Autonomy and Responsibility in the Nazi Regime: Germany 1933-1939 Essay

Autonomy and Responsibility in the Nazi Regime: Germany 1933-1939 Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles reads: "The Allied and Associated Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her allies."(1) These words fueled the Nazi Party's rise to power and ignition of a Second World War. After World War I, the Allies dissected, punished, and disarmed Germany to prevent the outbreak of another brutal war. Consequently, German lands, acquired by Nazi force, were given back to their original countries, and Germany's army was reduced to 100,000 men. In addition, Germany was responsible for paying immense retribution to all of the Allied Forces, causing German money to lose its value. The result of the Treaty of Versailles was a weakened Germany, both martially and economically. The Weimar Republic, a liberal government set up after Germany's defeat, was inefficient in handling Germany's massive problems. Germany's ill state was the curtain call for a change in the Weimar administration, and Adolf Hitler led the push for a transformation. Once in power, Hitler designed laws that redefined the responsibilities of the citizen. The citizens' duties would allow the Germany to regain her autonomy in the eyes of the world. Although the citizens worked to increase Germany's overrall welfare, the State did not attempt to improve individual well-being. The State held one responsibility. It must protect the lives of its people, so that the people can, in turn, carry out their duties for the S... ...ver, I carefully viewed its contents and found that it provided valuable information on Nazi propaganda, writings and speeches. The images I used in this report were taken from this site. In addition, many references are provided for further reading. http://nsdapmuseum.com This site is an unbiased historical perspective of the Nazi era. It provides valuable information about Nazi leaders, Nazi institutions, and Nazi propaganda. Also, links to other sites and biographies of the authors are listed. http://historyplace.com/worldwar2/riseofhitler/index.htm This site, dedicated to students and teachers, is updated daily. The organization of the site is haphazard, but the information provided is excellent. Detailed explanations of the Hitler's life and rule are included. Furthermore, links to other historical sites are listed at the History Place's site.