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Which of the following is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany?
  • a)
    Majority of Germans were passive onlookers
  • b)
    They were scared to act, to differ, to protest
  • c)
    Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-being
  • d)
    Every German was a Nazi
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
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:
Nazi Germany was a totalitarian state that relied on the support and compliance of the German population. While it is true that many ordinary Germans were passive onlookers and were scared to act or protest, it is not accurate to say that every German was a Nazi. This answer will delve into each option to explain why "D" is the correct choice.

Analysis:
a) Majority of Germans were passive onlookers:
- It is true that a significant portion of the German population did not actively resist or protest against the Nazi regime.
- This can be attributed to various factors, including fear of reprisal, propaganda, and the desire to avoid conflict or protect one's own interests.

b) They were scared to act, to differ, to protest:
- The atmosphere of fear and intimidation created by the Nazi regime made it difficult for ordinary Germans to express dissent or opposition.
- The Gestapo, the secret police, had extensive surveillance networks and employed brutal tactics to suppress any form of resistance.
- Fear of being arrested, imprisoned, or even killed deterred many from openly opposing the regime.

c) Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-being:
- It is true that a substantial number of Germans believed in the promises of the Nazi Party, particularly during the early years of Hitler's rule.
- The party's propaganda effectively portrayed Nazism as a solution to Germany's economic woes and a means of restoring national pride.
- Many Germans were desperate for stability and improvements in their living conditions, and thus, they embraced the Nazi ideology.

d) Every German was a Nazi:
- This statement is false and an oversimplification.
- While the Nazi Party gained significant support, particularly after Hitler's rise to power, not every German citizen was a member or supporter.
- Opposition groups did exist, such as the White Rose movement and the Confessing Church, who actively resisted Nazi policies.
- Additionally, there were individuals who may not have supported the Nazi Party but felt compelled to comply due to fear or social pressure.

Conclusion:
While it is true that the majority of Germans were passive onlookers, scared to act or protest, and believed in the promises of Nazism, it is not accurate to claim that every German was a Nazi. Opposition and resistance to the regime did exist, albeit in various forms and varying degrees of effectiveness. It is important to acknowledge the complexities and nuances of the experiences of ordinary people living under Nazi rule.
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Which of the following is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany?a)Majority of Germans were passive onlookersb)They were scared to act, to differ, to protestc)Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-beingd)Every German was a NaziCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany?a)Majority of Germans were passive onlookersb)They were scared to act, to differ, to protestc)Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-beingd)Every German was a NaziCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany?a)Majority of Germans were passive onlookersb)They were scared to act, to differ, to protestc)Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-beingd)Every German was a NaziCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following is not true of ordinary people in Nazi Germany?a)Majority of Germans were passive onlookersb)They were scared to act, to differ, to protestc)Majority genuinely believed Nazism would bring prosperity and well-beingd)Every German was a NaziCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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