Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Was Nazi Germany built on consent or coercion of the population?
Position‹3 of 3

Both coercion and consent

This position holds that Nazi Germany was built on both coercion and consent. It argues that the regime's rise and rule were so profoundly felt precisely because the two worked together — initial popular consent giving way to coercion as the dictatorship tightened its grip.

Supporting arguments · 1

  1. The successful rule of Nazis within Germany was due in part to initial consent, coercion only taking place later
    Consent within the early days of the Nazis mixed with government-mandated programs that promoted intense instances of societal pressure created the perfect environment for Nazi rule.