The extent of Opposition

• Why was the left expected to oppose the Nazis strongly?

  Due to their history of resistance.
• How did divisions among the KPD and SPD weaken the left?

  Due to ideological differences and past conflicts.
• How did the Nazis crush SPD opposition?

  By murdering activists and forcing leaders into exile.
• What clandestine actions did the SPD take against the Nazis?

  Established small cells and distributed propaganda.
• How did the Nazis deal with KPD opposition?

  They banned the party and arrested its leaders.
• What underground activities did the KPD engage in?

  Established networks and published newspapers.
• How significant was the left's threat to the Nazi dictatorship?

  Relatively insignificant, with quick crumbling resistance.
• Why did many elements of the German army approve of the Nazi dictatorship?

  Restoration of law, order, and reduced unemployment.
• How did Hitler's foreign policy provoke opposition in the army?

  It caused skepticism among key military leaders.
• How did Hitler use the Blomberg-Fritsch affair to consolidate power?

  By eliminating internal opposition and promoting loyalists.
• What was General Beck's plan against Hitler in 1938?

  To stage a military coup against him.
• Why did Beck's coup fail?

  Hitler's success in Czechoslovakia without war.
• Why were the churches in a strong position to resist Nazism?

  They retained organizational autonomy and influence.
• Why were churches cautious about opposing the Nazi government?

  Due to the growing power of the Nazis.
• Why did some church leaders welcome the Nazi regime?

  They felt alienated from the Weimar Republic.
• How did the Nazis coordinate the Protestant Churches into a single Reich Church?

  Ludwig Müller was elected as National Bishop.
• How did the Confessional Church resist Nazism?

  By forming the Pastors’ Emergency League.
• How effective was the Confessional Church's opposition?

  Not very effective; leaders were intimidated.
• How did the Nazis use the Concordat of 1933 against the Catholic Church?

  By attacking the privileges granted to the Church.
• What was the significance of the papal encyclical 'With Burning Grief' in 1937?

  It condemned Nazi hatred of the Church.
• Why did churches not provide more coordinated opposition to the Nazis?

  Due to support of Nazi ideologies and intimidation.
• What were the main reasons for the left's inability to resist the Nazis effectively?

  • Divisions between KPD and SPD
  • SPD's commitment to legal frameworks
  • KPD's repression and banning
  • Quick crumbling of union resistance
• What were the key events that led to the army's opposition to Hitler?

  • Blomberg-Fritsch affair
  • Hossbach conference revealing militaristic aims
  • Beck's planned coup against Hitler
• How did the Nazis manage to control the churches?

  • Concordat with the Catholic Church
  • Coordination of Protestant Churches into Reich Church
  • Intimidation of church leaders and members