Was Nazi Germany a Totalitarian State?

Exam code: 2147

Written by: Ashika|Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll|Updated 2 July 2026

Totalitarianism is a government that has complete control over its citizens

Arguments That Support That Germany was a Totalitarian State

A vertically arranged infographic explaining why many Germans supported or did not resist Nazi policies. It features three illustrated sections with text:

Top Section:

Image: A worried-looking man in a hat stands in the foreground, while a shadowy figure looms in a dark corridor behind him.

Caption: “Fear stopped many from opposing the Nazis.”

Middle Section:

Image: A hand holds a brown folder labeled “POLICY.”

Caption: “People agreed with the Nazis’ racial policy.”

Bottom Section:

Image: A close-up of a person speaking into a telephone.

Caption: “People actively informed on their friends and family.” — An illustration showing evidence that supports that the Nazis established a totalitarian state

A vertically arranged infographic showing three reasons why many Germans supported or complied with the Nazi regime, each with an illustration and caption:

Top Section:

Image: A man in a light trench coat and hat stands facing two other men in black suits, one of whom wears a red armband with a swastika.

Caption: “Many Germans conformed to the Nazi regime.”

Middle Section:

Image: A person wraps themselves tightly in a cloak with their head lowered, appearing isolated or fearful.

Caption: “Many Germans did not protect minority groups.”

Bottom Section:

Image: A hand holds a piece of paper labeled “FAKE NEWS.”

Caption: “Propaganda made people support the Nazi Party.” — An illustration showing evidence that supports that the Nazis established a totalitarian state

Arguments That Challenge That Germany was a Totalitarian State

A vertically aligned infographic with three illustrations and captions, explaining opposition to the Nazi regime:

Top Section:

Image: A person wearing a black jacket with a white rose badge plays a guitar or lute-like instrument.

Caption: “Many youth organisations challenged the Nazi Party’s ideology.”

Middle Section:

Image: A clenched fist against a grey circle background.

Caption: “The Nazis had to use force to maintain control.”

Bottom Section:

Image: One person whispering into another person’s ear.

Caption: “Many Germans privately opposed the Nazis.” — An illustration showing evidence that argues that the Nazis did not have a totalitarian state

A vertical infographic with three illustrated sections explaining sources of opposition to the Nazi regime:

Top Section:

Image: Two soldiers in German army uniforms.

Caption: “Opposition existed in the army.”

Middle Section:

Image: A protest sign with “T4” crossed out, held by a hand.

Caption: “The public spoke out against the T-4 programme.”

Bottom Section:

Image: A hand holding a black book with a gold cross, symbolising the Bible.

Caption: “The Nazis faced continual opposition from the Church.” — An illustration showing evidence that argues that the Nazis did not have a totalitarian state

Worked example

How effective was Nazi control over Germany? Explain your answer

10 marks

Partial answer:

In some ways, the Nazis did not have full control over Germany (1). Although many people were afraid to speak out against the Nazis, some people did publicly object to Nazi policy. For example, many Germans spoke out against the T-4 Programme that killed many physically and mentally disabled people (1). As a result of the public’s anger towards the T-4 Programme, the government publicly stopped the policy in 1941. The Nazis continued to secretly murder disabled people. However, the incident shows that the public could oppose Nazi actions if they collectively challenged it (1). Therefore, this example shows that the Nazis still relied on public support to rule, showing that they lacked full control (1).

Arguments That Support That Germany was a Totalitarian State

Arguments That Support That Germany was a Totalitarian State

Arguments That Challenge That Germany was a Totalitarian State

Arguments That Challenge That Germany was a Totalitarian State

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