The Extent to Which Germany was Transformed into a Totalitarian State Between 1933-1945
World War one had a massive effect on Germany. The monarch collapsed,
which led to the establishment of a democratic system which also
collapsed and the polycratic government of the Nazi party who Changed
the effects of the treaty of Versailles, and the course of history
sending it deep into another World War. This essay will talk about,
Hitler's polycratic and totalitarian leadership as the Fuhrer, and his
powerful control over a nation.
The definition of 'Totalitarian' will often contain the following
characteristics.
- The state is led by a dominating and often ruthless individual
presiding over a single political party or group, with no opposition
groups allowed. Although subordinates may have particular control over
certain areas, Totalitarian leaders know all and decide all.
- The people of the nation are subject to constant propaganda that
hails the leader and are subject to terror that is governed by use of
secret police. [1]
This definition matches the Nazi government extremely well. It would
be justified therefore to call Nazi Germany a totalitarian state, as
the German people were subjects of propaganda and fear sparked by the
secret police (Gestapo and SS). Most of the German people were loyal
to their Fuhrer, however many lived in fear of speaking out against
him (use of terror by secret police) and therefore feared the Fuhrer.
A Cartoon showing how the fear was made.
The Nazi Government came into power in January 1933, by July of that
same year, Hitler had banned rival political parties. Therefore
qualifying ...
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[1] Dennett and Dixon, key features of Modern History, 2000, Oxford
university press, Melbourne Australia. Page 246.
[2] Dennett and Dixon, Key Features of Modern History, 2000, Oxford
university press, Melbourne Australia. Page 259
[3] Dennett and Dixon, Key Features of Modern History, 2000, Oxford
university press, Melbourne Australia. Page 263 figure 10.30
[4] Dennett and Dixon, key features of Modern History, 2000, Oxford
university press, Melbourne Australia. Page 246. Figure 10.11
[5] (http://remember.org/guide/Facts.root.nazi.html)
[6] Dennett and Dixon, key features of Modern History, 2000, Oxford
university press, Melbourne Australia. Page 246. Figure 10.11
[7] Kitson, Alison. Germany 1858-1990, Hope, Terror and Revival, 2001,
Oxford University Press, Melbourne Australia. Page 213.
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Fulbrook, Mary. A Concise History of Germany. 2nd ed. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 2004. Print.
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Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1969. Kitchen, Martin. A History of Modern Germany: 1800-2000. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2006. Sprout, Otto.