Nazi Rule in Germany 1934 - 1939

• To learn about Nazi rule• To understand Hitler’s policies

Law and Order

• Hitler abolished all other parties, so that the Nazi Party was in sole control of Germany

• The SS was Hitler’s private bodyguard, led by Heinrich Himmler. Death’s Head units were part of the SS used to run the concentration camps

• The Gestapo were the state secret police, and ensured that people did not engage in anti-Nazi activities

• Judges were forced to swear an oath of loyalty to Hitler

The Church

• In 1933, Hitler tried to get Church support for the Nazis by signing an agreement with the Catholic Church

• Protestants were forced to join the Reich Church, dominated by Nazis

Education

• Hitler understood that he needed to turn children into unquestioning Nazis

• Teachers were forced to join the German Teachers League, and be happy to teach Nazi ideas

• Students were taught Race Studies and Party Beliefs as part of their timetable

• Nazi beliefs were taught through normal lessons as well

Economic Policy

• Dr Schnacht (Minister of the Economy) devised a three point plan

• Reducing unemployment was solved by setting up the National Labour Service, where young men were housed and given some spending money for doing public works

• Conscription was brought back in • Women were forced out of their jobs and

expected to work in the home• Germany’s weapon industry was rebuilt• Germany sought to become independent of loans

from other countries

What was the purpose of Nazi policies?

How successful do you think Hitler’s policies were?