Nazi Political System

• Why is the Weimar Republic considered an aberration in German history?

  It was a democratic period after authoritarian rule.
• What did the Nazi Party present itself as during its wilderness years?

  A revolutionary movement anti-liberal and anti-democratic.
• What were early casualties in the transition from the Weimar Republic to the Third Reich?

  The authority of the Reichstag and free political expression.
• When was the Reichsrat abolished?

  30 January 1934
• What change occurred in Germany's political structure after the abolition of the Reichsrat?

  Germany became a national state instead of federal.
• What happened to the Reichscabinet after February 1938?

  It did not meet and became a sounding board for Hitler.
• What principle established Hitler's absolute authority?

  The Fuehrerprinzip
• To whom was the army's oath of allegiance sworn?

  To Hitler as an individual, not the state.
• What did Hitler claim about authoritarian rule through the Nazi Party?

  It would create better, more organized government.
• How was Hitler depicted in the Hitler myth?

  As an omnipresent, omnicompetent leader.
• What qualities did Nazi propaganda attribute to Hitler?

  Supernatural, messianic qualities of leadership.
• What was the reality behind the facade of Hitler's dictatorship?

  A country with two government administrations.
• What degree of continuity was observed in the German government during Nazi rule?

  Former ministries were retained and civil service continued.
• Why did Hitler not destroy existing institutions?

  He feared losing authority to a powerful Nazi Party.
• What was the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service?

  It removed Jews and opponents from civil service.
• What was a key element of Gleichschaltung?

  The removal of Jewish people from civil service.
• What was Hitler's fundamental solution regarding institutions?

  To integrate parallel institutions from the Nazi Party and civil service.
• What resulted from the overlapping of existing institutions and Nazi organs?

  Overlapping and duplication in government functions.
• What did the established civil service want during Nazi rule?

  To protect traditions and ensure smooth functioning.
• How did Nazi Party functionaries operate in relation to Hitler's directives?

  They worked towards what they assumed Hitler wanted.
• What was the outcome of the institutional civil war in German government?

  A bearpit of rival forces over responsibilities.
• What conflicts arose within the Nazi government?

  Conflicts between various ministers and leaders.
• What was the result of limited direction from Hitler?

  Chaos under the semblance of order.
• How do historians view the Nazi state?

  As an unorganized polycratic government.
• What are the six key features of a totalitarian government according to Carl J. Friedrich?

  • A single mass party led by one man
  • Complete monopoly of control by the party
  • An official ideology
  • Monopoly over mass communications
  • A system of terrorist police control
  • Central control over the economy
• Why is Friedrich's approach to totalitarianism considered flawed?

  It is too static and does not consider changes.
• Did the Third Reich possess the main features of a totalitarian state?

  Yes, but effectiveness is debated among historians.
• How has the image of Hitler as an undisputed leader been criticized?

  It is seen as too one-dimensional by historians.
• What challenges did Hitler face in maintaining control?

  Practical difficulties in managing government operations.
• How did Hitler's lifestyle affect his leadership?

  He was lazy and avoided practical government tasks.
• What was the effect of having two administrative structures in Nazi Germany?

  Significant overlaps and inefficiency in government.
• What does the divide and rule principle suggest about Hitler's leadership?

  He retained overall authority and was a strong leader.
• What does challenging the premise of Hitler's organization suggest?

  It indicates neglect and weakness in governance.
• How did the Nazi Party function in relation to totalitarian control?

  It was an instrument of control but not total control.
• What was Hitler's system of controlled autonomy?

  Nazi Party supported him without rivaling his position.
• How did the Night of the Long Knives demonstrate Hitler's control?

  It counterbalanced individual power growth in government.
• What was the limit of Nazi propaganda during the Second World War?

  It could not establish complete uniformity of thought.
• What did the Nazi government resort to as the war progressed?

  Threats and coercion to maintain control.
• Why was a monopoly over communications insufficient for the Nazis?

  It did not guarantee control over attention/reception.
• Why couldn't the Nazis establish complete control over the economy?

  There was a mixture of state and private capitalism.