Nazi – The Politics of Nazi Germany

Nazi Germany was known as the Third Reich. Under Adolf Hitler, the country operated as a totalitarian state ruled by the National Socialist German Workers' Party, or NSDAP. Though Nazi Germany is most commonly associated with the Holocaust, it also had many accomplishments. These achievements were what earned Hitler his immense popularity and allowed him to reign as long as he did. While it's almost inconceivable for many to imagine following a government that lead to the genocide of six million people, seeing the bigger picture of Germany's government can demystify much of what happened under Hitler's rule and the Third Reich.
 
When Hitler became Chancellor, Germany was suffering from the Great Depression. Unemployment was high and the economy was very poor. Hitler established a mixed economy with heavy military spending. His works were able to put an end to much unemployment. The autobahns were constructed under the Third Reich and prosperity began to return to Germany. In 1936, Germany successfully hosted the Summer Olympics and showed off its success. The darker side of Hitler's agenda, which focused on anti-Semitism, was downplayed when the country was in the public eye and many pieces of Nazi propaganda were removed during the Olympic Games.
 
Hitler consolidated his power and eliminated all opposition early on in his political career. As Fuhrer, he was idolized and his word was taken as law. With the country's economy and unemployment improving, the Third Reich was able to proceed with their other programs. Hitler's ideal Germany was to focus on family values, women at home, and the propagation of the ideal Aryan race. Children and teenagers were required to participate in the Hitler Youth organization. Children were also taught the traditional Heil Hitler salute and were instructed to use it both at school and home. Hitler and Germany became synonymous.
 
Under the Third Reich, loyalty to Germany was loyalty to Hitler and vice versa. Hitler's relationship with Eva Braun was largely concealed so that he could be portrayed as a man who was married to his country. To question the word of the Fuhrer has serious consequences. Hitler's power grew gradually, so that by the time German citizens may have begun to question him, they were in fear for their lives to voice these concerns. Certainly some brave individuals defied Nazi rule and risked their lives to protect Jews and others who were targeted by the Nazis. However, the fear of death kept many others squarely in line under the Fuhrer's rule.