Rise of Hitler and the Nazis

Treaty of Versailles Germany reluctantly and under pressure signed the Treaty of Versailles German leaders drafted a constitution in the city of Weimar Due to the many political parties in Germany the new government was weak from the start

Treaty of Versailles Germans longed for a strong leader (like Bismarck) and they blamed the harsh terms (guilt clause and heavy reparations) on the Weimar government

Economic Disaster Fuels the Unrest Germany fell behind on payments and France took coal rich Ruhr valley Government reacted by printing money creating devalued currency and inflation U.S steps in with Dawes plan

Economic Disaster Fuels the Unrest The U.S. stock market crash began a worldwide Great Depression and once again Germans went into a panic

Enter Hitler Adolf Hitler was a disgruntled WWI veteran who resented the Weimar government for it’s acceptance of the Treaty of Versailles Hitler also despised Jews and blamed them for Germany’s economic and political problems

Enter Hitler While in jail for a failed coup (takeover) Hitler wrote the book that would be the basis for the Nazi party called Mein Kampf or My Struggle

Mein Kampf Outlines Hitler’s ideas about extreme nationalism, racial superiority, and the German Peoples place in history

Hitler's Rise to Power Great Depression played right into Hitler’s hands, frustrated people began to believe and back him He promised to end war reparations, create jobs, and re-arm Germany He gained enough support to win several seats in the Reichstag (parliament)

Hitler's Rise to Power He eventually rallied enough support to be elected chancellor Within a year he dominated the German government and began implementing his ideology He suspended civil rights, disbanded all other political parties

Hitler's Rise to Power Like Stalin once Hitler was securely installed as the undisputed leader he purged his party killing anyone he felt was or might become disloyal