The Thingspiel movement developed as a result of the “new world epoch” begun by Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist Party when they came to power in 1933. During the first years of the Third Reich, the party leaders effected a reorganization of German life, a reorganization that was to be consistent with the philosophy and the world view, the Weltanschauung, of National Socialism. The theatre, the drama, and all the arts were not exempt from this program. Significant changes were demanded on two fronts: The “outmoded” and “inferior” genres in existence prior to 1933 were discouraged or prohibited and in their place, a new order of German art was to be founded. In the dramatic arts, the Thingspiel was the example of this new artistic order, receiving major state support and encouragement. The Thingspiel was to become the National Drama of Nazi Germany.