Hitler’s Internal Policy (1935–1945)

                                       Assistant Teacher Mohamed Hassan Obaid (pp. 128–154)

University of Basrah – College of Education for Women, Department of History, Iraq

Abstract

The historical scene throughout the ages has witnessed major events shaped by influential personalities who played a decisive role in directing the course of history. Among these figures is Adolf Hitler, the German Austrian leader who left a profound mark on Germany and Europe through the policies and events associated with his rule. The impact of Hitler on Germany’s internal reality, and consequently on Europe as a whole, cannot be easily summarized, particularly given the dangerous transformations that threatened global peace in an unprecedented manner in human history. While many studies focus primarily on Hitler’s foreign policy and the wars he initiated across Europe, far fewer examine the internal measures he adopted to consolidate power within Germany. From the early days of his rise to authority, Hitler undertook systematic steps to unify and centralize power. These steps included dissolving the parliament, calling for new elections, and issuing decrees that suspended several articles of the 1919 constitution. These articles guaranteed fundamental freedoms such as personal liberty, the inviolability of private homes, confidentiality of correspondence and communications, freedom of expression, opinion, association, peaceful assembly, and the protection of private property. The suspension of these rights enabled Hitler to eliminate political opposition and strengthen his control over the state. These internal policies, together with other authoritarian measures, provided the foundation that allowed him to confront major powers and engage in aggressive wars across Europe.

Keywords: Hitler, Internal Policy