1990/09/06 by Robert Gellately · 1 voice
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Communism, Protests, Social Movements #European history and politics #German History and Society
paper · doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198228691.003.0002
openalex publication_date 1990/09/06 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2025/11/06
The Gestapo or the Secret State Police emerged from a set of complex set of interacting social forces, personalities, and traditions. In early 1933, from one state to another, the tightening of the organization of the police was taking form. This was due to the claims of the dire necessity to assure the existence and safety of the state from battles and threats directed against it. Driven by these aims, the Gestapo vigorously exercised their power and invaded the lives of the citizens. Their powers were unchecked wherein the legal and civil rights were disregarded. They became the foremost enforcer of policy and at times they acted as lawgiver, jury, and executioner. This chapter discusses the emergence of the Gestapo within the German society during the 1930s. In this chapter, the patterns of continuities and discontinuities from the earlier periods are discussed. The limits and possibilities of the new police powers and the expanding spheres of activities are also discussed. The chapter concludes with the nationalization of the political police.