National Socialism in Power: Intimidation (SQA National 5 History): Revision Note

Summary 

The Nazis used intimidation to crush opposition and keep control. The SA attacked opponents, broke up meetings, and spread fear, especially in 1933. The SS grew into a powerful force that ran internal security and, during the Night of the Long Knives in 1934, killed SA leaders and other enemies. The Gestapo spied on people, used informers, and arrested anyone suspected of resisting. Concentration camps such as Dachau, which opened in March 1933 for political prisoners, showed what could happen to opponents and warned others to stay silent.

Intimidation used by the Nazis

• SA squads attacked Communists and Social Democrats,

  • They broke up meetings and guarded polling stations to scare voters

• The SS took charge of internal security and on 30 June 1934, they killed SA leaders and other enemies

  • This purge, known as the Night of the Long Knives, showed that speaking or plotting against Hitler could cost citizens their lives

• The Gestapo used informers in flats, workplaces, and pubs to report suspicious talk

• People could be arrested without a fair trial and held for months, so neighbours learned not to trust each other

• Uniformed marches, rallies, and loudspeakers reminded people of Nazi power in every town

• Newspapers and radio were tightly controlled, so public criticism risked punishment and most people kept their opinions to themselves

Concentration camps

• Dachau opened in March 1933 for political prisoners

• More concentration camps were opened from 1934 onwards

• Anyone the Nazis targeted could be sent to the camps

  • Reports of beatings, forced labour, and deaths spread fear and warned potential opponents what might happen to them