Nazi Censorship and Repression

It was the aim of the Nazis to establish a powerful, centralised state which could control a nation of obedient individuals too afraid to act against their government. They could achieve this through elements of censorship and repression.

This largely started with A Decree for the Protection of the People and the State - established on 28th February 1933, in response to the Reichstag Fire of the prior day. Through this, the Nazis could ban anti-Nazi publications; as well as restraining civil rights. The latter referred to their legal right to invase houses and workplaces, or to put people into 'protective custody', without trial. It was ratified with the intention of it being a short term measure, though it ultimately did stand for much longer than had initially been anticipated.

Germany became a one-party state on 14th July 1934, as all other parties were banned. Political opponents were cracked down upon harshly - often being imprisoned within concentration camps, such as Dachau. Around 500,000 gentiles collectively passed through their gates between 1933 and 1945. There were also illegal means of dealing with enemies - with the Night of the Long Knives on 30th June 1934 being an example of such in practice.

Censorship

• On 25th March 1933, Joseph Goebbels - the Minister of Propaganda and Enlightenment - announced to German radio stations that they are to fundamentally support…