Albowicz-totalitarianism

1. To what extent did Hitler use totalitarianism to maintain his regime

Hitler gained his rule fairly and legally. He knew what he wanted for Germany and he had no problem showing it. He first tried to gain power by voicing his opinions during the Beer Hall Putsch. (notes) While in prison he wrote his general ideas down. He was consistently persistent in his methods. Although times weren’t always ripe, he wasn’t one for giving up. Then, when the Weimar became the spectacle of criticism, Hitler was there rallying the people. The leaders of the Weimar government figured that since Hitler seemed to be an object of leadership for the people, it would satisfy them if they put him as a leadership. They also had the ulterior motive to calm him and the opposition that came with him. Hindenburg was the one to finally allow Hitler in, and he is the one expecting to calm him down. (Hitler video) When Hindenburg died, Hitler stepped up into the position of Chancellor. He was legal with his entrance into power.
To examine the extent that Hitler used totalitarianism, one would first need to know what we’re talking about. Totalitarianism as defined by the Microsoft Works dictionary is “centralized government system in which a single party without opposition rules over political, economic, social, and cultural life” Once his power was gained, he used totalitarianism to maintain his regime. Although Hitler did not terrorize German people like Lenin did with the Russians, he managed to instill a bit of fear for opposition. After all, when your platform is on one wing of the spectrum, you have two other groups to try to appease. But, when you scare them from opposing, then there isn’t anything to worry about. That was the original use of the concentration camps. Then, they became used for the dismissal of non-Germans. Another method of totalitarianism was his use of the Gestapo. (Hitler video) Although this wasn’t purely Hitler, it was still a way that he and the Nazi party maintained their regime. The Gestapo did not march around to intimidate. But, the fact that one was there made the people fear him slightly. Also, this was a way of rooting out the bad seeds. If anyone (German or not) showed any sign of opposition they would be reported to the Gestapo which made sure to eliminate the problem. Even something as little as not responding to the greeting “Heil Hitler” was enough to sound like an opposition. So, this was an easy method for totalitarianism because it showed that it was either Hitler’s way or no way. Not only did this show the use of totalitarianism, but it also showed the success of it. The Gestapo did not patrol around. So, when they were reported to, it was by German citizens who were showing full support of Hitler and the Nazis.
Just because he used totalitarian methods doesn’t mean that he had to make life miserable for the people. For those that followed him, there were new job opportunities and just a higher living style. Hitler did what he could to bring the spirit and pride back to Germany. He was straight forward with what he wanted Germany to be and what needed to happen. (Hitler video) He wasn’t much for sugar coating things. This was one way of lowering opposition, by lowering areas for criticism. Although there was no force, it was still a move toward totalitarianism because he was making his way into a rule without opposition.
By pointing out the success, you can also assess that it was in fact useful in maintaining his regime. He did what he needed to, to alleviate opposition. The opposition was basically scared into hiding. So, not only is the question what totalitarianism methods he used, but now they helped to maintain his rule. He used totalitarianism to a great extent because there was obviously little blatant opposition.