Approval of Nazi Candidates and Annexation Referendum

April 10th, 1938

April 10th, 1938

Approval of Nazi Candidates and Annexation Referendum
How Long Ago?

86 years, 11 months, 5 days ago

Location

Germany

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Joseph Goebbels
  • Adolf Hitler
Links & References
Tags

Approval of Nazi Candidates and Annexation Referendum

In a parliamentary election and referendum, the German populace was invited to approve a single list of Nazi candidates and the recent annexation of Austria. This event was dominated by government propaganda, where only candidates aligned with Adolf Hitler's regime were presented, largely ensuring a measure of public support amidst increasing repression. The election serves as a critical moment in the consolidation of power by the Nazi Party in Germany, marking a significant step in their totalitarian governance strategy.

Single list of Nazi candidates presented in vote.

Election aimed to legitimize Nazi control in Germany.

Voter turnout was notably high according to sources.

Referendum also sought approval for annexation of Austria.

What Happened?

The 1938 German parliamentary election and referendum was a pivotal moment in the establishment of Adolf Hitler's totalitarian regime. The vote took place against a backdrop of heightened propaganda efforts from the Nazi Party, which sought to legitimize its rule and recent actions, particularly the annexation of Austria. The election was characterized by the imposition of a single candidate list, which meant that the public was effectively denied the opportunity to choose from multiple political perspectives. Each candidate was a member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), ensuring that the election would affirm the party's grip on power.

The legitimacy of this election was further challenged by the political climate in Germany at the time, characterized by intense repression of dissent and a state-controlled media narrative that painted the Nazi Party's actions as necessary for national unity and prosperity. Voter turnout was presented as overwhelmingly positive, with official sources claiming a significant majority endorsed the party's direction. However, the lack of alternative choices and the atmosphere of fear permeating society raised questions about the authenticity of this mandate.

In this context, the referendum also sought to garner public support for the annexation of Austria, which had been seamlessly integrated into the Third Reich earlier that year. This event represented not just a vote, but a reinforcement of the Nazi ideology that underscored the party's expansionist aims and the notion of a Greater Germany. As such, it symbolized the regime's strategy of using democratic processes to disguise totalitarian aims, contributing to the chilling atmosphere that would ripple across Europe in the following years.

Why Does it Matter?

This election and referendum are interesting as they highlight how authoritarian regimes manipulate democratic processes to establish legitimacy. By creating an illusion of choice while effectively suppressing dissent, the Nazi Party secured its total control over Germany. This electoral strategy showcased the terrifying efficiency with which totalitarian regimes can operate, setting a precedent for future autocratic leaders.

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