Historical Encyclopedia
The Nazi era in Germany spans the period from 1933 to 1945, when power was held by the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), led by Adolf Hitler. This period was characterized by the establishment of a totalitarian regime, aggressive foreign policy, and unprecedented repression against the population, including the Holocaust — the systematic extermination of millions of people.
The Nazi Party came to power in the context of deep political and economic instability caused by the Treaty of Versailles, signed after World War I, and the Great Depression. Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany in January 1933. Immediately thereafter, mass repressions against the opposition, including communists and socialists, began. In March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed, allowing Hitler to enact laws without parliamentary approval, effectively establishing a dictatorship.
The Nazis actively used propaganda to promote their ideology. In 1934, Hitler merged the posts of President and Chancellor, becoming the Führer, which solidified his power. During the Nuremberg Rally in 1935, racial laws were enacted that restricted the rights of Jews and other minorities, laying the groundwork for future repressions.
Nazi ideology was based on the principles of Aryan racism, nationalism, and anti-Semitism. The Nazis believed that the Aryan race was "superior" and should dominate other peoples. This belief was the foundation for policies aimed at eliminating all "undesirable" groups, including Jews, Roma, people with disabilities, and political opponents.
State propaganda played a key role in supporting the Nazi regime. The Nazis used film, newspapers, and radio to spread their ideas, shape public opinion, and emphasize Germany's "great" role. The main goal was to create a unified, homogenous nation, which led to systematic repression against opposition and minorities.
At the beginning of Nazi rule, Germany faced serious economic problems, including high unemployment and inflation. The Nazi government developed public works programs and militarization of the economy, which created jobs and restored the economy. Programs such as the construction of autobahns improved infrastructure but also served to prepare for war.
By 1939, Germany's economy had been largely restructured for wartime needs, leading to preparations for aggressive actions beyond its borders. This accelerated development resulted in preparations for large-scale military operations, which became one of the reasons for the outbreak of World War II.
Germany began World War II on September 1, 1939, by invading Poland. Using blitzkrieg tactics, German troops quickly captured Poland and subsequently other countries in Europe. In 1940, the Nazis occupied Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, leading to the collapse of the anti-Hitler coalition.
On the Eastern Front in 1941, Operation Barbarossa began — an attack on the Soviet Union. Initially, the Germans achieved significant successes, but by the winter of 1941, they faced fierce resistance from the Red Army, marking the first major defeat for the Nazis.
The Nazi era was also marked by the Holocaust — the genocide of the Jewish people and other "undesirable" groups. From 1933, a policy of segregation and discrimination against Jews began, reaching its peak during the war. Between 1941 and 1945, the Nazis organized mass killings in concentration camps and through mobile death squads.
It is estimated that around six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust, as well as millions from other groups, including Roma, communists, homosexuals, and people with disabilities. This horrific period in history became one of the darkest and most shameful in human civilization.
By 1943, the situation on the front began to shift in favor of the Allies. Victories of the Red Army in Stalingrad and Kursk, as well as the Allied landings in Normandy in 1944, resulted in significant losses for Nazi Germany. In 1945, the Allies began to liberate occupied territories, and by April 1945, the Red Army approached Berlin.
On April 30, 1945, Adolf Hitler committed suicide, and on May 7, Germany signed an unconditional surrender. The Nazi regime fell, and the process of denazification began, aimed at eradicating Nazi ideology and restoring Germany.
The legacy of the Nazi era left deep scars in the history of humankind. The genocide, wars, and suffering caused by the Nazis serve as a lesson that must never be forgotten. After the war, the world faced the necessity not only to prosecute the criminals but also to create mechanisms to prevent such horrors in the future.
Academic research and education about the Holocaust, as well as about fascism and totalitarianism in general, have become important parts of educational programs. The memory of the victims of the Nazi regime is maintained by memorials and research, which continue to serve as reminders of how easily one can succumb to hate and prejudice.
The Nazi era in Germany is a period that represents one of the most tragic and controversial chapters in history. The lessons learned from this time remain relevant today. Awareness of the dangers of totalitarianism, racism, and extremism is essential for building a just and peaceful society. Understanding the importance of protecting human rights and opposing hate is our shared responsibility.