UCSB Hist 133D lecture handout

UCSB Hist 133D
The Holocaust in German History

Prof. Marcuse
Oct. 2, 2001

Lecture 3: Explanations of the Power Structure of the Third Reich --
Intentionalism, Structuralism, Functionalism

Note: the topic of the lecture was changed from "Attaining and Retaining Political Control" because I wanted to have a theoretical framework within which I could recount and interpret the so-called Nazi seizure of power.

Historians and Hitler’s role in the Holocaust

Intentionalism: Holocaust was Hitler's preformed plan (coherent ideology)
corresponds to definition from last time that National Socialism was a coherent ideological program as set out by its leaders
Structuralism: nature of power structure; "polycratic" (many high-level individuals vying for power around weak leader); dual pyramids of state vs. party administration [note: most of the lecture centered on this]
corresponds roughly to the definition of NS as a variant of a political worldview common at the time (fascism; reaction to "modernity")
Functionalism: widespread opportunistic behavior radicalized policy, needs of moment, "twisted road"
corresponds (sort of) to the definition: the sum of the beliefs of its adherents (persuaded or convinced? propaganda/indoctrination?)

Discussion of Massaquoi, Destined to Witness, pre-war years.

How did Massaquoi’s experience conform to and differ from your preconception of life under Nazism?
Which of the "power structure" models underlie Massaquoi’s interpretation?

The Nazi "Seizure" of Power [note: we spent so much time on the "dual pyramids" that I did not cover this]

Electoral politics and the Weimar political system: exploiting tolerance (chart of parties)
Contingency and good luck (Reichstag fire)
Controlled and skillful use of violence against opponents
Success breeds success
Trial and error as method; constant testing of limits (April anti-Jewish boycott; international diplomacy)