Life in Nazi Germany- policies towards the church

• How many Protestants were there in Germany in 1933?

  45 million
• How many catholics were there in Germany in 1933?

  22 million
• How did Hitler view Christians?

  A threat and potential source of opposition to Nazism as it emphasises peace
• Who was the state reich church under the leadership of?


  Nazi bishop Ludwig müller
• Why was the state reich church established?

  To unify the different branches of Protestantism
• What did Hitler agree with the pope in 1933?

  A concordat which said they would not interfere with the running of the catholic church if they stayed out of political matters
• What did the Reich church attempt to ban?

  The use of the Old Testament in church - considered a Jewish book
• What was the Confessional Church?

  A non-conforming Protestant Church which criticised the Nazi approach to religion
• How many confessional church pastors were arrested?

  8 and they were all sent to concentration camps
• How did the Nazis interfere with Catholic Church?

  -attempted to ban the use of the crucifix

  -catholic schools and youth organisations were suppressed

  -catholic newspapers were banned
• What was expected of catholic children?

  For them to join state schools with Nazi curriculums and to join various branches of Hitler youth
• How many catholic priests were sent to Dachau?


  400
• What happened to Nazi control over the Protestant church in 1937

  Hitler was forced to return control of the church to the old Protestant leadership in return for a promise that the church would stay out of politics
• Did attendance at Catholic Churches increase under Nazi rule?

  Attendance increased substantially, especially during ww2 showing that Hitler attempts to reduce influence of religion was unsuccessful
• Who played a large role in opposing Hitler and the Nazis?

  The Protestant and catholic clergy
• Why did some Christian's support the Nazis?

  -They had similar on the importance of marriage, family and moral values

  -Christians feared the anti religious communists
• What did Hitler promise in the concordat?

  -The catholic Center party can remain

  -Youth groups and catholic schools can remain
• How did Hitler break the terms of the concordat?

  -Priests were harassed, arrested and sent to camps

  -Schools and youth organisations were shut

  -Monastries were shut
• What happened to archbishop Galen?


  He was placed on house arrest until the end of the war
• What changed in churches?

  All religions items, such as the cross and bible, were replaced with a sword and mein kamph
• What quote was often used in the Reich church?

  "The swastika on our chests and the cross in our hearts"
• How many Protestant churches agreed to unite and form the Reich church in 1933?

  28
• Why did some Protestants support Hitler?

  -They admired Hitlers views on marriage and morals

  -They were happy to have the church controlled