The German Marriage Law under Nazi Germany

During the Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler, a series of laws were implemented that aimed to enforce pure Aryan bloodlines and eradicate any perceived threats to the "superior" German race. One such law was the Marriage Law, passed in 1935, which enforced strict guidelines for marriages between Germans and members of other races or nationalities.

The key elements of the Marriage Law included:

- The prohibition of marriages between Jews and other German citizens, known as the Nuremberg Laws. This meant that Jews were not allowed to marry non-Jews, and any existing marriages between Jews and non-Jews were automatically annulled.
- The requirement for couples to undergo a medical examination and obtain a certificate of health before getting married. This was intended to prevent the transmission of any hereditary diseases or conditions, which the Nazis believed would weaken the Aryan gene pool.
- The establishment of a National Registry of those eligible to marry, which was based on racial and genetic criteria. Couples who did not meet these criteria were not allowed to marry.
- The encouragement of early marriage and large families, particularly for those who were considered racially "pure". The Nazis believed that this would help to increase the population of true Germans and maintain their dominance.

The Marriage Law was part of a broader effort by the Nazi regime to control all aspects of German society, including familial relationships. It was enforced by the government through various means, including propaganda campaigns, educational programs, and the threat of punishment for those who violated its provisions.

The consequences of the Marriage Law were severe for many individuals and families. Jews were denied the right to marry at all, and countless other Germans were prevented from forming relationships with those they loved. The medical exams and racial criteria imposed on couples led to many being rejected from the National Registry and being unable to get married legally. Those who did so anyway risked severe consequences, including imprisonment or even execution.

Despite its devastating effects, the Marriage Law remained in effect throughout World War II and the Nazi regime. It was finally abolished in 1945 after Germany's defeat in the war.

In conclusion, the Marriage Law that was enacted under Nazi Germany was a tool of propaganda and control that aimed to regulate who Germans were allowed to marry based on racial and genetic criteria. It was one of the many ways that the Nazi regime sought to enforce their vision of a pure "Aryan" race and maintain their dominance over German society. The law had devastating consequences for countless individuals and families, and its legacy is a stark reminder of the dangers of prejudice and discrimination.