Hitler Consolidates Power The Rise of Hitler by 1939

Early Years Born in Austria (1889); not admitted to Vienna Art College Corporal in World War One, then largely unemployed

The Beer Hall Putsch Adolf Hitler joined the National Socialist Party in 1919, and tried to overthrow the government of Bavaria in 1923

Mein Kampf While in jail, Hitler wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle); it outlined his plan to restore Germany to greatness and respect

Germany Elects Hitler Germans resented the Treaty of Versailles, which blamed them for WWI (War Guilt Clause) War reparations and a bad economy caused inflation and a devalued mark Depression began 1929 – by 1933, Germans desperate for new leadership Hitler promises full employment, made great speeches 1933- Hitler becomes Chancellor (Prime Minister)

Dictatorship Hitler turned Germany quickly into a Nazi state Admired dictators Mussolini and Stalin – used similar tactics Abolished unions and strikes; government took complete control of the economy Censorship, Hitler Youth introduced- indoctrination into Nazi beliefs Promoted the idea of white racial superiority (Aryan) and blamed non-Aryans for country’s problems, especially Jews (scapegoats)

Steps to Power 1933 – Hitler breaks the Treaty of Versailles by re-arming Germany 1935 – introduced the Nuremberg Laws – removed citizenship from Jews, Jews and non-Jews cannot marry etc.

1936 – Hitler occupied the Rhineland ( another Versailles violation) 1937 – Kristallnacht – Jewish homes, synagogues and businesses attacked, Jewish students expelled from universities

1938 – Hitler annexes Austria and the Sudentenland (Czechosolvakia) Munich Conference – world leaders meet to discuss problem – they give in to Hitler’s promise to not go any further (Policy of Appeasement) 1939 – Hitler makes Non-Aggression Pact (Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact) with U.S.S.R. – they would divide Poland between themselves and not attack each other

1939 – Hitler takes over the rest of Czechoslovakia and invades Poland!

September 1939 – Britain and France declare war on Germany: World War Two begins