Topic 3 – Nazi control and dictatorship, 1933–39

What is this topic about? 

Key Topic 3 shows how Germany became a dictatorship in the early 1930s. It begins with the steps that turned a fragile democracy into a one-party state. We will look at how the Nazis used fear and strict control to keep people in line, from secret police and concentration camps to the way they shaped the courts. This topic also looks at the strained links between the regime and both major Churches. We then move on to how the Nazis shaped public thinking through heavy use of propaganda, censorship, and tight control over art and culture. In the final part, we think about how much support the regime truly had, and where signs of quiet resistance or disagreement appeared.

Prior Learning

You should have a good understanding of topic 1 and topic 2.