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9 Dec 2025

96

2 pages

GCSE History OCR B: Living Under Nazi Rule Unit 1 Overview

E

Ella Mediratta @ellamediratta_xdzv

Ever wondered how Hitler transformed Germany from a democracy into a dictatorship in just 18 months? This isn't... Show more

herman goering
Ina in command 10 Hiller
Joined cabinet to ensure a smopin
running of the porny
Responsible for prusian porce
Formed Gexapo s

Key Nazi Leaders and Their Rise to Power

Hitler wasn't working alone when he seized control of Germany. His inner circle of loyal supporters each played specific roles in destroying German democracy. Hermann Goering controlled the Prussian police and created the Gestapo - the secret police that spied on ordinary Germans to crush any opposition.

Heinrich Himmler led the SS, Hitler's personal bodyguards who later became his private army. Meanwhile, Ernst Röhm commanded the SA (stormtroopers) - the brown-shirted thugs who intimidated voters during elections and beat up political opponents. Joseph Goebbels masterminded Nazi propaganda, using clever slogans like "Bread and Work" to win over struggling Germans.

The Reichstag Fire on 27th February 1933 gave Hitler the perfect excuse to grab emergency powers. A communist named Marinus van der Lubbe was caught setting fire to the German parliament building. Hitler immediately claimed this was part of a communist plot and arrested 4,000 communists the next day.

Quick Tip Remember the Reichstag Fire as Hitler's "Reichstag Excuse" - he used this single event to justify arresting thousands and gaining emergency powers without trial.

This crisis allowed Hitler to pass laws without consulting parliament, essentially ending German democracy. By March 1933, the Nazis had gained a majority in the Reichstag, and democracy was dissolved - all within weeks of a single building catching fire.

herman goering
Ina in command 10 Hiller
Joined cabinet to ensure a smopin
running of the porny
Responsible for prusian porce
Formed Gexapo s

Timeline From Democracy to Dictatorship (1933-1934)

The speed at which Hitler destroyed German democracy is genuinely shocking. 30th January 1933 marked the beginning of the end when Hitler became Chancellor - he went from political outsider to dictator in just 18 months.

The Reichstag Fire on 27th February 1933 triggered a cascade of anti-democratic measures. By March, the Nazis had failed to win a proper majority in elections, but Hitler simply changed the rules. The Civil Service Act in April fired all Jewish and non-Aryan government workers, whilst book burning in May showed how quickly intellectual freedom disappeared.

The Night of the Long Knives on 30th June 1934 eliminated Hitler's rivals within his own party. SS members rounded up SA leaders and other "politically unreliable" people, murdering at least 400. This wasn't just about removing opposition - it created a culture of fear where nobody dared challenge Hitler.

Key Point When President Hindenburg died on 2nd August 1934, Hitler combined the roles of Chancellor and President, becoming the Führer with absolute power.

Hitler's core beliefs drove these actions destroying the Treaty of Versailles, eliminating Marxism, ensuring "Aryan supremacy", and gaining Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe. Trade unions were banned, political parties dissolved, and local government abolished - all democratic institutions systematically destroyed.

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

History

96

9 Dec 2025

2 pages

GCSE History OCR B: Living Under Nazi Rule Unit 1 Overview

E

Ella Mediratta

@ellamediratta_xdzv

Ever wondered how Hitler transformed Germany from a democracy into a dictatorship in just 18 months? This isn't just ancient history - understanding how democratic freedoms can be dismantled step by step is crucial for recognising threats to democracy today.

herman goering
Ina in command 10 Hiller
Joined cabinet to ensure a smopin
running of the porny
Responsible for prusian porce
Formed Gexapo s

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Key Nazi Leaders and Their Rise to Power

Hitler wasn't working alone when he seized control of Germany. His inner circle of loyal supporters each played specific roles in destroying German democracy. Hermann Goering controlled the Prussian police and created the Gestapo - the secret police that spied on ordinary Germans to crush any opposition.

Heinrich Himmler led the SS, Hitler's personal bodyguards who later became his private army. Meanwhile, Ernst Röhm commanded the SA (stormtroopers) - the brown-shirted thugs who intimidated voters during elections and beat up political opponents. Joseph Goebbels masterminded Nazi propaganda, using clever slogans like "Bread and Work" to win over struggling Germans.

The Reichstag Fire on 27th February 1933 gave Hitler the perfect excuse to grab emergency powers. A communist named Marinus van der Lubbe was caught setting fire to the German parliament building. Hitler immediately claimed this was part of a communist plot and arrested 4,000 communists the next day.

Quick Tip: Remember the Reichstag Fire as Hitler's "Reichstag Excuse" - he used this single event to justify arresting thousands and gaining emergency powers without trial.

This crisis allowed Hitler to pass laws without consulting parliament, essentially ending German democracy. By March 1933, the Nazis had gained a majority in the Reichstag, and democracy was dissolved - all within weeks of a single building catching fire.

herman goering
Ina in command 10 Hiller
Joined cabinet to ensure a smopin
running of the porny
Responsible for prusian porce
Formed Gexapo s

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Timeline: From Democracy to Dictatorship (1933-1934)

The speed at which Hitler destroyed German democracy is genuinely shocking. 30th January 1933 marked the beginning of the end when Hitler became Chancellor - he went from political outsider to dictator in just 18 months.

The Reichstag Fire on 27th February 1933 triggered a cascade of anti-democratic measures. By March, the Nazis had failed to win a proper majority in elections, but Hitler simply changed the rules. The Civil Service Act in April fired all Jewish and non-Aryan government workers, whilst book burning in May showed how quickly intellectual freedom disappeared.

The Night of the Long Knives on 30th June 1934 eliminated Hitler's rivals within his own party. SS members rounded up SA leaders and other "politically unreliable" people, murdering at least 400. This wasn't just about removing opposition - it created a culture of fear where nobody dared challenge Hitler.

Key Point: When President Hindenburg died on 2nd August 1934, Hitler combined the roles of Chancellor and President, becoming the Führer with absolute power.

Hitler's core beliefs drove these actions: destroying the Treaty of Versailles, eliminating Marxism, ensuring "Aryan supremacy", and gaining Lebensraum (living space) in Eastern Europe. Trade unions were banned, political parties dissolved, and local government abolished - all democratic institutions systematically destroyed.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

1

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Most popular content: Rise of Hitler

Most popular content in History

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user