Which of the following is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany?...
Nazi supporters hated Jews or their look alike. They felt that Nazism would bring prosperity and improve general well- being. Every German was not Nazi. Many German people organised active resistance to Nazism, braving police repression and death. The large majority of German, however, were passive onlookers and apathetic witnesses. They were too scared to act, to differ, to protest. They preferred to look away.
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Which of the following is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany?...
Introduction:
In Nazi Germany, the ordinary people had various beliefs, experiences, and reactions to the Nazi regime. While some supported the regime, not every German was a member of the Nazi party. This answer will explain why option B is not true and provide details about the other options.
Explanation:
Option B: Every German was a Nazi
- This statement is not true. While the Nazi party gained significant support, especially after Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in 1933, not every German was a member of the Nazi party.
- The Nazi party had around 8.5 million members by 1945, which constituted about 10% of the German population. Therefore, it can be concluded that a significant majority of Germans were not Nazis.
Option A: Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-being
- This statement is true. Hitler and the Nazi party promised economic recovery, national pride, and stability to the German people. Through propaganda and manipulation, they convinced a significant portion of the population that Nazism would bring prosperity and well-being.
- The Nazi regime implemented various policies, such as public works programs and rearmament, which initially improved the economy and reduced unemployment. This further reinforced the belief that Nazism was responsible for the positive changes.
Option C: They were scared to act, to differ, to protest
- This statement is true. The Nazi regime established a totalitarian state where dissent and opposition were severely punished. The Gestapo, the secret state police, and the SS maintained a strong presence, monitoring and suppressing any form of resistance.
- Ordinary people feared the consequences of expressing dissenting opinions or engaging in acts of protest. This fear was fueled by the widespread use of informants, neighbor spying on neighbor, and the threat of imprisonment, torture, or even death for those who opposed the regime.
Option D: Majority of Germans were passive onlookers
- This statement is true. While not every German actively supported the Nazi regime, the majority did not actively resist or challenge it. Many Germans chose to remain passive and avoid getting involved in political matters or expressing opposition.
- This passivity can be attributed to various factors, including fear of punishment, conformity to societal norms, and the belief that the regime was bringing positive changes. Additionally, propaganda played a significant role in shaping public opinion and discouraging dissent.
Conclusion:
In Nazi Germany, not every German was a Nazi party member, as stated in option B. While the majority of Germans believed in the promises of prosperity and well-being offered by the Nazi regime (option A), they were too scared to act, differ, or protest (option C), resulting in a passive majority (option D). It is important to understand the complexities of the experiences and beliefs of ordinary people during this time, as it helps shed light on the dynamics of a totalitarian regime and the factors that contribute to the acceptance or resistance of such regimes by the population.