Exhibition in Berlin about the Nazi Period

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nExhibition in Berlin about the Nazi Period

nThe Topography of Terror provides important exhibitions during the Nazi period in Berlin. Based on these exhibitions, many aspects of the conduct and rise of the Nazi party have stood out the most. Most importantly, it is evident that the global economic crisis witnessed in Germany from 1929 played a major part in the rise and conduct of the Nazi party especially in Berlin. Precisely, Berlin is situated in the Weimar Republic but in 1929, it was adversely suffered the effects of the final crisis. Consequently, high levels of unemployment were witnessed in the city leading to near collapse of most of the crucial sectors. For instance, more than 2800 persons became jobless (Gitti 1). Most of the largest firm in the city such as Borsig, which was one of the biggest suppliers of locomotives, collapsed. Furthermore, the leaders of this city including the mayor were engaged in corruption scandals. Subsequently, the people lost trust of their political leaders. For a long time, the Nazi party had failed to secure seats in Berlin but due to rise in the rise of the financial crisis, it won most of the seats. In this respect, it won major seats on Berlins council for the first time. Most of the people in Berlin had little faith in democratic process and they started voting for anti-democratic parties such as Nazi Party (Gitti 2).

nJoseph Goebbels led the Nazi part to this important victory and was able to also win the public trust. For a long time, the party had failed to penetrate Berlin as compared to other Reich in Germany. The Nazi party also utilized the corruption scandals levelled against the city mayor and other leaders in Berlin. In addition, they began racial profiling especially against the Jews. Interestingly, the city mayor had Jewish roots. Therefore, they launched an election campaign based on anti-Semitic agenda. In this regard, they blamed the economic crisis in the city to have been caused by the Jews in leadership positions and in the financial sector (Gitti 3). After 1932, the Nazi party appointed Adolf Hitler as the Chancellor of the German Reich in Berlin.

nAfter Hitler assumed power as the Chancellor of German Reich, he concentrated more power. In addition, he destructed the structures of democracy in the country as well as the principles of rule of law. For instance, some of the fundamental rights of the people were suspended in order to enable attack their challengers. The rising terror in the city streets of Berlin contributed to multiple cases of murders, maltreatment and arrests. The Nazi government established institutions such as Secret State Police Office intending to catalyse the persecution of opponents (Gitti 5). Similarly, freedom of assembly and speech were outlawed. Furthermore, the national parliament lost its powers leaded to formation of one-party state. All the German states lost their power and sovereignty as the capital city turned out to be the center of authority and power. Hitler dictatorship was further raised after the death of President Hindenburg in 1934.

nThe anti-democratic principles were enhanced through propaganda and populism. The free and independent media could not work because it was regulated by the government. All aspects of German culture reflected the ideological principles of the Nazi party (Gitti 10). The Nazis exercised their authority through immense destruction of political rivals.

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nWork Cited

nGitti Salami. “Topography of terror.” Gestapo, SS and Reichssicherheitshauptamt on the” Prinz-Albrecht-Terrain.