The document provides information about the organization of the Nazi government in Germany from 1933 to 1945. It describes how Adolf Hitler became Chancellor in 1933 and maintained control until his death in 1945. It outlines Hitler's key roles and appointments, including becoming Fuhrer in 1934 which granted him absolute power. It details some of the main positions in the Nazi government, held by figures like Heinrich Himmler as Reichsfuhrer of the SS, Joseph Goebbels as Minister of Propaganda, and Hermann Goering as leader of the Nazi party. It also notes how Hitler held manipulated elections and referendums to suggest public support while abolishing state governments.

1. National 5 History: Hitler & Nazi
Germany
The Nazi Government 1933-1945

2. Today’s lesson – The Nazi Government
We are developing our knowledge and understanding of
the organisation of the Nazi Government.
By the end of today’s lesson I should be able to:
1) Describe the organisation of the Nazi Government
Today’s lesson involves:
Note taking
BBC Bitesize task

3. The Nazi Government
Adolf Hitler became chancellor after the
January 1933 and he maintained control of the
country until his death in the closing days of
WW2 in 1945.
When Hitler first became Chancellor he was
head of a coalition government, meaning he
had to rely on other people.
Hitler persuaded President Hindenberg to call
early elections in the hopes that the Nazis
would win a majority.

4. The Nazi Government
The Nazis increased their vote share in the
March 1933 elections to 44% but they still fell
short of a majority.
Hitler then persuaded and intimidated
members of the Reichstag to pass the Enabling
Act – which allowed him to pass laws without
the Reichstag’s approval.
He also made use of the Reichstag Fire Decree
to ban other political parties and trade unions.
He also banned newspapers that criticized
him.

5. Roles in the Nazi Government – Fuhrer
After the death of President Hindenberg in
August 1934 Hitler merged the offices of
Chancellor and President – allowing him to
become Fuhrer.
As Fuhrer of Germany, Hitler had absolute
control and every member of the military
had to take a personal oath of loyalty from
the German Army.

6. Roles in the Nazi Government – Reichsfuhrer - SS
Hitler could not do every job in
Germany so appointed different
men to carry out various jobs.
Heinrich Himmler held the role of
Reichsfuhrer – head of the SS and
all German police forces. Himmler
also oversaw the running of the
concentration camps.

7. Roles in the Nazi Government – Minister for
Propaganda
Joseph Goebbels became the minister for
propaganda making him in charge of all
information in Germany.
Goebbels used various methods including
pro-Nazi posters, radio broadcasts, 45
minute long cinema adverts and mass
rallies (Including that at Nuremberg)

8. Roles in the Nazi Government – Leader of the
Reichstag
Hermann Goering was the leader of the
Nazi Party in the Reichstag and one of
Hitler’s closest allies.
He was then put in charge of the four-
year plan. This was set up in 1936 and was
designed to prepare Germany for war
within four years.
Goering was also in charge of Germany’s
air force.

9. Hitler’s Control of Germany
During his rule, Hitler made use of referenda (elections about
a single issue) to suggest public support for his policies.
Hitler held special elections on issues such as merging the job
of Chancellor and President as well as on the issue of Austria
joining with Germany. However these elections and
referenda were rigged with the Nazis certain of getting their
own way.
Hitler abolished all state governments in Germany and
appointed Gauleiters to run different parts of Germany
following his rules and targets.

10. Task 1
In front of you is a blank BBC Bitesize information sheet. You must
complete the tasks in the BBC Bitesize sheet, please complete this for
homework.