To what extent did the structure and organization of government in Germany between 1933 and 1939 contribute to Hitler’s maintenance of power?

Candidates are required to consider whether the structure and organization of the government assisted Hitler in his maintenance of power up to 1939. Other factors that may have been as, or more, important may also be identified.

Indicative content

The structure and organisation of government

• The Enabling Law (March 1933) allowed Hitler to rule without the Reichstag, which still existed but rarely met. There was also a Cabinet, but this, too, met only infrequently.
• In 1933, Hitler replaced all the governors of the Länder with Nazis and, in theory, this gave him control over different regions.
• As Chancellor, Hitler had five offices that directly represented him and so confusion over duties and control over the implementation of policies was commonplace.
• The nature of the Führerprinzip meant that all authority devolved from Hitler who, alone, had the ultimate say on all policy making.
• The hierarchy within the government of the Third Reich was not clear and this led to internal rivalry (for example, Heinrich Himmler and Ernst Rohm in 1934) and this can be seen as inhibiting cooperation and efficiency.
• “Working towards the Fuhrer” became the key phrase to describe how subordinates would offer ideas and policies that would be in line with Nazi ideology but that could also be viewed as spontaneous and not necessarily part of an overall plan.
• Such factors may be seen as weakening Hitler’s control over the Reich or, alternatively, as helping him to maintain power by not being directly responsible for policy-making.

Other factors

• Hitler’s apparently successful economic policies that, for example, reduced unemployment and increased production.
• A strong ideology with concepts such as Gleichschaltung and Volksgemeinschaft that promoted social cohesion.
• The use of scapegoats such as the Jews and the Roma, as well as campaigns to rid Germany of people who were deemed unfit or unable to contribute to the well-being of the state.
• Propaganda and the creation of various organizations to unite workers, the youth and/or women.
• In 1934, the army swore an oath of loyalty to Hitler and so brought this institution under his control and its support was further enhanced by a drive for rearmament and a successful foreign policy that renounced many of the clause

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]