Where did power lie in the Third Reich?

Hitler did not embark on a major overhaul of Germany's administrative structure
Old institutions such as the Reichstag and Cabinet remained, but were virtually powerless. Traditional institutions co-operated with the new regime and adapted to the Nazi system
Power was Concentrated in Hitler as Führer, supposedly representing the will of the German people
Beneath Hitler there was a confusing array of state and party institutions, cutting across each other's jurisdictions but all seeking to work along the lines laid down by the führer
Such a system of jealous rivalries served to enhance Hitler's power
A powerful Hitler myth developed, which portrayed Hitler as a wonderful leader, responsible for all policy successes. This helped make him genuinely popular, and allowed the regime to become more radical
The Nazi Party was far less admired. It became a vehicle for careerism. It was mainly used to activate the population; it was not a party of rule
A complex police system developed, but its efficiency was partly dependent upon the co-operation of millions of Germans
There was an array of fierce repressive machinery to persecute non- conformists
Nazi Germany was certainly dominated by Hitler, but was not a smoothly run, efficient structure

Resource summary

	Created by wjf 123 about 10 years ago