2. Third Reich The Third Reich was the country name of Germany while it was ruled by Adolf Hitler and his National Socialist German Workers’ Party from 1933 to 1945. Nazi Germany arose in the wake of national shame, embarrassment, anger and resentment from the Treaty of Versailles (end of WWI). This gave Germany the responsibility for causing WWI, territory loss, payment of reparations, and unilateral German disarmament and severe military restrictions. The Nazi party was an outlet for the frustrations of many voters.
3. Gaining Power Once Hitler began governing, a totalitarian dictatorship was quickly installed. In 1933, the Enabling Act conferred dictatorial powers to Hitler, and four years of political power authorizing him to deviate form the Weimar Constitution. All other opposing parties were forced to disband, making Germany a single-party state.
4. Propaganda The Nazi government began introducing Nazi symbolism to the public and private German life. Textbooks were revised, foreign films were illegal, headlines in newspapers and pictures were monitored in order to promote Nazi related ideas. (Negative attitudes towards the Treaty of Versailles, positive affiliations with war, etc.) Propaganda was used as an instrument for acquiring and maintaining power.
