ABSTRACT
The Nazi Germany state was extremely concerned about public attitudes and morale and took great pains to collect and assess as much information as possible. The Security Service (SD) had a vast network of agents in all walks of life who reported on remarks made by all and sundry, including their own families. Numerous SD reports indicate that the Nazi Party was rapidly losing support during the war. During the war state controls over agriculture were tightened. In the final stages of the war the main concerns of the people were the endless bombing raids, the increasing shortages of food and fuel, even in the rural areas, and a reluctance to join the recently formed Home Guard. In early 1941 there was a general feeling that the war would soon be over and Adolf Hitler’s speech on Heroes’ Memorial Day in March 1941 to the effect that England would soon capitulate was well received.
