Opposition to the Nazis

Opposition to the Nazis Lesson starter: Do you agree with the above statement? Write down your ideas. ‘It was easier to just go along with the Nazis – there was no point trying to fight them’

We are learning to… • Identifythe ways in which ordinary Germans opposed the Nazis • Examine the reasons why more Germans didn’t oppose the Nazis • Analyse the extent to which the churches cooperated with the Nazis

I can… • Complete an N5 question using my learned knowledge from this section

Vocabulary Resistance A person or group fighting against forced laws or rule

What Could You Do? If you did not like the government of this country there are lots of things you could do: What would be the problem with attempting this in Nazi Germany?

Reasons for not resisting…on the one hand… • Many people claimed they didn’t know the extent of the Nazis regime. • Others were too scared to resist due to the fear of the police state. • There were also some people who liked living under a Nazi government…

Some Positives of Nazi Rule • Due to forcing ‘undesirables’ out of jobs, unemployment fell dramatically (0% by 1939). • The German economy seemed to be doing very well under the Nazis, a far cry from the 1920s. • Hitler went against the Treaty of Versailles: The army was expanded and conscription reintroduced, so people felt safer. • Free Holiday camps and other rewards were introduced in the ‘strength through joy’ programme. • Large scale building projects took place, such as the autobahnor motorway. (Infrastructure)

Fear! Many people were scared by the Nazis so did not protest: • The Gestapo and spies/informants were everywhere. • Everyone knew trouble makers ended up in camps; some never came back. • Nazi propaganda was everywhere and this brainwashed a lot of people into believing Nazi lies.

How could a single person or small group resist the Nazis? • THINK about your ideas and write them down (2minutes) • PAIR with a partner and discuss your answers (2 minutes) • SHARE answers with the rest of the class

Jigsaw Task • Each group will be given a set of 4 information cards. • Each person is responsible for gathering information on one section of opposition. • After a set amount of time, your teacher will collect the cards. • You should then take it in turns to share your answers with the rest of your group and take a note of what the rest of your group had.

You should complete the section of the table for each group. • You should give 2 actions for each group.

On the other hand… • There were many groups who tried to oppose the Nazis; • Edelweiss Pirates • Swing Kids (mainly young people, mainly small scale resistance)

Edelweiss Pirates • Age 14-18 • Formed gangs as they refused to join Hitler Youth • Attacked Hitler Youth camps • Sheltered army deserters and concentration camp prisoners

The Swing Kids • Mainly male teenagers • Listened to ‘un-German’ swing music, blues or jazz • They also wore the latest American or British fashions they accepted Jewish children into their groups

The Churches

Background… • In the 1930s nearly all Germans were religious (33% Catholic, 66% Christian) • Hitler wasn’t a great fan of religion but knew he would face major problems if he tried to control religion • Many people have criticised the churches for cooperating with the Nazis…

German Christian Church (protestant church) • The Nazi party joined all the protestant churches together in the new German Christian Church • A Reich Bishop was appointed by the Nazis • Mein Kampfwas their bible • The Swastika replaced the cross • In 1933 all Christian youth organisations were merged into the Hitler Youth

Protestant Church • Any pastors or clergy who spoke out against the Nazis were arrested and sent to camps.

The Catholic Church • On 8 July 1933 The Catholic Church and Hitler signed an agreement or concordat that neither side would criticise the other • Issues over things like ‘euthanasia’ • Eventually the Nazis broke their side of the agreement • Catholic press was censored, Catholic schools shut down By 1937 the Pope issued a message that spoke out against Hitler calling him a ‘mad prophet’ that was leading Germany to disaster Pope Pius XII

Jehovah’s Witnesses • Persecuted by The Nazi regime • They were Pacifists – would not join the army • They also refused to idolise Hitler • 5000 died in camps

Task: N5 How Fully Question Source A is from a history textbook, Nazi Rule 1933-45 The Nazis were able to stay in power for twelve years due to a combination of factors. They created a police state where the SS. Gestapo and informers created an atmosphere of fear and terror. They controlled the churches to the extent that many clergy were silenced into cooperation. Most opposition groups like the Jazzers were small scale and youth led. Many historians have studied whether people liked living in Nazi Germany or whether people were terrified into cooperation. It is open to interpretation. 1. Assess how fully Source A describes the reasons for the Nazis staying in power in Germany after 1933. 6 marks

Opposition to the Nazis