Nazi Control and Dictatorship 1933-39
Nazi Control and Dictatorship were established following Hitler’s appointment as chancellor of Germany. Source material helps us to understand the ways in which legislation was introduced and the reasoning behind it. Souces also help us to understand the impact of events in Germany at this time and the way in which Nazi methods of Control, through Propaganda, Legal Changes and the Creation of a Police State, were viewed by ordinary Germans.
Nazi Control and Dictatorship 1933-39
Source: Rudolf Diels. Head of the Prussian Political Police, on the Reichstag Fire
Diels provides an account of the scene at the Reichstag following the Reichstag Fire. His references to the reaction of leading Nazis is quite telling.
Source: Reichstag Fire Decree. 28th February 1933
Often overlooked as it was swiftly expanded upon by the Enabling Act. This piece of legislation is in its own right worthy of analysis.
Source: The Enabling Act. 24th March 1933
Text of the Enabling Act. Hitler was now able to rule without checks from the Reichstag.
Source: Circular on the ending of Free Trade Unions and establishment of the German Labour Front
Formed under the leadership of Dr. Robery Ley, the German Labour Front was a centralised organisation that replaced the Free Trade Unions. It was responsible also for the implementation of Strength through Joy. See also: DAF (German Labour Front)
Source: Protocol of Hitler’s Speech to Gauleiters on the Role of the NSDAP (February 2, 1934)
In this speech, Hitler sets out the role of the party. It is significant as it attempts to halt a divide within the party over plans for the future. It was followed up by the purging of the SA.
Source: Creation of the positions of Reichsführer SS and Chief of the German Police
The legislation that gave Heinrich Himmler the role of Reichsführer SS and Chief of the German Police. Integral to securing the control of Germany and cementing Hitler’s Disctatorship.
Source: Concentration Camp Hierarchy (inmates) by Benedikt Kautsky
Benedikt Kautsky was an inmate in the Concentration Camp network for seven years. In this source, he describes the different roles allocated to inmates and their hierarchical significance.
Source: Goebbels on Propaganda
Goebbels’ views on the role of and need for Propaganda to ensure Nazi Control. See also: The Book Burning
Related Links
Source Material for Classroom Use – see all of our Source Banks here – Germany 1919-39 Source Material
Sources: The Weimar Republic 1918–29 – Sources: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 – Sources: Nazi control and dictatorship, 1933–39 – Sources: Life in Nazi Germany, 1933–39
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Weimar and Nazi Germany – Rise of the Nazi Party – Appeasement: Source Material – Source Analysis Lesson: Nazi Methods of Control – Revision Guide, Weimar and Nazi Germany
