Nazi Influence in World War II

Essay by Anonymous UserJunior High, 9th gradeA+, October 1996

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The National Socialist (NAZI) party originated as the German Workers' party, which was formed in 1919. It wasn't until 1932-33 that the Nazis came into total power. The party was formed when the economy was suffering and 7 million Germans were unemployed. The German people were trying to regain their pride as a nation. When Hitler joined the party in 1919, it had 25 members, but only 6 were active in its discussions and lectures. Shortly after joining, Hitler became a leader of the party. Once in power Hitler established himself as a dictator. At the first big meeting of the German Workers' party, held in Munich, Germany on February 24, 1920, Hitler read the party program, which he had partly written. It consisted of 25 points that included nationalistic demands, corruptions of socialist ideas, and racist and anti-Semitic doctrines.

        Once the Nazi party came to power, the German citizens lost most of their rights.

They had no right to privacy or freedom of choice. The Nazis decided where people would work, how much they could have to eat, and how they could spend their free time. German children were made to join Hitler's Youth Movement which was the Nazi's way of brainwashing the children with their beliefs. These children were expected to become future Nazi soldiers.

        An Enabling Act was passed by the legislature and allowed Hitler to replace all labor unions with one Nazi-controlled Labor Front, and ban all political parties except for his own. Hitler relied on his secret police, the Gestapo, and on jails and concentration camps to intimidate his opponents, but most Germans supported him. 'All village clubs, irrespective of political affiliation, excluded women from positions of responsibility, and all shared a concern for representing the honor of the village...'

        Loyal Nazis soon held most...