The structures of control in the Nazi state

Hitler introduced many policies and measures to ensure the Nazis remained in control, once he declared himself Führer. These measures dealt with political opponents, as well as ordinary people, who suddenly found their private, social and working lives controlled by the Nazis.

Seven key structures

The Nazi party aimed to control every aspect of people's political, social and working lives. It maintained control through a mixture of propaganda and intimidation.

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  Government
  1. Government (political)
  The way Hitler consolidated power in 1933-1934 meant that the Nazis had absolute control of national and local government.
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  Religion
  2. Religion (social)
  Hitler believed that religion was a threat to the Nazis' control over people's minds, so he tried different ways to reduce the power of the church over people.
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  Culture
  3. Culture (social)
  Hitler ordered Nazification - the imposition of Nazi values - on all aspects of German life.
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  Work
  4. Work (working)
  Dr Robert Ley, head of the DAF, boasted that he controlled workers' lives from the 'cradle to the grave'.
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  Education and youth
  5. Education and youth (working)
  The lives of young people were controlled both in and out of school to turn them into fanatical Nazis.
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  Terror
  6. Terror (method of control)
  Germany became a country where it was unsafe to do or say anything critical of the government.
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  Propaganda
  7. Propaganda (method of control)
  Josef Goebbels controlled the Propaganda Ministry, which aimed to brainwash people into obeying the Nazis and idolising Hitler.