Question: Why was Adolf Hitler able to rise in Germany? (scroll down for answer)       Question: How did Hitler control the government? Answer: In 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany. As leader, he was called Der Führer. Enemies were targeted through both Heinrich Himmler’s military, the SS (Schutzstaffel), and the Gestapo (secret state police). Similar to other dictators, Hitler commanded the economy and increased the manufacture of industry and weapons. Also, like other leaders, Hitler encouraged a great deal of propaganda to increase support for the Nazi Party. With the help of Joseph Goebbels, a "big lie" was created through radio, posters, school control, speeches, and parades. Everywhere, flags with the swastika symbol could be seen. Literature that went against Nazi ideals was banned or burned.  Hitler's Third Reich (name of his government) produced much nationalism. It was believed that the Aryans were the master race, and there should be racial purity and no intermingling of races. Jews were persecuted (explained later). The Nazis also relied on the century-old philosophy of German Friedrich Nietzsche. They selectively quoted him to criticize democracy. Nietzsche was an existentialist, meaning he stressed that an individual's existence is based on self-determination and free-choice. Click here for next flash card.      Back to eFlashcard headquarters