ABSTRACT
The National Socialist Party of Germany had succeeded in its fi rst two years in power in taking total control of the nation’s institutions, and eliminating all visible opposition. The process of implanting National Socialism into every conceivable fi ber of German life had already made considerable progress. Although the world had been momentarily shocked by Adolf Hitler’s ruthless methods of dealing with his political opponents, much of the outrage was overshadowed by the signs of some economic recovery. For many Germans, numbed by the years of political strife, infl ation, and depression, the stringencies introduced by the new government were a willing price to pay for a revitalized economy, and the restoration of political and social order. Even the transfer of presidential responsibilities to Chancellor Hitler after the death of President von Hindenburg, was accepted as an act in accordance with the spirit of the new Germany.
