Hitler and Nazi Germany - nazi control of germany intimidation

1. Hitler and Nazi Germany
Nazi control
of Germany

2. In today’s class, I am learning to:
• Describe the use of fear to control
people in Nazi Germany
• Describe other methods used to gain
public support
Nazi control of Germany

3. From 1933 until 1945, the Nazis held control of
Germany. They achieved this through various
methods, including fear and propaganda.
Nazi control of Germany

4. Nazi control of Germany
The Nazis started their
rule of Germany by
banning groups (such as
political parties and trade
unions) that might have
opposed them.
By the end of 1933,
150,000 political
opponents had been
imprisoned.

5. Nazi control of Germany
The Gestapo
The Gestapo were the
Nazis’ secret police.
They would spy on people,
often dressing up in
ordinary clothes.
The Gestapo also relied on
denunciations (members of
the public informing on
people they knew).

6. Nazi control of Germany
Germans lived in fear of
being arrested by the
Gestapo, who might turn up
early in the morning to take
people away, often then
facing torture or death.
As Germans were not sure
who to trust, it made them
less likely to say anything
that criticised Hitler.

7. Nazi control of Germany
The SS
The SS were known for their
extreme violence.
The organisation started out
as Hitler’s bodyguards, but
gradually increased their
role and influence.
The SS also continued to be
used to provide protection
for Hitler and other Nazis.

8. Nazi control of Germany
The SS had a role in running
many aspects of German
society under Hitler’s rule.
They were sometimes used
to arrest political
opponents, including using
violence when doing so.
The SS – often undercover –
engaged in street fights,
including targeting Jews.

9. Nazi control of Germany
Concentration camps
The SS were also in charge
of concentration camps.
At first people were sent to
these prisons because they
politically opposed the
Nazis. However this soon
changed with people being
sent there for various
reasons.

10. Nazi control of Germany
Conditions in the
concentration camps were
known to be awful.
Some people were subject
to torture, and living
conditions (such as shelter
and food) were very basic.
Germans lived in fear of
being sent there, so limiting
any anti-Nazi views.

11. Nazi control of Germany
Eventually various other
people hated by the Nazis
– often called ‘Outsiders’ -
were sent to these camps.
This included Jews, Roma
(gypsies), asocials and gay
people.
During the war many of
these camps were the
scene of the Holocaust.

12. Nazi control of Germany
Propaganda
The Nazis also tried to build
an image of Germany where
everyone completely
supported the Nazis.
This would stop people
opposing Hitler and his party
because they would feel that
they were the only ones that
wanted to do so.

13. Nazi control of Germany
The Nazis controlled
German radio and ensured
that broadcasts promoted
Hitler; they often featured
hours of his speeches.
A scheme called the
‘People’s receiver’ ensured
that 70% of German homes
had a radio. Some
workplaces played the
radio too.

14. Nazi control of Germany
The Nazis also were in
charge of cinemas. Pro-Nazi
adverts were played before
films, and any movies shown
or made in Germany had to
be approved by the Nazis.
Many films portrayed the
Nazis in a positive light, or
were very critical of other
people such as Jews.

15. Nazi control of Germany
Other methods of
propaganda included
posters and also controlling
newspapers.
Mass public rallies (such as
Nuremburg) also suggested
that the Nazis had huge
support, as well as creating
intimidation through the
wearing of military uniforms.