Nazi Germany

Nazi Germany refers to Germany during the time when the Nazi Party controlled the government. This period lasted from 1933 to 1945. The country was led by Adolf Hitler, who became chancellor in 1933 and later ruled as dictator. A dictator is a leader who holds complete power and is not chosen by free elections. During this time, the government controlled many parts of daily life and politics.

Before Nazi Germany began, Germany was a republic called the Weimar Republic. It was created after World War I. The country faced serious problems, including high unemployment and economic hardship. Many people were unhappy with the government. The Nazi Party gained support by promising strong leadership and national unity. In 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed chancellor, and soon after, the Nazi Party removed most political opposition.

The Nazi government changed Germany’s political system. Other political parties were banned. Laws were passed to limit freedom of speech and the press. The government used police forces and secret police to enforce rules. One such group was the Gestapo, which investigated people seen as enemies of the state. Schools, youth groups, and media were used to spread Nazi ideas.

Nazi Germany followed an extreme form of nationalism, which is strong support for one’s nation above others. It also followed antisemitism, which means hatred or discrimination against Jewish people. Jews and other groups were excluded from public life through laws known as the Nuremberg Laws. These laws removed rights from Jewish citizens and separated them from the rest of society.

In foreign affairs, Nazi Germany expanded its territory. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland. This event began World War II, a global war involving many countries. During the war, Germany fought against the Allied powers, including the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and the United States. The German military, called the Wehrmacht, played a central role in these conflicts.

Nazi Germany ended in 1945. Allied forces defeated German armies and entered the capital city, Berlin. Adolf Hitler died in April 1945. Soon after, Germany surrendered. The country was occupied by Allied forces and later divided into separate states. The Nazi government was removed, and its leaders were tried in court for crimes committed during the war.