Lesson 17: Nazi control of religion

• Why was religion a tricky problem for Hitler?

  It influenced daily lives and could attract opposition
• What was the Nazi Party's goal regarding the Christian Church?

  To control its power and influence
• Why did the Catholic and Protestant Churches trust the Nazi government?

  They believed it would not challenge their influence
• What type of government allows a dictator total power?

  Dictatorships
• How do religious institutions influence ordinary Germans?

  They affect daily lives and education
• What could happen if the Nazis challenged religion too strongly?

  It might attract opposition from other countries
• Why did Hitler need to control every aspect of life in Germany?

  To maintain totalitarian control
• What role did the Church play in education?

  It influenced children's education significantly
• Why were Catholic schools popular?

  They taught beliefs away from government control
• What percentage of Germans were Catholic?

  1/3 of Germans were Catholic.
• What was the Concordat of 1933?

  • Agreement between the Pope and Hitler
  • Hitler allowed Catholic schools and worship
  • Pope banned priests from politics
• What did Hitler do to the Concordat agreement throughout the 1930s?

  He broke the agreement multiple times
• What happened to priests who opposed the Nazis?

  They were bullied and arrested
• What happened to Catholic youth groups after 1936?

  They were banned and replaced by Hitler Youth
• What was the Pastor's Emergency League?

  It was set up to oppose the Nazis
• What did Pope Pius realize about the Concordat in 1937?

  It was worthless
• Who was the Reich Bishop of Germany?

  Ludwig Muller
• What did Hitler allow Protestant leaders to do?

  Continue their church services
• What symbol was allowed in Protestant churches?

  Swastika
• What was the German Faith Movement?

  A pagan church worshiping the sun
• How did the Nazi Party view the influence of Protestant leaders?

  They saw them as potential allies against communism
• What were the main actions taken by the Nazis against the Catholic Church?

  • Priests bullied and arrested
  • Catholic schools aligned with Nazi ideology
  • Catholic youth groups banned
• What were the main actions taken by the Nazis against the Protestant Church?

  • Reich Church established under Ludwig Muller
  • Allowed church services but controlled content
  • Promoted the German Faith Movement