1. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Hitler's Rise to Power
An overview of the causes of Hitler’s rise to power in Germany.
Note: this presentation provides only a brief overview of the reasons for Hitler’s Rise, each element of the slideshow will also be taught in depth
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

2. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Objectives
At the end of this lesson you should be able to:
Identify and explain a number of factors that led to the rise of the Nazi party
Recognise that no single factor led to Hitler’s rise
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

3. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Overview
The Nazi Party was formed in 1919
Hitler joined the party shortly after it’s inception
Germany was in a state of disarray after the First World War
There were many extremist groups in Germany at the time
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

4. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Many Germans were disillusioned after the defeat in the First World war. Ex-soldiers felt that they had been ‘Stabbed in the back’ and felt that they had not been defeated on the battlefield.Many of them joined Right Wing groups such as the Freikorps or the Nazi party.
The Spartacist rising, amongst others, led to many people fearing a Communist revolution in Germany. People looked to right Wing groups to act against this: the Freikorps in particular.
Economic hardship was coupled with humiliation as a result of the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. Right Wing groups gained popularity by saying that they would not adhere to it’s terms.
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

5. How did the Nazi party gain support in this period?
Military uniforms demonstrated strength at a time when the government was weak
Use of force against communists and Trade unionists was popular with businesses
Populist policies and rhetoric were employed to discredit opponents and develop support.
References to traditional values and reminders of ‘Who was to blame’ for the economic crisis builds support.
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

6. Weimar and Nazi Germany
1923: Violent uprising
By 1923 the Nazi party had gained much support in Bavaria. Now firmly under the control of Adolf Hitler the group attempts to seize control of the government through use of force.
Despite having many sympathisers the coup fails and Hitler is imprisoned.
The failure of the Beer Hall Putsch demonstrates that power needs to be taken through legal means.
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

7. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Regrouping
Whilst in prison Hitler analyses the parties strategy
Political Strategies are developed and refined
Shift to winning electoral support
Development of propaganda tools
Attempts to win support of big business
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

8. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Focus on traditional values
Builds fear of Left Wing groups
Continued use of military imagery
Lack of electoral support due to relative prosperity in Germany at the time
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

9. Weimar and Nazi Germany
A Change in Fortunes
Wall Street Crash leads to end of effective financial assistance from USA
Unemployment rises rapidly
Hyperinflation recurs
Threat of Communism increases
Coalition government fails to address problems successfully
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

10. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Into government (1)
Nazi’s use force to prevent uprisings
Rhetoric plays on peoples fears
Big Business won over through radical economic plans
Emphasis placed on military power wins support of many soldiers and traditionalists.
Weak coalition governments enables Nazi’s to gain political strength
Propaganda and shows of might impress the masses
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

11. Weimar and Nazi Germany
Into Government (2)
Electoral support rises: Nazi’s become largest single party in the Reichstag
Continuing economic crisis leads to break down of coalitions
Aging and ineffective president increasingly reliant upon Article 48
Germany in desperate need of a strong leader
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

12. Weimar and Nazi Germany
In Power
Invited to become chancellor by politicians who believe that Hitler can be manipulated easily
President Hindenburg’s death allows Hitler to assume presidential powers
Nazi Party’s rise to power is complete
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany

13. Rise to power: an overview
Strong leadership
Determination
Popular Rhetoric and Hitler’s 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
18/09/2018
Weimar and Nazi Germany