Hitler's Reich - Diaries of Nazi supporters, opponents and victims (1/4) | DW Documentary

Germany Under Hitler: A Multi-Perspective View (1933-1935)

Key Concepts:

• National Socialism: The political ideology of the Nazi Party, characterized by extreme nationalism, racism, and authoritarianism.
• "Gleichschaltung": The process of Nazi consolidation of power, forcing conformity and eliminating opposition.
• Nuremberg Laws: Anti-Semitic laws enacted in 1935, stripping Jews of their German citizenship and prohibiting marriage or sexual relations between Jews and non-Jews.
• Aryan: A racial term used by the Nazis to describe people of Northern European descent, considered the "master race."
• Hitler Youth (Hitler Jugend): The Nazi youth organization for boys, used to indoctrinate them with Nazi ideology.
• League of German Girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel - BDM): The Nazi youth organization for girls, focused on preparing them for motherhood and domestic roles.
• SA (Sturmabteilung): The Nazi Party's original paramilitary wing, known as "Brownshirts."
• SS (Schutzstaffel): A major paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
• "Schutzhaft" (Protective Custody): Imprisonment without judicial process, often used against political opponents.

I. Initial Reactions to Hitler's Rise (January-March 1933)

• France Abra Shal (Nazi Supporter): A young, fervent Nazi, Shal viewed Hitler's appointment as Reich Chancellor on January 30, 1933, as a pivotal moment. He believed Hitler would bring positive change and forge a strong nation. He saw Hitler as a role model and was eager to contribute to the new Germany.
  • Quote: "Adolf Hitler is Reich Chancellor. Soon a fresh wind will blow through Germany."
• Matias Maize (Catholic Innkeeper): A Catholic Democrat and city councilor, Maize was wary of the Nazis. He documented instances of SA intimidation and expressed concern about the loss of freedom and the rise of informers. He felt powerless to resist the changes.
  • Example: An SA member entering his pub and staring at the patrons, creating an atmosphere of fear.
• Louisa Zoitz (Nationalist Housewife): Initially impressed by Hitler, Zoitz saw the Nazi torchlight procession as an "uplifting experience" and wanted her daughter Gizela to witness the "sense of a strong nation." However, she later expressed reservations about the anti-Jewish boycott.
  • Example: Taking her daughter to the torchlight procession and being "intoxicated with enthusiasm."
• Villi Korn (Jewish Teacher): A Jewish veteran and Social Democrat, Korn was deeply disturbed by Nazi propaganda and the suspension of basic rights. He felt a conflict between his love for Germany and the growing persecution of Jews.
  • Quote: "Despite everything, it's hard to tear one's love of Germany completely out of one's heart."
  • Example: Describing "disgusting Nazi posters" blaming Jews for all misfortunes.

II. The March 1933 Elections and Their Aftermath

• Hitler's Rhetoric: Hitler's speeches, broadcast on the radio, were characterized by a powerful voice and uncompromising attacks on Jews, Democrats, and Marxists.
  • Quote (Louisa Zoitz): "He roars like a bull. He lacks all moderation."
• Nazi Victory: The Nazi Party's victory in the March 5, 1933 elections was celebrated by supporters like Louisa Zoitz as a "victory for all of us who are patriotic-minded." The burning of the Reichstag building was seen as helpful to the election.
• Rise of Nazi Symbols: Swastika flags were displayed prominently on public buildings, transforming the appearance of cities and creating a sense of unease for Jews.
• Anti-Jewish Boycott (April 1, 1933): The nationwide boycott of Jewish businesses was a turning point. Matias Maize described it as "the most inhumane thing I have ever experienced," while Louisa Zoitz expressed disappointment in Hitler.
  • Example: SA troops marching into cities with signs saying "A Jew lives here. Avoid this place."
• Removal of Jewish Teachers: Jewish and Marxist teachers were removed from their positions, leading to feelings of mental torture and deprivation.
  • Example: Villi Korn being dismissed from his teaching job.

