3. Rise of Hitler and the Nazis

4. Treaty of Versailles
Germany reluctantly and under pressure signed the Treaty of Versailles
German leaders drafted a constitution in the city of Weimar
Due to the many political parties in Germany the new government was weak from the start

5. Treaty of Versailles
Germans longed for a strong leader (like Bismarck) and they blamed the harsh terms (guilt clause and heavy reparations) on the Weimar government

6. Economic Disaster Fuels the Unrest
Germany fell behind on payments and France took coal rich Ruhr valley
Government reacted by printing money creating devalued currency and inflation
U.S steps in with Dawes plan

7. Economic Disaster Fuels the Unrest
The U.S. stock market crash began a worldwide Great Depression and once again Germans went into a panic

8. Enter Hitler
Adolf Hitler was a disgruntled WWI veteran who resented the Weimar government for it’s acceptance of the Treaty of Versailles
Hitler also despised Jews and blamed them for Germany’s economic and political problems

9. Enter Hitler
While in jail for a failed coup (takeover) Hitler wrote the book that would be the basis for the Nazi party called Mein Kampf or My Struggle

10. Mein Kampf
Outlines Hitler’s ideas about extreme nationalism, racial superiority, and the German Peoples place in history

11. Hitler's Rise to Power
Great Depression played right into Hitler’s hands, frustrated people began to believe and back him
He promised to end war reparations, create jobs, and re-arm Germany
He gained enough support to win several seats in the Reichstag (parliament)

12. Hitler's Rise to Power
He eventually rallied enough support to be elected chancellor
Within a year he dominated the German government and began implementing his ideology
He suspended civil rights, disbanded all other political parties

13. Hitler's Rise to Power
Like Stalin once Hitler was securely installed as the undisputed leader he purged his party killing anyone he felt was or might become disloyal