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The Nazi state was a chaotic system of competing power centres, all subordinate to the Fuhrer's will. Understanding how it functioned is essential for evaluating the nature of Hitler's power and the extent of opposition.
Key Definition: The Fuhrerprinzip ('leader principle') held that the Fuhrer's authority was absolute, deriving from his personal qualities as embodiment of the national will.
Intentionalists (Bracher, Dawidowicz) argue Hitler was a 'strong dictator' directing policy from above. Chaos was deliberate 'divide and rule.'
Structuralists (Broszat, Mommsen) argue Hitler was a 'weak dictator' — avoiding decisions, allowing subordinates to compete. Policy emerged through 'cumulative radicalisation.'
| Feature | Intentionalist | Structuralist |
|---|---|---|
| Hitler's role | Active, directing | Disengaged, reactive |
| Policy-making | Top-down directives | Bottom-up competition |
| The Holocaust | Planned from the start | Evolved cumulatively |
| State structure | Deliberate divide-and-rule | Administrative anarchy |
Ian Kershaw synthesises both views: 'working towards the Fuhrer' — officials anticipated Hitler's wishes and competed to implement them, creating radicalisation without direct orders.
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