How significant were the SA and SS in securing Nazi power by 1934?
Level
O LEVEL
Year Examined
2019
Topic
GERMANY, 1918–45
👑Complete Model Essay
How significant were the SA and SS in securing Nazi power by 1934?
Significance of the SA and SS in Securing Nazi Power
The <i>Sturmabteilung</i> (SA) and <i>Schutzstaffel</i> (SS) played significant roles in the Nazi Party's rise to power by 1934. However, the extent of their significance remains a subject of debate.
SA: Intimidation and Electoral Success
Intimidation: The SA engaged in street violence against political opponents, particularly communists. This created a climate of fear and intimidation, suppressing opposition to the Nazis.
Electoral Success: The SA's presence at Nazi rallies and demonstrations gave the party an intimidating image and boosted its electoral success. They were seen as a symbol of strength and loyalty.
SS: Paramilitary and Political Ascendance
Political Ascendance: The SS initially served as Hitler's personal bodyguard. However, it gradually developed into a powerful organization within the Nazi Party, solidifying Hitler's control.
Paramilitary Force: The SS formed the basis of the SS-Totenkopfverbände, which established concentration camps for political prisoners. This repression silenced opposition and maintained Nazi authority.
Counterarguments: Other Factors
While the SA and SS played important roles, other factors were also crucial in securing Nazi power:
⭐The Enabling Act (1933): Granted Hitler dictatorial powers, allowing him to bypass the Reichstag.
⭐Reichstag Fire (1933): Provided a pretext for the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties.
⭐Banning of Political Parties and Trade Unions: Suppressed opposition and consolidated Nazi control.
⭐Actions of Hindenburg: The aging President appointed Hitler as Chancellor and relied on the SA to maintain order.
Conclusion: Mixed Significance
The SA and SS were undoubtedly significant in securing Nazi power. Their intimidation tactics, paramilitary force, and political ascendance contributed to the Nazi Party's success. However, it is important to recognize that other factors, such as the Enabling Act and Hindenburg's actions, also played substantial roles.
Sources
⭐Evans, R. J. (2005). <i>The Third Reich in Power</i>.
⭐Kershaw, I. (2001). <i>Hitler, 1936-1945: Nemesis</i>.
⭐Reichel, P. (2015). <i>The Brownshirts: The History of the SA, Hitler's Storm Troopers</i>.
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Outline
I. Significance of the SA and SS in Securing Nazi Power
A. SA played a crucial role in boosting Nazi electoral success by confronting communists and instilling a sense of discipline and loyalty.
B. SA used to arrest communists after the Reichstag Fire in 1933 and became auxiliary police.
C. SS played a pivotal role in eliminating SA leaders, including Rohm, during the Night of Long Knives.
D. SA and SS collaborated to establish concentration camps in 1933 and took over the Gestapo in 1934.
II. Limitations of SA and SS Significance
A. While the SA and SS were influential, other factors played a more significant role in securing Nazi power.
B. The Enabling Act in 1933 gave Hitler dictatorial authority, effectively neutralizing opposition.
C. The Reichstag Fire provided a pretext for the suppression of dissent and the establishment of a totalitarian regime.
D. Anti-communism, fostered by Hindenburg and others, created a favorable environment for Nazi propaganda.
E. The banning of political parties and trade unions undermined democratic institutions.
F. The concordat with the Catholic Church ensured religious neutrality and support for the regime.
G. The Army oath and the death of Hindenburg consolidated Nazi control over the military.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
How significant were the SA and SS in securing Nazi power by 1934? Explain your answer.
YES
SA helped Nazi electoral success – fought communists; gave a sense of discipline, loyalty, and strength through propaganda; The SA used to arrest communists after the Reichstag Fire in 1933; became auxiliary police; SS used to murder SA leaders including Rohm in Night of Long Knives; established concentration camps with SA in 1933; took over Gestapo in 1934, etc.
NO
More significant – the Enabling Act, 1933; Reichstag Fire; anti-communism; actions of Hindenburg; banning of political parties and trade unions; concordat with Catholic Church; Army oath and death of Hindenburg, etc.