Hitler’s Rise to Power

Causes for the Rise of Hitler Germany felt stabbed in the back by the Treaty of Versailles Postwar Instability in Germany in 1920s –Weimar Gov.  Weak Democracy –Economic recovery, followed by Depression Stacks of German Marks, which were practically worthless due to super inflation

Lines would build up filled with people who wanted to buy the few items left in stores

Consolidation of Power 1920 – Nazi’s declare their 20pt Nazi Manifesto 1923 – Nazi’s try to march on Berlin to seize Government, but fail 1930 – Great Depression hits Germany hard 1932 – Nazi movement had grown dramatically, gain power in Gov – Hitler appointed Chancellor b/c believed it would make Government more republic 1933 – Hitler has come to power by legal measures

Consolidation of Power Fire in gov. building, 40% unemployment, Hitler uses these as an excuse for “temporary power to control situation” 1933 – Creates “Enabling Act” ***** - temporarily allows Hitler to suspend Constitutional Gov. and deviate from the Constitution 1933 – 1949  end of Constitutional Gov. June 30, 1934 – “Night of Long Knives” - Hitler eliminates political rivals  jail, concentration camps, or murdered - S.S. is created

Attractions of Nazism Economic Recovery –40% unemployment to 0% by 1933 Sense of National Rebirth –A New energy for Germany after their humiliation in WW1 Idea of New National Community –Feeling of new creation of New German Community –Class does not Matter, only that you are German

Nazism Beliefs Social Darwinism Idea of a “Superior Aryan Race” 19 th Century Anti-Semitism – Based not on Religion, but on RACE  Jews were inferior –In the past Jews could escape by conversion, but now there is no escape Pan Germanism – Unite all Germanic people under one Gov. Emphasis on YOUTH, EMOTIONS, WILL