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Explain why the Nazis were able to create a police state in the years 1933–39 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 2
Explain why the Nazis were able to create a police state in the years 1933–39. You may use the following in your answer: • concentration camps: • law courts. You m... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain why the Nazis were able to create a police state in the years 1933–39 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
concentration camps
Answer
The establishment of concentration camps played a critical role in the Nazis' ability to create a police state. These camps were designed to detain political opponents, dissenters, and those deemed undesirable by the regime. The fear instilled by the existence of these camps discouraged opposition and reinforced a climate of terror among the general populace. Additionally, the camps were a tool for forced labor, further integrating the Nazis' policies into everyday life and economic structures.
Step 2
law courts
Answer
The Nazis manipulated the legal system to consolidate power. The establishment of special courts, particularly the People's Court, stripped defendants of basic rights and allowed for quick trials with predetermined outcomes. This undermined the rule of law and promoted the regime's agenda, leading to the persecution of opponents without fair due process, further entrenching the police state.
Step 3
additional information
Answer
In addition to concentration camps and law courts, the Nazis utilized emergency powers to suppress dissent. The Reichstag Fire Decree, passed in 1933, allowed the government to arrest political enemies without trial, significantly expanding their authority. The enabling act further solidified Hitler's power, allowing him to legislate without parliamentary consent. The Secret State Police (Gestapo) also played a vital role in monitoring and controlling the populace, instilling fear through surveillance and brutal enforcement of the regime's policies.