Nazi policies towards the church

• What was the role of Paul Schneider in opposing the Nazis?

  He was a pastor who opposed Nazism.
• What happened to Paul Schneider in 1934?

  He was arrested for opposing Nazism.
• How did Paul Schneider communicate the dangers of Nazism?

  He smuggled letters warning the church.
• What was the consequence for Paul Schneider when he refused to take down the swastika?

  He was tortured.
• How long was Paul Schneider kept in the concentration camp?

  For 2 years.
• Who was Martin Niemöller?

  A war hero and critic of Nazism.
• What did Martin Niemöller dislike about the church in the 1930s?

  He disliked German Christianity and Nazi ministers.
• What was the Confessional Church?

  A church formed by Niemöller and other ministers.
• What did Cardinal Galen publicly attack?

  Nazi policies regarding the handicapped.
• What was the outcome of Cardinal Galen's campaign?

  Hitler dropped the euthanasia program.
• How many members did the Confessional Church have?

  5,000 members.
• What did the Confessional Church object to?

  Nazis interfering in matters of faith.
• What happened to many Protestant clergy, including Niemöller?

  They were sent to concentration camps.
• What were the effects of Nazi measures on the churches by the end of the 1930s?

  • Neither Catholic nor Protestant had significant roles
  • Intervention of ministers
  • Banning church councils
  • Use of propaganda against the church
  • Only 5% identified as 'God-believers' in 1939
• What was the Nazi alternative to Christianity for youth?

  A propaganda-style worship movement.
• What was established in 1933 regarding the Protestant church?

  The Reich Church was organized.
• What was the fate of Niemöller in 1945?

  He was hung.
• Who was made Bishop of the Reich Church?

  Ludwig Müller.
• What group referred to themselves as the 'SA of the church'?

  The German Christians.
• How did many Protestants align with Nazi beliefs?

  They agreed with Nazi ideologies.
• What was the Nazis' strategy regarding the churches?

  To control German thought and beliefs.
• What was the Catholic Church's initial response to Hitler?

  They worked with him to survive.
• What was the concordat signed in 1933?

  An agreement between Hitler and the Pope.
• What happened after Hitler broke the concordat?

  Censorship of Catholic newspapers began.
• What did the Pope do in 1937 regarding Nazi policies?

  He released a statement attacking them.
• Why did Nazis see the Catholic Church as a threat?

  Believers were less likely to worship Hitler.
• How did church meetings contribute to anti-Nazi sentiment?

  They spread anti-Nazi messages among members.
• How did church members influence the Nazi vote?

  Many voted for Hitler despite opposition.
• What was the local power base for Nazis?

  The church often served as a base.
• What did some Nazis argue regarding the churches?

  They should be used instead of destroyed.