Democracies ruled by Decree Popular Front Governments



The NS State



In Germany, HITLER was appointed chancellor on January 30th 1933. Within a year, the democratic constitution was suspended and the state quickly transformed into a CORPORATE STATE, in many aspects following the Italian model. Hitler ruled in an authoritarian style and was addressed as the FÜHRER (= leader). The other political parties were dissolved.
The NSDAP's control of German society was even stronger than that of Italy's Fascists. The party militias, SA and SS, soon enjoyed semi-official status. In every field of society, mass organizations tied to National Socialism were founded, and membership often was obligatory. Youth organizations such as boy scouts etc. were replaced by the HITLERJUGEND (for the boys) and the BDM for the girls. then there were the ARBEITSDIENST, National Socialist organizations for professors, teachers, craftsmen, farmers etc.
Cities were structured in districts and blocks, every block, district etc. having a responsible leader (usually a devoted Nazi); society was penetrated by party informers. Critical minds hardly dared to speak out. CONCENTRATION CAMPS had been established, the first inmates being mostly communists and social democrats.
Like Fascist Italy, Germany used propaganda to indoctrinate the masses. Nazi propaganda prepared the country for war, asked mothers to give birth to many children. In addition, the NS State propagated Anti-Semitism. The NUREMBERG LAWS of 1935 deprived the German Jews of their citizenship and legalized the ostracization of the Jewish community, step by step.
NS Germany quickly launched state financed projects with a double effect - reducing unemployment (in which they were highly successful) and improving the infrastructure. The AUTOBAHNs were to provide faster transportation of tanks and troops from the west front to the east front and vice versa. HYDROELECTRIC DAMS were built, swamps drained etc. And, of course, the state invested heavily in rearmament.

In comparison with Fascist Italy, the NSDAP's hold on German society was stronger (Hitler, since 1934, held the positions of chancellor and president); it's organization more efficient, and, when it came to outsiders (Jews, Gypsies, Homosexuals) more ruthless.


Germany
1933-1939




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This page is part of World History at KMLA
Last revised on February 20th 2002

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