Adolf Hitler Rise of the Nazi Party

What led to unrest in Germany? The Treaty of Versailles Blamed Germany for The Great War Forced Germany to pay reparations Led to Hyperinflation Took away a great deal of German land.

page1012.jpg Map: Europe at War, 1914

page1039.jpg Map: Europe after Versailles

Why was this such a big deal? As if it wasn’t bad enough to be blamed for a global war that you only joined because of alliances, many Germans thought they were on the verge of winning the war due to German propaganda. To go from near-victory to unconditional surrender would be hard for the proud German Empire to swallow.

Postwar Instability Weimar Republic was formed (weak democracy) Allowed elected ruler immense power in state of emergency Economic conditions reached an all-time low in 1923 This is a 100 Billion Mark Note. It would barely buy you a loaf of bread by the end of November 1923. In January of 1923 it was just 700 Marks. In 1920, a loaf of bread was 1.2 Marks.

Stabilizing the Economy On November 15, 1923 a new currency, the Rentenmark was introduced. It was backed by all land and industry owned by the government. One new Rentenmark was worth a Trillion of the old Marks. Prices stabilized under the new currency, however the wealth of most of the nation's citizens had been destroyed

Where’s Hitler in all of this? Hitler had become the leader of the Nazis and tried to lead a forceful rebellion to take over the government, this was called the “Beer Hall Putsch” The rebellion was quickly put down and Hitler was sent to prison. While in prison, Hitler writes Mein Kampf, his autobiography and manifesto The bottom line is that Hitler was a well-known figure at this moment, but Germany as a whole wasn’t desperate enough to follow him, yet.

Mein Kampf – “My Struggle” Hitler states that since the Aryans are the master race, and require more land (Lebensraum), which will be acquired by force Hitler wanted Russia to cultivate food and provide room for growing Aryan population Slavic people who currently lived there would be removed, enslaved, or killed. Germany must first defeat its old enemy France, to avenge the German defeat of World War I and to secure the western border Blames political treachery particularly by the Jews for the defeat of World War I. INTERESTING FACT: The book sold poorly at first, but after Hitler becomes appointed Chancellor, it was considered proper for all Germans to have a copy and became a common wedding or graduation gift.

Great Depression! The Stock Market in the United States crashes in 1929. This eventually crashed the markets across the globe. This was particularly harsh for Germany who had just recovered from the Hyperinflation caused by WWI just years ago.

Growth of Nazi Movement Desperate times call for desperate measures Economic Depression (again) 40% Unemployment Hitler began to grow in popularity Was appointed to Chancellor in 1932 – the thought from President Hindenburg was that other non-Nazis in key positions would be able to keep him under control while having the illusion of power.

Complete Nazi Takeover February 27, 1933 – Burning of the Reichstag (government building in Berlin, Germany) Nazi Propaganda blamed the entire Communist Party for an attempted government takeover with this fire as a part of it. Hitler took advantage of this to gain “temporary power to control situation”

The End of Democracy in Germany Enabling Act was passed in 1933. It allowed Hitler to suspend the Constitutional Government and take over. 6/30/1934 – “Night of Long Knives” – Hitler eliminates all political rivals The Nazis have complete control over the government and have either the support or fear of all German citizens.

“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”

The Honest Dictator? Hitler and the Nazis violate the Treaty of Versailles and expand their military and take over surrounding area When the League of Nations did nothing, he got bolder March 12, 1938 – Annexed Austria through full-scale invasion Demanded Czechoslovakia surrender the Sudetenland Prime Ministers of Britain and France signed the Munich Agreement Hitler could invade the Sudetenland, but he would not be allowed to take over anything else. This became known as Appeasement.

Most citizens of Britain and France were pleased with this agreement Most citizens of Britain and France were pleased with this agreement. Czecholsovakia, not so much. (They were not allowed to be a part of the conference!) They were told to relinquish the land or be invaded by Germany. They called it the Munich Diktat which meant Munich Betrayal. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain received a hero’s welcome in Great Britain when he announced that he had secured “PEACE FOR OUR TIME”.

Questions for Thought What does the story, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, have to do with Adolf Hitler? Who is represented by the man with the lollipops surrounded by the sea monster? What does Dr. Seuss think about appeasement? Is there anything going on in the world today that resembles Hitler’s actions in taking over surrounding land?