Nazi Germany - traditional power structures

Traditional power structures

Before Hitler took power in Germany, there were numerous groups that had traditionally

ran the country.

Upon Hitler’s accession to power, most of these power

structures continued to exist, albeit that their general

influence became somewhat reduced.

The Reichstag

With the Enabling Act giving Hitler legislative powers, the

Reichstag became irrelevant, passing only seven more laws.

It held elections with only one party eligible to stand and – on the rare occasions it met – its role was simply to listen and

applaud Hitler's speeches.

The Cabinet

The Cabinet could technically pass laws but in reality it was Hitler that did this. Individual

ministers tried to influence Hitler, rather than the rest of

the Cabinet.

Until 1939 the Cabinet met less and less times, eventually

stopping doing so.

Reich Chancellery

This body became more powerful, as the role and power of the Chancellor (Hitler) also

expanded.

It dealt with all administration relating to the Fuhrer. Its head, Hans Lammers, became close

to Hitler and had a big influence on policy.

Civil Service

The civil service always had a role of implementing

government policy although many had themselves become

influential.

All civil servants were eventually expected to join the

Nazi Party, and even to wear Nazi uniform.

Local government

State governments continued to have a great deal of freedom,

although this under centrally appointed and not elected

officials.

The Reich Governor enacted centrally-set policies, although at times had the autonomy to

choose their own action.

The courts and legal system

The legal system was largely ignored by the Nazis. The SS

and Gestapo acted as they wished, without being stopped.

Judges were expected to back Nazi attitudes or were replaced by Nazi judges. Lawyers were

expected to join the Nazi German Lawyers Front.

The Army

Hitler wanted the support of the army to stop any potential

challenge. The oath of allegiance partly helped achieve this.

The army leadership was largely left unchanged, to keep their loyalty. Hitler eventually took

control of all armed forces as the commander-in-chief.

Historians’ views

• John Hiden: “In embarking on self coordination in order to preserve the principles of law, the judiciary effectively worked in favour of the regime.”