Weimar and Nazi Germany 1919-1945
Why did Albert Einstein move to the USA in 1933?
Einstein, who was Jewish, was undertaking a visiting professorship at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena when Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor on 30 January 1933.
Overview of the Reichstag Fire and its consequences
On the 27th February 1933, the Reichstag building in Berlin was set on fire in an arson attack.
The Night of the Long Knives, 30th June 1934
The 30th June 1934 saw the Nazis carry out a purge of their own party, when Hitler ordered the SS to murder leading figures of the SA or Brownshirts along with critics of the Nazi regime such as former chancellor von Schleicher.
How Hitler became Führer after Hindenburg’s death
On the 2nd August 1934, the 86 year old German Reichspräsident Paul von Hindenburg died of lung cancer and Adolf Hitler became both the Führer and Reich Chancellor of the German People.
How did Hitler consolidate his rule?
An extract from a 1980s documentary called “Hitler’s Germany” – part of the 20th Century History series of documentary programs. Transferred from an VHS tape, so quality is variable but it’s watchable and well presented.
Inside the Nazi State – Supporters
This documentary episode presents the recollections and opinions of a number of people who supported Hitler and the Nazis. It’s particularly interesting to see the reasons they give for why they supported them.
Nuremberg Rally 1934: Triumph of the Will
This is a link to a full copy of the Nazi-produced propaganda film Triumph of the Will. I have set this clip to begin at the part where the SA, NSKK and SS Party formations offer an oath of loyalty and fealty to Hitler. In his speech, Hitler references the Night of the Long Knives and reassures the SA that they are not under threat.
The Saar plebiscite and reunion with Germany, 1935
On the 13th January 1935, the Territory of the Saar Basin voted to reunite with Germany.
Hitler and the establishment of the Luftwaffe – a short overview
On 26th February 1935 Hitler formally established the Luftwaffe in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles.
Nazi Control of Germany 1933-1945 (podcast)
This podcast examines the three broad ways through which the Nazis secured control of Germany. These are categorised as ‘the stick’ (repression and force), ‘the carrot’ (positive social and economic effects), and propaganda.
The first method of control outlined in the podcast is repression, which began following the Reichstag Fire in 1933. The four key areas of repression are explained: Nazi control of the police and courts, the SS and the use of concentration camps, and the Gestapo.
Secondly, the episode explains how Nazi achievements were used to maintain support for the party. Particularly achievements that ensured support included such things as assistance to farming communities (e.g. the Reich Entailed Farm Law) and more jobs and improved working conditions for industrial workers. Middle-class support was secured through the removal of the threat of Communism. Big-business was also very supportive due to being able to secure large government contracts, and the fact that trade unions had been banned by the Nazis in 1933. Remilitarisation and large-scale public works projects also secured wide public support for the Nazis.
Thirdly, the podcast assesses the impact of propaganda on the German population. An explanation is given of the role of the Reich Chamber of Culture, before describing specific propaganda achievements such as the effect of the radio, the use of films, and the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.
The podcast ends with some tips on how to answer a question about Nazi control in Germany by explaining how the three factors worked together to support each other.
