Social policies

Reasons: Nazis Kept Power : Social Policies

Introduction

The Nazis' ability to maintain their grip on power in Germany was not solely reliant on fear and state terrorism. They also introduced various social policies aimed at shaping German society according to Nazi ideology. These policies played a significant role in bolstering their control over the population. Here are some key aspects related to Nazi social policies:

Volksgemeinschaft – The National Community

Before coming to power, Hitler promised to build a "national community" that would encompass all sections of society. The Nazis used various social policies to achieve this vision and consolidate their authority over Germans.

Women in Nazi Germany

In Nazi Germany, women were encouraged to adhere to traditional gender roles. They were incentivized to have more children through marriage loans, with some debt forgiven upon the birth of a baby. Women were discouraged from wearing makeup, trousers, or smoking. The Nazis even introduced medals, like the 'Mother's Cross', as recognition for women who had multiple children. A program called Lebensborn paired young women with SS officers to promote the birth of what the Nazis considered 'master race' babies.

Arguments for Influence

Under Nazi rule, Germany's population did increase, indicating some level of support among German women for Nazi aims. This demographic growth was seen as crucial for the Nazis to ensure a strong future.

Arguments against Influence

The Nazis did not fully control women's choices. Many German women continued to work, especially as war approached, and some even joined anti-Nazi groups.

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Social policies

Boys' Groups

The Nazis established boys' groups to instill Nazi ideology and prepare them for future military service. Boys as young as ten joined the "German Young People," while 14-year-olds joined the "Hitler Youth," where they engaged in military-like activities, including wrestling, boxing, and running. They also underwent testing on Hitler and Nazism and received a knife called 'Blood and Honour' if they passed.

Girls' Groups

The Nazis held deeply sexist views, believing a female's primary role was to bear and raise children. Girls as young as 14 joined the "League of German Maidens," where they learned about marriage and participated in parades and marches.

Arguments for Influence

• These policies were integral to Nazi propaganda, fostering the illusion of universal support for Hitler by encouraging more people to join Nazi groups and participate in public displays of allegiance.

Arguments Against Influence

• Some Germans actively opposed the Nazis, especially groups like the Edelweiss Pirates and Swing Kids. Others maintained their personal identities, often through religion, and resisted Nazi views

Control of Education

The Nazis exerted control over education by teaching pupils based on Nazi ideologies. For instance,

• Biology lessons emphasized the concept of the superior Aryan race. Boys and girls were segregated in classrooms, with boys learning skills for future military service and work, while girls were prepared for motherhood.
• Jewish teachers were dismissed, and other educators were compelled to join the Nazi Teachers' Alliance, with 97% of German teachers being part of this group by 1936. This required attending Nazi teaching training sessions.

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Social policies

Conclusion

Nazi social policies were a crucial element in the Nazis' strategy to maintain power. They aimed to shape not only the present but also the future of German society according to Nazi ideals. While these policies did exert a degree of influence, they were not the sole factor in keeping the Nazis in power, as other aspects such as fear and state terrorism also played significant roles.