How the Nazis Retained Support

It is difficult to determine the extent to which the German public chose to support the NSDAP. Indeed, it is the case that they supported the Nazis so much that the party was to be placed in a position from which it could potentially access complete power in Germany. Yet, events following Hitler's acquisition of the role of chancellor on 30th January 1933 were quite little to do with the public's influence.

This is apparent in that Hitler was largely aided by events - such as the Reichstag Fire on 27th February 1933, or the 30th June 1933 Night of the Long Knives. Furthermore, from 14th July 1933, Germany was a one party state and so the public were not able to direct their support towards alternative groups. 

Germans would also be fearful of the known potential consequences of demonstrating opposition or dissent against the Nazis. Such was made apparent in the case of Hans and Sophie Scholl - executed by guillotine for anti-Nazi pamphlet creation and distribution - on 22nd February 1933. 

Therefore, though most Germans advocated Nazi support, it wasn't true to the genuine beliefs of many. Hitler sought genuine support, particularly so close to the outbreak of war; and so he established the 'Fuhrer myth' - by which he would be perceived as a king, and people would be more willing to make sacrifices for him, as a result. 

Nazi propaganda was simple yet sophisticated and tremendously effective. Quite clearly, it presented the 'undesirables' in a pejorative light; and thus affected the public view of such individuals. The according perception of Jews as dirty, greedy subhumans was then to be reinforced by images from the ghettos after 1939.

It…