Formation of the National Socialist Government (SQA National 5 History: Historical Study: European & World): Revision Note

Summary 

The National Socialist or Nazi government began in 1933 with Hitler as the single ruler. Their ideas came from Hitler’s book, Mein Kampf: extreme nationalism, racism, and antisemitism.

The Nazis took control of daily life (Gleichschaltung) by running the media, schools, and law courts. A police state was created: the SS and Gestapo arrested opponents, and more concentration camps were set up.

In foreign policy, the Nazis wanted more land in the east (Lebensraum). They tried to make Germany self-sufficient and built up the armed forces. This reduced unemployment and prepared the country for war.

Nazi control of Germany

• The Führer Principle gave Hitler ultimate power

  • He had the final say on all decisions about the running of Germany

• Ministers and officials competed to please him

  • This meant decisions often followed his wishes rather than the law or debate

• The Nazis claimed “Aryan” Germans were superior

  • Jews and other groups were labelled 'inferior'

  • They were pushed out of jobs, schools, and public life

  • They experienced discrimination, persecution, violence, and the removal of their rights

• The Nazis tried to make Germany self-sufficient and rebuild the armed forces

  • This created jobs and reduced unemployment

  • It also prepared Germany for war and the plan to take more land in the east (Lebensraum)

Gleichschaltung

• The Nazis had total control of the lives of citizens

  • This policy was called Gleichschaltung

Control of schools

• An example of this policy was seen in 1933–34, when the Nazis took control of schools

  • Textbooks were rewritten to teach Nazi ideas

  • Teachers had to join the Nazi Teachers’ League and swear loyalty to Hitler

  • Subjects like history and biology were used to spread racism and nationalism

Control of the media

• The Nazi government coordinated every part of society

  • For example, the Ministry of Propaganda controlled news, films, and radio

Control of the legal system

• Judges swore loyalty to Hitler, so independent opinions were shut down

The Gestapo and SS

• The SS and Gestapo watched, arrested, and questioned people seen as opponents

• Many people were sent to concentration camps without a fair trial

  • This spread fear and discouraged resistance