The Rise of Nazi Germany

Weimer Republic Weimar Republic was not popular Treaty of Versailles Economic troubles Hyperinflation and unemployment (early 1920s) Great Depression (1930s) There were attempted revolutions by socialists and communists. Increase in German Nationalism This basically led to a weak and fragile government that was in chaos.

National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP) Founded in 1919 Originally the German Workers Party created by Anton Drexler. Extremely nationalistic , anti-Semitic, and anti-communist Attracted the support of veterans and nationalists in Germany One of the first recruits was Adolf Hitler

Who was Adolf Hitler? Born April 20, 1889 in Braunau am-Inn, Austria Moved to Vienna to attend the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, but was rejected twice. Here he began to develop his hatred for Jews (the root of all evil in society). Moved to Munich in 1913 (Wanted to be a real German). Arrested and sent back to Austria to serve in the military but was rejected because he was deemed unfit for service. When war broke out he was allowed to enlist in Germany and served in the 16th Bavarian Infantry serving the entire war on the Western Front.

Great War Experience Hitler served as a runner during the war and was often exposed to enemy fire. Twice decorated for bravery: Iron Cross 2nd class and 1st class (rare for enlisted men). He served in many of the most prominent battles in the war and his regiment was decimated again and again. Twice wounded during the war. Injured in left thigh or groin Temporarily blinded by mustard gas

Munich: 1918-19 Post war job: Army intelligence – spied on political clubs in Munich to see it any group posed to be threats. Stumbles upon the tiny German Workers Party. At a meeting gets mad and starts arguing with some members. Invited to join as an officer and became the 55th member of the party. Discharged from the Army and encouraged to continue his role in the party by his former superiors. By 1921 becomes leader of the Nazi Party.

Beer Hall Days: 1919-1923 Hitler organizes larger and larger meetings. Small debate club becomes an ever growing force (beyond Munich). Hitler’s sense of drama… 25 point plan put forward Key points: Pan-Germanism, Anti-Semitism, and Anti-Versailles SA (Stormtroopers) formed to protect and bully. Symbols adopted Flag and standard. Arm band for members. Real sense of pageantry.

Beer Hall Putsch: November 1923 Hitler attempted to take over Bavarian government, Beer Hall Putsch. Nearly worked, but… Hitler was arrested and sentenced to 5 years for treason. Served approx. 1 year. While in prison he wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle) which describes his beliefs and his goals for the Nazi Party.

Mein Kampf Anti-Semitic and the problems of mixing races. Anti-Communist Calls for the repealing of the Treaty of Versailles and a need to re-militarize. Lebensraum (living space) and what must be done to achieve it. Role of effective propaganda

Nazi Party gains support Once he was released from prison he spoke to crowds around Germany and began using the radio to bolster support. He would often change his goals or prioritized different objectives based on his audience. Hitler promised to create jobs, help farmers, repeal the Versailles Treaty (reparations), restore armaments, regain lost territory (Lebensraum), and create a master race. The Nazi Party gained popularity in the elections; however even more supported them due to the effects of the Depression.

Key Nazi Party Leaders Heinrich Himmler – Leader of the SS (Protective Echelon), Reichsführer Joseph Goebbels – Propaganda minister Hermann Göring – well known aviator in WWI, leader of SA (Stormtroopers), President of the Reichstag and Minister of Aviation

Nazi Leaders continued Gregor Strasser – Organization Leader Rudolf Hess – Personal Secretary to Hitler (Mein Kampf), Deputy Führer Wilhelm Frick – Lawyer, Minister of the Interior, influential in creating policies that helped the Nazis take complete control of Germany.

Hitler becomes Chancellor Became a German citizen in order to run for president, but lost to Hindenburg in 1932. Jan. 1933 Hindenburg appointed Hitler Chancellor of Germany because his party had the most support in the Reichstag, but also because leading conservatives believed they could control him and the Nazi Party.

Hitler forms a dictatorship The Reichstag catches fire by a disgruntled Dutch Communist, fuels the hatred of Communism throughout Germany. Reichstag Fire Decrees Takes measures to weaken opposition political parties by intimidating Reichstag members with SS and SA. Eventually bans opposition political parties and newspapers. Within one year Hitler was dictator of Germany.

Hitler uses fear to rule Continued to use the SS, SA, and Gestapo to enforce his doctrine and arrest the disloyal. Liberals, Socialists, and Communists became targets (concentration and re-education camps). State governments and other lesser organizations were pressured until Nazi officials had control. Jews were stripped of their civil rights (Nuremburg Laws), humiliated, arrested, and even murdered.

Third Reich Hitler promised to restore Germany to its former glory – Third Reich. Throughout the 1930s Hitler took measures to rearm the German military, send troops to reoccupy the Rhineland (illegal according to Versailles), entered into an alliance – Rome-Berlin Axis.

Why did Germans accept the Nazi Party? Fear – If they did not join they risked their livelihood. If they resisted it may cost them their life. Betrayed by their own political parties because they were weak. Bandwagon – Wanted to be a part of something that was successful during harsh economic times. Nazi Party was doing exactly what they said they were going to do. Some intellectuals believed they could change the direction of the party.