Nazi Rule
Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933,
bringing an end to German democracy. Guided by racist and authoritarian
ideas, the Nazis abolished basic
freedoms and sought to create a "Volk" community. In theory, a "Volk"
community united all social classes and regions of Germany behind Hitler. In reality, the Third Reich quickly became a police state, where
individuals were subject to arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.
In the first months of his chancellorship, Hitler began a concerted policy
of "synchronization," forcing organizations, political parties, and state
governments into line with Nazi goals and placing them under Nazi leadership.
Culture, the economy, education, and law came under greater Nazi control.
Trade unions were abolished and workers, employees, and employers were forced
into Nazi organizations. By mid-July 1933, the Nazi party was the only
political party permitted in Germany. The Reichstag
(German parliament) became a rubber stamp for Hitler's dictatorship. The
Fuehrer's will became the foundation for government policy.
The appointment of Nazi party members to
government positions increased Hitler's authority
over state officials. According to the Nazi
party's leadership principle, authority flowed
down from above and absolute obedience towards
one's superior was expected at each level of the
Nazi hierarchy. Hitler was master of the Third
Reich.
For more information, see "The Third Reich" in the Holocaust Encyclopedia.
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