Nazi methods of control

• Nazi methods of control: police state:

  SS - formed in 1925, led by Heinrich Himmler after 1929. It rose from 50,000 members in 1934 to over 1,000,000 in 1944. They showed total obedience to Hitler . They were highly trained and expected to be pure Aryans. (north-western Europeans, specifically with blue eyes and blonde hair, superior race.) Primary responsibilities; destroy opposition and carry out Nazi racial policies. Death's Head units - ran concentration and extermination camps. SD - investigated disloyalty. Waffen SS - special armoured regiments that fought alongside the regular army.
• Nazi methods of control: police state:

  The Gestapo and informers - set up in 1933, they were greatly feared. They were a secret police force who were hidden among normal German citizens. They arrested people with no trial, sent people to concentration camps, opened mail and tapped telephones to make sure no one was speaking out against the Nazis. However, it was understaffed and relied on informers (members of the public who reported suspicious activity). The mistrust led to open criticism of the Nazis.
• Nazi methods of control: police state:

  Concentration camps - used originally to isolate social democrats, communists and anyone else opposing the Nazis. Conditions were harsh, food was limited and hard labour was compulsory. There were beatings and even some killings. Those who didn't conform to the ideal Nazi society were also imprisoned. By 1939, around 1.3million Germans had spent at least some time in one.
• Nazi methods of control: police state:

  Police and courts - any high-ranking police were expected to report to Himmler and be loyal Nazis. The Nazis controlled the courts, meaning judges swore an oath of loyalty to Hitler. This led to any opponents not receiving a fair trial. Punishments became very harsh. By 1943, the death penalty was used for 43 different crimes. (one being telling an anti-Nazi joke.)
• Nazi methods of control: censorship and propaganda:

  The Nazis began to strictly control all aspects of German media and culture. Propaganda made sure Nazi ideas were widely shared, whilst censorship prevented and opposite ideas from emerging. Joseph Goebbels was in charge of this.
• Nazi methods of control: censorship and propaganda:

  Radio:

  Propaganda - broadcast Hitler's speeches daily. Nazi ideas were constantly repeated. Cheaper radios were made available so more people could listen. Loudspeakers were placed in public places and factories.

  Censorship - foreign broadcasts were banned and listening to an anti-Nazi station such as the BBC was punishable by death. 'Peoples' Receivers' (the cheap radios) were designed to not pick up any foreign stations.
• Nazi methods of control: censorship and propaganda:

  Books:

  Propaganda - 'Mein Kampf' (the book Hitler wrote when he was jailed for 9 months) became a bestseller. If an author was approved by Nazis, the publishing of their book became easier than before.

  Censorship - all books had to be approved by Goebbels. Any books by Jewish people or contained any ideas that were disapproved of by the Nazis were banned and removed from libraries. There were public book burnings organised.
• Nazi methods of control: censorship and propaganda:

  Films:

  Propaganda - Goebbels said films were useful to convey Nazi ideas, however this was done in a subtle way as obvious propaganda was often less entertaining. Any newsreels before a film started were strictly pro-Nazi and audiences were required to arrive before these started.

  Censorship - all foreign films were censored before being shown. Actors and directors who had criticised the Nazis were forced to work abroad.
• Nazi methods of control: censorship and propaganda:

  Newspapers:

  Propaganda - Nazis used their own papers to communicate ideas. (e.g., Volkischer Beobachter and the violently antisemitic Der Sturmer). By 1944, 82 per cent of the press was owned by the Nazis.

  Censorship - All anti-Nazi newspapers were shut down by Goebbels. Any Jewish editors or journalists were sacked as were any who openly opposed the Nazis. Editors were told what they could and couldn't publish. Stories often had a pro-Nazi bias.
• Nazi methods of control: censorship and propaganda:

  Rallies:

  Propaganda - spectacular rallies were held (most famously at Nuremburg). Thousands of stormtroopers, the army and Nazi leaders would gather for parades and speeches. These were used to create the image of power, unity and order.

  Censorship - the rallies were carefully planned and managed. Even as far as the lighting was controlled to make a powerful and optimistic impression.