Political Resistance

The SPD and KPD were expected to mount resistance to Hitler. However, due to divisions within and between the parties, they posed no serious threat. The SPD were unprepared for a Nazi takeover, and although they campaigned against the Nazis, they faced the most action and violence from the SA. The KPD was better prepared, but the Gestapo worked hard to ensure that there was little threat from the Communists. Secret Communist activity was not entirely eradicated by the Gestapo – there were still underground meetings and plots, but there was little that could be done.

Workers

Before 1933, Germany was the most unionized country, and the unions held great power over the government. Hitler was worried about strikes getting in the way of his power. Some unions attempted to strike, which did cause problems for the Nazis, but they arrested leaders and put them in prison, discouraging others from carrying out the same offense again.

Churches

The Christian churches were the only organizations in Nazi Germany that retained their own ideology. They were aware that they would lose out if they tried to fight the Nazis, but the Nazis were aware that they could not get rid of the churches. The Protestant church was split when the Nazi regime attempted to coordinate them into the Volksgemeinschaft. Many pastors would not accept being a part of this and spoke out about the new regime. Many churches refused to display the swastika flag, and when two priests were arrested, there were mass demonstrations. The Nazis failed to silence the confessional church, but it did not form full opposition. The Catholic church was more united and retained more independence, however, the Catholic church attempted to come to terms with the new regime. When the concordat of 1933 was signed and the privileges granted to the Catholic church were under attack, the Catholic church condemned the Nazi regime. Although many individual priests and members opposed the regime’s religious policies, the church itself did not move beyond a narrow defense of its independence, meaning that resistance was futile.

Young People

In the early years of the Nazi regime, the Hitler Youth were able to channel youthful energy and rebelliousness into officially approved activities. However, there were growing signs of disillusionment, for reasons such as membership being compulsory, it making great demands on their free time, and endless military trials. The response of many young people was to opt-out, either by letting their membership lapse or just not attending. Some young people hummed tunes that had been banned at meetings. Some young people formed gangs to show their independence, such as the Meuten gang, but they were little more than criminal gangs.

Elites

Many members of the German elites had serious misgivings about the Nazi party, in particular Hitler. Army generals and senior civil servants regarded Hitler as a threat to the old Germany. However, there was not much they could do to oppose once Hitler had consolidated his power in an alliance with the army, big business, and conservative politicians. Opposition to Hitler within the army and civil service peaked in 1938. They did not agree with his foreign policy, although they did agree with building Germany’s military strength. Hitler’s response was to purge those who opposed him from the army.

What political resistance was there?

Your answer should include: Hardly Any / Political Opponents / Arrested / Concentration Camps / Parties Disbanded

Did the churches resist?

Your answer should include: Very Little / Independent / Against Regime / Priests Arrested / Concordat Signed
Explanation: The churches got away with staying fairly independent, and although they tried to speak out against the regime, they did not get very far, as priests were arrested and the concordat was signed.

Why did the unions/workers not pose much threat?

Your answer should include: Arrested / Striked
Explanation: They were arrested if they went on strike.