The Use of Terror in Maintaining Nazi Control of Germany, 1933–39

**Introduction:**
The Nazi regime's grip on Germany between 1933 and 1939 is a complex subject. While the use of terror is often cited as a primary reason for their sustained control, this essay will explore whether it was the sole or most significant factor. Analyzing the interplay between terror and other factors like propaganda, economic policies, and the cult of personality will provide a nuanced understanding of the regime's complex web of control.

**Body:**

**The Role of Terror:**
There is no doubt that terror was a key element in the Nazi regime's strategy. It was instrumental in eliminating opposition and silencing dissent. The establishment of the Gestapo, the SS, and the concentration camps created a pervasive climate of fear. The Night of the Long Knives in 1934, which saw the elimination of potential rivals within the Nazi Party, demonstrated the ruthlessness with which the regime dealt with perceived threats. [1] This brutal act solidified Hitler's power and established the SS as a formidable force.

Terror was not just directed towards political opponents. The regime targeted individuals and groups deemed 'undesirable,' such as Jews, Roma, homosexuals, and the disabled. The systematic persecution and ultimately the Holocaust exemplified the chilling efficacy of terror in achieving the regime's ideological goals. [2]

**Beyond Terror: Other Factors in Nazi Control:**

While terror played a crucial role, it cannot be considered the sole reason for the regime's success. Several other factors contributed to its longevity.

**1. Propaganda and the Cult of Personality:**
The Nazi regime employed sophisticated propaganda techniques to shape public opinion and foster loyalty towards Hitler. The Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, led by Joseph Goebbels, controlled all forms of media. [3] They presented a distorted image of the regime's achievements, highlighting economic progress and portraying Hitler as a charismatic and powerful leader. This propaganda, coupled with the cult of personality surrounding Hitler, helped to create a sense of national unity and support for the regime.

**2. Economic Policies:**
The Nazi government implemented a series of economic policies designed to stimulate the economy and create jobs. The "Four-Year Plan," launched in 1936, aimed to make Germany self-sufficient in raw materials and prepare for war. [4] These policies initially enjoyed some success, contributing to a sense of economic stability and prosperity.

**3. Compliance and Acceptance:**

Many Germans, especially those who had suffered during the economic crisis of the 1920s, welcomed the stability and order offered by the Nazi regime. The regime's focus on traditional values, national pride, and anti-Semitism resonated with a significant portion of the population. This acceptance, even if not always enthusiastic, played a crucial role in easing the implementation of Nazi policies.

**Conclusion:**

The Nazi regime's grip on power between 1933-1939 cannot be attributed solely to terror. While terror was a potent tool, it was part of a wider system of control that included propaganda, economic policies, and the exploitation of existing anxieties and desires within German society. The regime's success in maintaining control was a complex interplay of these factors, highlighting how different forms of power can be used to secure and maintain dominance.

**Sources:**

[1] Shirer, W. L. (1960). *The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich*. New York: Simon and Schuster.

[2] Goldhagen, D. J. (1996). *Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust*. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

[3] Goebbels, J. (1946). *The Goebbels Diaries*. New York: Doubleday.

[4] Craig, G. A. (1968). *Germany, 1866-1945*. Oxford: Oxford University Press.