OCR History B: Nazi Germany Recap Ep. 4 - Opposition to Nazi Rule, 1933-39

Summary

This video discusses the various forms of opposition to the Nazi regime in Germany from 1933 to 1939, categorizing it into three main groups: youth movements, political left, and religious opponents. It highlights the activities of young communists, Christian youths, and groups like the Edelweiss Pirates and Swing Kids, who resisted through secret gatherings and anti-Nazi propaganda. The left, including Social Democrats and Communists, struggled against repression, while religious figures like Cardinal Galen and Martin Niemöller spoke out against Nazi policies. The video emphasizes the significance of these opposition efforts and their consequences under Nazi rule.

Takeaways

• 😀 Youth movements, such as the Young Communists and Swing Kids, resisted Nazi control through secret gatherings and alternative cultural expressions.
• 😀 The Elder Vice Pirates actively opposed the Nazis by promoting music and engaging in confrontations with Hitler Youth.
• 😀 Political opposition from the Social Democrats was limited due to persecution, leading to small resistance groups focused on propaganda.
• 😀 The Communists were more proactive in resisting the Nazis, producing significant anti-Nazi propaganda and attempting violent actions.
• 😀 Cardinal Galen and other religious figures spoke out against Nazi policies, particularly regarding euthanasia and racial policies.
• 😀 Martin Niemöller founded the Confessional Church as a response to Nazi control over Protestant churches, gaining support from many pastors.
• 😀 Pope Pius XI's initial Concordat with Hitler quickly deteriorated as the Nazis violated its terms, prompting him to condemn their actions.
• 😀 Paul Schneider became the first known religious opponent executed by the Nazis for his outspoken resistance against their policies.
• 😀 Jehovah's Witnesses opposed the Nazis based on their pacifist beliefs, leading to the imprisonment of thousands.
• 😀 The diverse opposition to the Nazis between 1933 and 1939 demonstrated significant dissent against the regime despite severe reprisals.

Q & A

What are the three main categories of opposition to the Nazis identified in the video?

The three categories of opposition to the Nazis between 1933 and 1939 are: opposition from youth groups, political opposition from the left (including Social Democrats and Communists), and religious opposition.

Who were the Young Communists and what methods did they use to resist the Nazis?

The Young Communists were a youth group that opposed the Nazis by meeting secretly, wearing distinctive clothing, writing anti-Nazi leaflets, and disseminating them in their communities.

What was the role of the Edelweiss Pirates in opposing the Nazi regime?

The Edelweiss Pirates were a working-class youth group that organized camps, listened to foreign radio, played banned music, and even engaged in physical confrontations with the Hitler Youth.

How did the Social Democrats attempt to resist Nazi rule?

The Social Democrats focused on industrial areas to write anti-Nazi leaflets and produce posters, but their efforts were hampered by the lack of unity with the Communists and the small size of their resistance groups.

What significant actions did the Communists take against the Nazis?

The Communists were more active in their resistance, organizing meetings, producing newsletters like 'Red Flag,' and some even attempted violent acts, such as the assassination attempt on Hitler by Jörg Esla.

What was the 'Concordat' and how did it affect the relationship between the Church and the Nazi regime?

The Concordat was an agreement between Hitler and Pope Pius XI in 1933, where the Church promised not to interfere politically in exchange for protection of church institutions, but it quickly fell apart due to Nazi violations.

Who was Cardinal Galen and what did he oppose?

Cardinal Galen was a Catholic bishop who spoke out against Nazi racial policies and the T4 program, which involved the euthanasia of individuals with disabilities.

How did Martin Niemöller contribute to the opposition against the Nazis?

Martin Niemöller, initially supportive of Hitler, later founded the Confessional Church, which opposed the Reich Church and preached against Nazi racial policies, leading to his imprisonment.

What were the Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs that led to their opposition to the Nazis?

The Jehovah's Witnesses opposed the Nazis primarily due to their pacifist beliefs, which led them to resist militarism and violence, resulting in the imprisonment of thousands of their members.

What was the fate of many young people who resisted the Nazis, such as members of the Swing Kids?

Members of youth groups like the Swing Kids faced severe repression, including arrests and being sent to concentration camps, as the Nazis viewed them as a threat to their ideology.