Hitler's domestic policies between 1933 + 1939 engaged widespread popularity among German people. How far would you agree?

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Andrew McCann

Hitler’s domestic policies between 1933 + 1939 engaged widespread popularity among German people. How far would you agree?

Hitler’s domestic policies enjoyed differing levels of support. Policies such as the economy and anti-semitism may have been popular and increased Nazi support. Alteratively, they may have been unpopular and repressive.

When Hitler first came to power in 1933, the Nazi Party did not have majority support. Hitler aimed to strengthen their position further and increase support. When The Reichstag erupted into flames in February of 1933, it signalled the downfall of Germany as a democratic nation. Blamed on a Dutch Communist – van der Lubbe – it gave Hitler the justification for his Enabling Act, banning all political opposition and making the Nazis control of Germany. This was undoubtedly a popular policy as it made Hitler appear as a strong leader, a trait the Germans were clamouring for in a leader after the weekness of coalition Governments.

   As Fuhrer, Hitler’s first priority was jobs, or the lack of them. German unemployment had peaked at 6 million due to the Depression devastating the economy. With innovative public works schemes such as the building of autobahns, Hitler put every German back to work. He also advocated schemes such as KdF – Strength Through Joy – which gave workers increased benefits for increased levels of production. This policy was popular and increasingly with the proletariat who had seen their country decimated by the depression.

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   Hitler’s economic policy was a huge success. Linked with giving Germans jobs, Hitler aimed to make Germany self-sufficient – autarky – so they no longer relied on foreign imports. By putting people back to work and making huge public spending, inflation was bound to happen. However, Hitler kept this under control by not allowing wages to rise with prices. This may have been one unpopular aspect of Hitler’s economic policy but there were many that the people supported.

   Hitler’s policy of anti-semitism was also hugely popular. Hitler had already set to work giving every German a job, ...

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