The connection between Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler, big capital, and the aristocracy was complex and evolved over time, characterized by a mixture of opportunistic alliances, mutual interests, and, eventually, subjugation. While some segments of big business and the aristocracy initially supported Hitler and the Nazi Party, particularly in their fight against communism and organized labor, this support was not monolithic and often came with reservations or was driven by self-preservation.

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Initially, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party received financial and political support from certain industrialists and members of the aristocracy, particularly in the late 1920s and early 1930s.[1] [2] This support was often motivated by a shared fear of communism and the desire to dismantle the Weimar Republic's democratic institutions, which were perceived as unstable and detrimental to their economic interests.[3] For example, figures like Fritz Thyssen, a prominent industrialist, provided early financial backing to the Nazis, believing they could restore order and protect private property.[4] [5] Similarly, some aristocratic landowners and military leaders saw Hitler as a strong leader who could reassert Germany's international standing and suppress socialist movements.[6] [7] They hoped to use the Nazis as a tool to achieve their own conservative and anti-democratic goals, believing they could control Hitler once he was in power.[8]

However, the relationship was not one of equal partnership. Once in power, the Nazi regime quickly asserted its dominance over all aspects of German society, including big business and the aristocracy.[9] While some industrialists benefited immensely from rearmament and the exploitation of conquered territories, they also faced increasing state control, forced Aryanization of Jewish businesses, and the eventual integration of their enterprises into the Nazi war economy.[10] [11] The regime's policies, such as the Four Year Plan, aimed to make Germany self-sufficient and prepare for war, often overriding the individual interests of capitalists.[12] [13] The aristocracy, while initially enjoying some restored prestige and military positions, also found their traditional influence diminished as the Nazi Party consolidated its power and loyalty to Hitler became paramount.[14] [15] Those who resisted or were perceived as disloyal faced severe repercussions, as evidenced by the July 20 Plot, which involved several aristocratic and military figures who sought to overthrow Hitler.[16]

Regarding the question of whether big capitalists and the monarchy supported Hitler and the Nazis in their fight against workers' rights, the answer is largely yes, particularly in the early stages of the Nazi movement and during the consolidation of power.[17] [18] The Nazi Party's suppression of trade unions, the abolition of collective bargaining, and the establishment of the German Labor Front (DAF) were policies that largely benefited industrialists by eliminating labor unrest and reducing labor costs.[19] [20] Many capitalists saw the Nazis as a bulwark against the perceived threat of socialist and communist movements that advocated for stronger workers' rights and potentially nationalization of industries.[21] [22] The aristocracy, with its traditional hierarchical views, also generally opposed strong workers' movements and saw the Nazis as a means to maintain social order and their own privileged positions.[23] [24] However, it's crucial to note that this support was often pragmatic and self-serving, rather than ideological alignment with all aspects of Nazi doctrine.[25]

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