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The old view (historians in the 1950s) was that NAZI Germany was a totalitarian state. Hitler was the all- exponentful dictator. Orders flowed downwardly from Hitler. The system of government was kindred an efficient, well-oiled machine. Recent research by historians (1970s/80s) now disputes this view. It is now accepted that Nazi Germany was NOT a well-oiled machine. It was more like a medieval court with a king (Hitler) surrounded by powerful barons (his leading subordinates). The barons constantly battled with each other.The king stayed supra this conflict, occasionally computer backup one side or the other. The best way to get a decision was to get to Hitler personally. His orders, when he bothered to issue them, were all that counted in the goal resort. This was a chaotic way to run a modern country. It was certainly NOT totalitarian Historians are currently disputing these issues 1) Some historians argue that despite the above chaos, Hitlers will still counted above all el se. Hitler was such a CHARISMATIC leader that he did not need to issue clear orders, entirely everyone knew, or could guess, what he wanted.In practice veryone in government tried to carry this out. This is the intentionalist viewpoint. Things happened inside Nazi Germany because Hitler them to. 2) Other historians say many decisions were taken inside Germany without Hitlers will. masses in government had to get on with the Job. Often Hitler Just had to accept what they had resolute to do. This is the weak dictator interpretation. It is also sometimes called the argument that the structures of government, not Hitlers intentions, decided many issues. 3) Other historians argue that Hitler governed Germany in the way he didThey argue it was a good way to divide and rule. While the barons were busy scrapping with each other, Hitlers power would never be challenged by any of them. 4) A different point of view is that Hitler really WAS a weak dictator. He was indecisive so he tried to put off making decisions. The details of government work bored him. He preferred foreign affairs. So he left the thudding day-to-day business of governing Germany to others. He only got involved when he had to, for example to settle disputes between his barons.