Life in Nazi Germany

Terror – Gestapo & SS, Concentration camps & control of the judiciary, Persecution of minorities.Appealing to the people – Religion, Propaganda & censorship (radio TV, press etc, Berlin Olympics 1936. During the war, Goebbles would tell the press editors what to publish. Arts & literature censored. German culture was very traditional) Women & Youth & Indoctrination (The Youth groups e.g Hitler Youth, boys aged 14-18. Important because the children are the future of the 1000yr Reich. Women are kept traditional – women are there to give birth, to raise future Nazis, Mother’s Cross for having lots of children). The economy and the standard of living (reduced unemployment BUT Jews were kept out of work and were no longer seen as public members) and the worker’s representation RELIGIONChurch had mass control & it established the ideology of the church which was in direct competition with the Nazi ideology. The church ideology has been around for much longer than the Nazi ideology SO it would be much bigger for most members of society. Thus, Hitler had to tread carefully in his dealings with the Church. E.g moving the crucifixes out of schools causes massive uproar. Hitler sets up his own religion which focuses on nature. Failed miserably. Catholics – Hitler strikes the concordance act – doesn’t interfere in politics & he leaves the church alone. By 1936, Hitler doesn’t need to keep in line with this act. Bit of an ambivalent line between Catholics & Hitler. “The churches were severely handicapped but not destroyed. Hitler’s programme needed time: he himself destroyed before it had taken root” – Wright WORKERS’ RIGHTSEarly control – Schacht. Deficit financing adopted through measures such asL control of banking, assistance for farmers & small businesses and state investment in public works. TAXES HIGH. Nazi work schemes (STATE PATERNALISM)Winterhelp“Charity” to make sure that no one starved during the war. Doing something for the greater good etc. Strength through joyAllowed hard working Germans holidays and other rewards. In 1938, 10 million took holidays through Strength through Joy. Theatre trips, camping holidays or even evening classes. Doesn’t necessarily bind the people to the regime. Consumer goodsNever wants to see a shortage of consumer goods. “Guns or butter?”. Not until 1943 when we see a total war economy. Beauty of labourWorking conditions on a daily basis should improve. Sanitation vital. Encouraged to give good diets etc. Trying to make it look like things are improving under the DAF. DAFNazi replacement for the trade union. Supposedly looks after the standards of the workers & voices the idea of limiting the working day. Focuses predominantly on the standards. Days of national solidarity Encourages a national identity and to celebrate all together so they feel like they’re a part of something bigger. E.g Hitler’s bday