Opposition and resistance in Nazi Germany
I can evaluate the extent of opposition and resistance to the Nazi regime.
Opposition and resistance in Nazi Germany
I can evaluate the extent of opposition and resistance to the Nazi regime.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Nazis had high levels of support and conformity; it is difficult to gauge the scale of opposition.
- Resistance came from scattered groups: workers, youth, clergy, and individuals acting in secret.
- The Protestant Confessional Church formed in opposition to the Reich Church; its leader, Niemöller, was imprisoned.
- The Pope attacked Hitler with a public letter; Catholic priests fought against euthanasia of people with disabilities.
- The Swing Youth and Edelweiss Pirates resisted Nazi control through music, fashion, and secret actions.
Keywords
Compliance - when people obey rules or authority, even if they don't fully agree, to avoid trouble or punishment
Conform - to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society
Common misconception
Most Germans strongly supported the Nazis.
Many complied out of fear, peer pressure, or survival - not necessarily belief. Resistance was dangerous, but still present in different forms across society.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Opposition and resistance in Nazi Germany, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: Opposition and resistance in Nazi Germany, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Weimar and Nazi Germany, 1918–39 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What did the Nazis believe would turn silent obedience into loyal support?
Q2.How did Goebbels and the Nazis communicate their narrative to the German public?
Q3.Match each Nazi propaganda method to its main purpose.
symbolised public rejection of 'un-German' culture
removed access to opposing or 'dangerous' ideas
used powerful visuals to mythologise Hitler
created a constant, intimate presence of Hitler's voice