‘companion’ - Eva Braun - who was never seen in the public eye
Evaluate Hitler as a leader
1 Despite Goebbels claim that Hitler “knows nothing other than the work”, the reality was that Hitler was in fact very lazy
2 He disliked the restraints of regular routine, particularly paperwork and day-to-day details of his office
3 He constantly deferred making decisions, creating an element of chaos to government.
4 After he became Chancellor, he read and wrote even less than what he usually did
5 He understood the psychology of the masses and was a great orator.
What were some of Hitler’s abilities?
1 He had an excellent memory and ability to understand quickly technical facts and details
2 A skilful opportunist
3 Qualities of persistence and patience
4 Believed in the power of the will
5 Good grasp of history and military strategy
6 He could read his political opponents
What was the real nature of government in Nazi Germany?
Despite the images of Nazi Germany was a strict, organised and disciplined government, historians have agreed that the it was a chaotic structure of government
Explain the concept of duplication in Nazi government
Where Hitler set up a special body or agency to deal with an issue that could have been handled by an existing government body
Eg. Goebbels as Minister of Propaganda was put in competition with Max Amann (publisher of Mein Kampf), who was appointed Reich Leader of the Press
Why was the situation of administrative chaos not helped by Hitler?
Although he was the source of ultimate authority in Germany, he stood above the daily conflict of government and displayed very little interest in the everyday administration of the state
What do intentionalist historians argue and believe about Hitler?
He had clearly defined ideas, a deliberate program and that he pursued these ideas with ruthless consistency and intent. They believe that Hitler can be seen as one who intentionally worked to bringing his plans to reality.
What do the structuralists historians argue about Hitler?
They do not deny the importance of Hitler, but they believe the overemphasis on him does not give a true picture of important social, political and economic factors that were at work.
Define the concept of ‘Volksgemeinschaft’ (the National or People’s Community)
A new society, a harmonious national community free from class division and social conflict. Class barriers would be replaced by a new sense of national unity.
How did women fare in political life?
1 Women were excluded from political life
2 No women held any high position in Nazi Germany and they accounted for 6% of party membership
3 No woman could gain a leadership position in the party
How did women fare in the workforce?
1 Married women were discriminated in the workforce
2 Single women were allowed to work, but there was a deliberate policy to force married women out of the workforce and into the home.
3 Particular professions (Eg. Law) were closed to women
4 Admission of women to universities was drastically cut (18 000 in 1933 to 5000 in 1939)
