What was the Third Reich, what does the eagle symbol mean and how was it established under Hitler’s Nazi Party?
Hitler claimed to champion the common man, whom he portrayed to be a victim in a world controlled by Jews
ADOLF Hitler's quest to create a 'purified' German race led to the establishment of the Third Reich before World War Two.
Although it has been decades since the regimes campaign of violence has ended, its eagle symbol still paints a harrowing picture for many. But what was the Third Reich?
What was the Third Reich?
The Third Reich, more commonly known as Nazi German, described Hitlers regime from January 30 1933 to May 8 1945.
The regime began when Adolf Hitler rose to power and began his perilous rule as head of state (chancellor) on January 30 1933.
In a bid to champion the common man as Hitler often claimed, the Nazi revolution sought to establish a Volksgemeinschaft, a pure German race which will biologically separate itself from Jews.
Nazi efforts to solve the 'Jewish problem', led to the mass murder of a million Jews and other minorities during the Holocaust. It was a major factor for the Second World War.
The German dictator based his policies on the concept of Lebensraum, Nordic racial purity, antisemitism and revenge for Germany's previous territorial losses.
The Nazi's sought to align all individuals and institutions with their goals which meant the basic civil rights for all Germans were suspended.
What does the eagle symbol mean?
The Nazi Party used the eagle symbol as their emblem, loosely based on the German coats of arms.
The regime adopted the emblem in 1935.
The eagle was reputedly chosen to symbolise long life, great strength and majestic looks.
The eagle was designed with a Nazi swastika, and looks to the right.This suggests the traditional eagle which looks to the left, had gone with the last government's rule.
How was the Third Reich established under Hitler's Nazi party?
The Reichstag Fire Decree was launched on February 28 1933, which enabled the suspension of German's basic civil rights.
This meant Jews and other minorities were subject to intimidation and a range of laws that were wholly discriminatory.
Hitler went on to initiate a policy of "coordination" which forced all individuals and institutions to cooperate with Nazi goals.
Within months of his chancellorship, all other political parties - including the Nazis coalition partner, the German Nationalists - dissolved.
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After German president Paul von Hindenburg died in August 1934, Hitler secured the support of the army, which enabled him to become Fuhrer of the German people.
The dictator then deployed hundreds of thousands spies and infiltrators across Germany to report to Nazi officials if they noticed any critics or dissenters.
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