the nsddb emerged in 1935 from the national socialist teachers league and was established on the basis of an order of the deputy führer rudolf hess; its purpose being, the exertion of influence on the universities and the political control of higher education. massive influence was applied especially on appointments to staff positions. district leaders had a decisive role in the acceptance of an "habilitationsschrift", which was a prerequisite to attaining the rank of "privatdozent" necessary to becoming a university lecturer. the expulsion of the jewish scientists from the universities was substantially carried out by the activists of the lecturers league.