Was there opposition to the Nazis?

Was there opposition to the Nazis?

1. Factors limiting opposition

   • Fear
     • The 'Terror State'
     • Main opponents had been : killed, exiled or put in prison
     • Resistance was treason
   • Nazi successes
     • Economic recovery well appreciated
     • Some happy at bringing back 'traditional values'
     • Success in foreign affairs-major power again
   • Economic fears
     • Workers lost jobs if they opposed
     • Businesses that didn't contribute to the Nazi Party Fund risked losing Nazi business and going bankrupt
   • Propaganda
     • Germans only heard positives
     • Nazis seemed perfect
     • 'Hitler Myth' is an idea that Hitler presented a myth of his support which discouraged opposition

2. The opposition

   • The Church
     • 1933 concordat signed saying they wouldn't interfere in each other's business
     • Hitler tried to get all protestant churches to link up in 'Reich Church'
     • Catholic Bishop Galen criticised Nazis throughout 1930's. Had too strong support to silence
     • Other protestant ministers opposed the Nazis but were silenced
   • July Bomb plot-1944
     • General Stauffenberg tried to kill hitler at a meeting but failed
       • Hitler survived and killed 5000 innocents for revenge
   • In 1936- over 1,000 anti-nazi groups at work. 1.5 million booklets
   • 'White Rose' group in 1942 gave leaflet to everyone against Hitler but beheaded for high treason in 1943
   • Opposition intensified as Nazis started losing the war

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