Nazi Social Policies 1933-39

1. Introduction

For students beginning their study of Nazi Germany, it is essential to understand the social policies implemented by the regime between 1933 and 1939. These policies aimed to shape German society in accordance with Nazi ideology, affecting various aspects of everyday life, such as education, family, and the role of women. By examining Nazi social policies, students can gain valuable insights into the regime’s objectives and methods of control. This article offers an introductory overview of the key social policies and their impact on German society during this period.

This article follows on from Nazi Economic Policy and Rearmament 1933-39

2. The role of education and youth organizations

Education played a critical role in the Nazi regime’s efforts to indoctrinate the German population with their ideology. The curriculum was revised to emphasize Nazi ideals, focusing on racial purity, nationalism, and military preparedness. Teachers who did not conform to the new system were dismissed, while students were encouraged to report dissenting views. Additionally, youth organizations such as the Hitler Youth and the League of German Girls aimed to instill loyalty to the regime and prepare young people for their future roles in Nazi society.

3. Family and population policies

The Nazis placed great emphasis on promoting the traditional family unit, with a focus on increasing the Aryan population. Policies were introduced to encourage marriage and procreation, including financial incentives for families with multiple children, such as marriage loans and family allowances. Simultaneously, the regime implemented measures to prevent the growth of populations deemed “undesirable,” such as forced sterilization for those with hereditary illnesses or disabilities.

4. The role of women in Nazi society

Nazi social policy aimed to promote traditional gender roles, with women expected to focus on motherhood and homemaking. Women were encouraged to leave the workforce, and the regime established the “Mother’s Cross” award to honor women with multiple children. Educational opportunities for women were limited, with an emphasis on domestic skills rather than academic or professional pursuits. However, the realities of the expanding economy and the later demands of war would ultimately challenge these restrictions on women’s roles.

5. Persecution of minorities and “undesirables”

The Nazi regime targeted various minority groups and those deemed “racially undesirable” for persecution and social exclusion. Anti-Semitic policies led to the marginalization of Jewish people, culminating in the Nuremberg Laws of 1935, which stripped Jews of their citizenship and prohibited marriage or sexual relations between Jews and non-Jewish Germans. Other targeted groups included Romani people, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and people with disabilities. The Nazis employed a variety of methods to suppress and control these groups, ranging from social ostracism and economic discrimination to forced sterilization and, eventually, mass murder.

6. Propaganda and control of public opinion

The Nazis used propaganda extensively to shape public opinion and promote their social policies. The Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, led by Joseph Goebbels, controlled the media, ensuring that newspapers, radio broadcasts, and films adhered to the party line. Public events, such as mass rallies and parades, were organized to demonstrate the strength and unity of the Nazi regime and its ideals.

In conclusion, Nazi social policies between 1933 and 1939 sought to transform German society in accordance with the regime’s ideological goals. By examining these policies, students can better understand the methods employed by the Nazis to control the population and shape the nation’s social, cultural, and moral fabric. This article serves as an introduction to the topic, with the understanding that further study will reveal the complexities and consequences of these policies and their impact on the lives of millions of people in Nazi Germany and beyond.