Why most Germans conformed: Several factors explain why most Germans did not resist. Fear was paramount — the Gestapo and SS made open resistance extremely dangerous. Propaganda had convinced many of the regime's legitimacy. Economic recovery gave many a personal stake in stability. Anti-Semitism had deep roots in German society even before 1933.
Those who did resist:
- The White Rose (1942-43): A group of Munich University students, led by siblings Hans and Sophie Scholl, distributed leaflets condemning the Nazi regime and the Holocaust. They were arrested in February 1943, tried before the Nazi judge Roland Freisler in a show trial, and executed by guillotine on 22 February 1943 — Sophie was 21. Their courage inspired resistance movements across Europe.
- The July Plot, 20 July 1944: Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg placed a briefcase bomb under the conference table at Hitler's headquarters in East Prussia. The bomb exploded — but Hitler survived with relatively minor injuries. The conspirators (senior military officers and conservatives) were arrested; 5,000 people were executed in the aftermath, including Stauffenberg himself. The plot's failure showed both the existence of opposition and its inability to succeed.
- Church resistance: Some clergy, like Pastor Martin Niemöller and Bishop Clemens von Galen (who publicly condemned the T4 euthanasia programme), resisted. However, the mainstream Protestant and Catholic churches largely accommodated themselves to the regime.
This significance covers ⭐ Resistance and Opposition to Nazi Rule within Living under Nazi Rule, 1933-1945 for GCSE History. Revise Living under Nazi Rule, 1933-1945 in Component Group 5 — World Depth Studies for GCSE History with 14 exam-style questions and 18 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 10 of 18 in this topic. Use this significance to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Living under Nazi Rule, 1933-1945
Describe two features of the Enabling Act of March 1933.
Write a clear and organised summary that analyses how the Night of the Long Knives helped Hitler consolidate his power in 1934.