This page discusses the extent of opposition which actually existed to Nazi rule, and analyses the various problems that potential opponents faced.

1. Extent of resistance
and problems
opponents faced

2. The question of resistance to
the Nazi regime from within
Germany has created
difficulties for historians.
Whilst it is accepted that there
was resistance, it is difficult to
quantify how much. In addition
it is not clear how much
support for the regime was
genuine or based on fear.

3. There were numerous groups –
of varying sizes – that played a
role in opposing Nazism:
• The Churches
• The Army
• Young people
• Political groups
• Workers
• Other individuals

4. The variety of groups which
opposed Hitler – and the public
activities in which many of
them engaged – show a degree
of active public support.
This is further supported by
the differing nature of these
factions, ranging from
Germany’s old elite through to
extreme left workers’ groups.

5. The work of historians Ian
Kershaw and Detlev Peukert
shows many Germans engaged
in low levels of resistance, such
as not giving the Nazi salute.
It is also true that examples of
anti-Nazi resistance grew as
war approached and took
place, suggesting that some
Germans began to change
their minds about Hitler.

6. However it remains the case
that opposition to Nazism was
poorly organised and did not
have any central coordination.
The diverse range of groups
involved – as noted above,
Germany’s elite to radical
groups or split left-wing groups
– meant that they would not
cooperate to remove Hitler
from power.

7. A lot of opposition to Hitler’s
regime was also very issue
based, and not part of a broader
rebellion against the regime.
The Churches did at times
stand against Hitler, but this was
often linked to preserving their
own power. Equally many
workers rebelled to gain better
economic conditions.

8. It was also difficult to escape the
Nazis’ full control of Germany,
and their use of terror.
Various laws ensured that only a
complete revolution or coup
d'état would be able to remove
Hitler from power. As already
mentioned, there was no
coordination to help make this
happen.

9. Even when individual
Germans or small groups
opposed the regime, they were
harshly dealt with, involving
torture, concentration
camps and death.
The brutal approach of groups
such as the SS and Gestapo
meant that few Germans were
prepared to risk opposing
Nazism.

10. Hitler’s regime was successful
at least partly because it
enjoyed the support of most
people in Germany.
The political and economic
chaos of the Weimar years
meant that most Germans
craved stability. Hitler and the
Nazis offered that, as well as a
vibrant economy and strong
Germany.

11. Historians’ views
Detlev Peukert: Although there many examples of nonconformist
behaviour – thousands of people performed acts of courage -
resistance was a minority affair, both disorganised and ineffectual.
Ian Kershaw: Dissent and opposition to specific measures of the
Nazi regime were widespread but resistance lacked popular
support. There was an ‘underlying consensus’ with Nazi ideology.
Tim Kirk: “Although only a tiny minority were involved in active
resistance, opposition to the Nazis occurred on a number of levels
ranging from industrial sabotage to small acts of defiance.