Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany, officially known as the German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and the Greater German Reich from 1943 to 1945, was the period in German history when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party (NSDAP) controlled the country, transforming it into a totalitarian dictatorship. Here are key aspects:
Establishment
- Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933, following political maneuvering and a power struggle with the existing Weimar government.
- The Reichstag Fire Decree and the Enabling Act of March 23, 1933, allowed Hitler and his cabinet to enact laws without the consent of the Reichstag, effectively establishing a dictatorship.
Political Structure
- The Führerprinzip, or leader principle, was central to Nazi ideology, emphasizing strict obedience to leaders at all levels.
- Single-party rule was enforced by banning opposition parties, including the Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party.
- Key institutions included the Gestapo (secret police) and the SS (Protection Squadron), which played significant roles in enforcing Nazi policies.
Expansion and War
The Holocaust
End of Nazi Rule
- Nazi Germany's defeat in World War II culminated with Hitler's suicide on April 30, 1945, and Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945.
- The country was subsequently divided into East and West Germany, with the latter becoming a democratic state.
Sources
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