III. Emigration and Growing Concerns (April-May 1933)

• Villi Korn's Family: Korn's son, Wulf, received a death threat and fled to Paris. Korn's wife, Trudy, urged the family to immigrate, but Korn hesitated due to his age and attachment to his life in Germany.
• Matias Maize's Dilemma: Maize faced pressure to cooperate with the Nazis despite his reservations. He noted the boycott of Christians who weren't Nazis.
• Louisa Zoitz's Family Secret: Zoitz struggled with the fact that her husband, Friedrich, had Jewish roots, which she had kept secret from her daughter Gizela. She feared the consequences for Gizela if their Jewish heritage was revealed.
  • Example: Gizela bringing home a school form asking for confirmation of Aryan descent.
• France Abra Shal's Career Path: Shal struggled to reconcile his carpentry apprenticeship with his involvement in the Hitler Youth, where he excelled as an instructor.

IV. Consolidation of Power and Shifting Attitudes (June-September 1933)

• Matias Maize's Political Involvement: Maize lost his seat on the city council after the Catholic Center Party disbanded. He eventually agreed to cooperate with the Nazi party in Vit.
• The Nazi Salute: The Nazi salute became mandatory, creating a dilemma for those who opposed the regime. Maize eventually performed the salute at a city council meeting.
• Ingatila (Gardener): A young woman from a poor background, Ingatila initially saw Hitler as a potential savior who could address poverty. She joined the League of German Girls and embraced the idea of women returning to traditional roles.
  • Quote: "Whoever helps us pour people out of the dirt, I'll worship him."
• Winter Relief Program: The Nazi's winter relief program was popular and attracted many volunteers, including members of the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls.

V. 1934: Intensifying Indoctrination and Growing Fear

• League of German Girls: Ingatila found camaraderie and a sense of purpose in the League of German Girls, participating in activities like sports, literature, and music.
• Louisa Zoitz's Fears for Gizela: Zoitz worried about the closing doors of opportunity for Gizela due to her Jewish heritage.
• The Night of the Long Knives (July 1, 1934): The purge of SA leaders, including Ernst Röhm, was presented to the public as the foiling of a coup.
• Hitler's Charisma: Louisa Zoitz witnessed Hitler's visit to Hamburg and was overwhelmed by his charisma and the enthusiasm of the crowd.
  • Quote: "Hitler's day and Hitler weather."
• Villi Korn's Family Emigration: Korn's younger son prepared to move to Palestine, reflecting the growing sense of desperation among Jewish families.

VI. 1935: The Nuremberg Laws and Their Impact

• Ingatila's Romantic Encounter: Ingatila had a brief but intense romantic encounter during a bicycle tour with the League of German Girls.
• Matias Maize and the Jewish Question: Maize observed that Jews were increasingly frequenting his inn after being banned from other establishments. He eventually asked them to avoid his inn to avoid trouble with Nazi officials.
• Anti-Semitic Propaganda: Maize noted the appearance of "outrageously obscene" anti-Semitic posters.
• The Nuremberg Laws: The enactment of the Nuremberg Laws in September 1935 marked a significant escalation of anti-Jewish persecution.
  • Louisa Zoitz's Reaction: Zoitz was terrified by the laws, recognizing that they would make her daughter Gizela an outcast and deprive her of a future.
    • Quote: "It's a death sentence for us as citizens."
  • Ingatila's Reaction: Ingatila enthusiastically supported the Nuremberg Laws, seeing them as a way to maintain the "purity of our blood."
    • Quote: "We should thank our leader for such wonderful laws."
• Matias Maize's Compliance: Maize bought a swastika flag, recognizing that it was now the flag of the Reich and no longer a political statement.
• Freddy Zoitz's Appeal: Freddy Zoitz wrote a letter to Hitler, hoping to obtain an exception to the Nuremberg Laws.
• Gizela's Foreboding: Before going to bed, Gizela told her mother that she feared she would be dead within a year, "and not of natural causes."

VII. Conclusion

The diaries reveal a spectrum of reactions to Hitler's rise to power and the early years of Nazi rule. From fervent support and blind faith to growing unease, fear, and despair, the accounts paint a complex picture of German society under National Socialism. The Nuremberg Laws marked a turning point, solidifying the persecution of Jews and forcing many to make difficult choices about their future. The personal stories highlight the human cost of ideological extremism and the erosion of basic human rights.