Social Conceptions

The plans of the opposition movement for the social restructuring of Germany after the end of the Hitler regime were based above all on the traditions of Catholic ethical teachings, democratic socialism, and the labor union movement. They strove for autonomy and the elimination of social antagonism through a just balance of the interests of entrepreneurs and employees as well as through the establishment of a single consolidated labor union.

The opponents of Hitler wished to overcome the antagonism among the parties and the splintering of the labor unions into different political directions. The individual unions were to be integrated under a common umbrella. As institutions of social autonomy, they had to represent the interests of the workers in the firms, municipalities, and the state. In addition to this, they were to play a decisive role in shaping social policy. In contrast, neither a strong parliament nor free political elections were planned.

Like its social plans, the economic plans of the resistance were a compromise between different traditions and aims. They combined principles of Catholic ethical teachings and of religious socialism with liberal economic thought, class-oriented conservative convictions, and Social Democratic goals. Thus, the obligation to respect private property was found alongside the intention of nationalizing large estates and key industries. Independent economic initiative was to be encouraged, yet aspects of market and planned economies were to be combined. The primary point of reference in economic affairs was to be the individual, not the pursuit of financial profit. Therefore, the individual had to be guaranteed the right to work, and the unbridled economic exploitation of nature had to be ended.

The cultural ideals of the resistance were based on the responsible citizen and on the doctrine of freedom of opinion. A new community spirit based on Christian responsibility for one's fellow man was to be fostered among all Germans. The education of children in Christian community schools had to accommodate children's needs and promote intellectual independence as a fundamental political virtue. Science and higher education were to be freed from state interference.