More on Germany… and Hitler

Hitler reorganizes Strategies shift to winning: Focus on Electoral support Big business Focus on Traditional values Fear of Left Wing groups Communists Military imagery (discipline, power, honour) Lack of electoral support due to relative prosperity in Germany at the time

1929-1932 A Change in Fortunes Wall Street Crash End of financial assistance from USA Unemployment Hyperinflation Threat of Communism Current government fails to fix problems

Nazi’s Enter Into Government Nazis use force to prevent uprisings Rhetoric plays on fears Big Business is won over Radical economic plans Emphasis placed on military power wins support of soldiers and traditionalists. Weak coalition governments enables Nazi’s to gain political strength

Electoral support rises Nazi’s become largest single party in the Reichstag Continuing economic crisis Break-down of coalitions Aging and ineffective president increasingly reliant upon Article 48 Allowed the Chancellor to rule by decree without the consent of the Reichstag Germany in desperate need of a strong leader

Hitler Invited to become chancellor by politicians Believe Hitler can be manipulated President Hindenburg’s death Hitler assumes presidential powers Nazi Party’s rise to power is complete

Rise to power: an overview Strong leadership Determination Popular Rhetoric and capabilities as a public speaker Weakness of Coalition government Wall Street Crash and the consequent economic collapse Support of significant businessmen Disruption of extremist opponents Fear of Communism