Hitler: strong leader or weak dictator – decision making in

the Third Reich

Decision making in Nazi Germany was not a simple

process. There was a complex map of different groups and

individuals that wielded power.

Ultimately Hitler was in final charge of major decisions,

however there is a debate about the extent to which he chose

these outcomes, or was influenced in achieving them.

Each part of the German government was headed by a

minister that was responsible for overseeing its daily running.

In addition, the states were run by governors, who were often given the choice to make final

judgements for their areas.

Individuals such as Police Chief Himmler were powerful too.

Hitler paid little attention to detail or the day-to-day

running of Germany. As such it was difficult to know what

actions he wanted taken.

Often ministers would fight to persuade Hitler to support their idea, and this consent

might be given without anything in writing, including a

grunt of agreement.

Running the government in this manner led to huge

contradictions, which people could choose to exploit.

At times Hitler might agree with different ministers,

leading to confusion about who truly represented the

Fuhrer’s will. Some people may have even pretended to have

Hitler’s approval.

Some historians have claimed that the Holocaust was caused

by this confused system of governance and decision making.

Hitler’s ministers – rivals for attention and patronage – sought

to act in such a way that would please him. Even without a

specific legal order, they pursued the Final Solution.

There are three schools of thought surrounding Hitler’s

overall influence in Third Reich decision making:

• Hitler was a strong leader who made all decisions

• Hitler was easily led and was relatively weak

• Hitler was the leader but the specific policies were not his

Hitler was a strong leader

Without Hitler, there is no Nazi Party. He was the key agent

who oversaw its rise.

Hitler’s power was absolute. He had a clear plan for Germany

and was ruthless in achieving this. If Hitler wanted action,

then it happened; failure was not acceptable.

Hitler was a weak dictator

Hitler was the Nazis’ figurehead – but generally he was not involved in decision

making.

Key ministers – and state governors – made all actual

policy decisions because Hitler was unwilling or

unconcerned about doing so.

Hitler’s leadership is complex

Hitler was a strong leader, without whom the Nazis were nothing. He set forward a clear vision of the Germany that he

wanted to see.

However Hitler left the details to key ministers and the states,

allowing them to propose action they believed he wanted.

Historians’ views

• Roderick Stackelberg: The linchpin of the Nazi system of rule was Adolf Hitler, who made or approved all final decisions on matters of strategy and policy.

• Hans Mommsen: Hitler was insecure and he was unwilling to make decisions. He was so concerned with his own popularity that he tended to agree with the last person he talked to.

• Mary Fulbrook: The complexity of Hitler’s regime meant that his ‘will’ alone was the only decisive factor, meaning he got his way on racial and foreign policy.