Opposition to the Nazi Party (1933-1939)

Introduction

• Focus: The level and significance of opposition to the Nazi Party in Germany from 1933 to 1939.
• Key Image: August Landmesser, a symbol of defiance, in a photo where he refuses to salute the Nazis among a crowd that does.
• Control: The image reflects the Nazi control of Germans, but also the existence of dissenters.

Forms of Opposition

• Spectrum of Opposition: From passive (jokes, refusal to salute) to active (violence, protests).
• Various Methods:
  • Writing secret newspapers.
  • Graffiti against Hitler.

Opposition in Pre-War Germany

• Time Division: Pre-war vs. war years, with different characteristics of opposition.
• Main Opposing Groups:
  1. The Left
  2. The Church
  3. The Youth

Opposition from the Left

• Political Ideology: Nazi extreme right-wing opposed by the left.
• Key Groups:
  • Social Democrats: Continued underground opposition with resistance groups and leaflets.
  • Communists:
    • Most active opposition.
    • Held meetings, ran propaganda, faced Gestapo oppression.
• Example: Georg Elser, a Communist who attempted to bomb Hitler in 1939.

Opposition from the Church

• Reasons for Opposition:
  • Religious beliefs clashed with Nazi ideologies.
  • Nazi attempts to control and close church institutions.
• Notable Individuals:
  • Martin Niemöller: Protestant pastor who opposed the Reich Church, was imprisoned.
  • Cardinal Galen: Criticized Nazi racial policies; was left alone due to his status.
  • Paul Schneider: Protestant pastor, first priest killed by Nazis for opposition.

Youth Opposition

• Motivations: Varied from political, religious, to cultural rebellion.
• Key Groups:
  • Swing Kids:
    • Opposed Nazis culturally (listened to jazz, fashion choices like long hair).
  • Edelweiss Pirates:
    • Actively resisted, distributed leaflets, and clashed with Hitler Youth.

Conclusion

• Significance of Opposition:
  • Arguments Against:
    • Small numbers, easily controlled by Gestapo and SS, limited threat.
  • Arguments For:
    • Demonstrates not everyone complied with Nazi rule.
    • Created a nuisance for Nazi governance.
• Personal View: Opposition was significant as it showed dissent existed, contradicting the notion of total Nazi control.