1. Adolf Hitler
Rise of the Nazi Party

2. What led to unrest in Germany?
The Treaty of Versailles
Blamed Germany for The Great War
Forced Germany to pay reparations
Led to Hyperinflation
Took away a great deal of German land.

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Map: Europe at War, 1914

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Map: Europe after Versailles

5. Why was this such a big deal?
As if it wasn’t bad enough to be blamed for a global war that you only joined because of alliances, many Germans thought they were on the verge of winning the war due to German propaganda.
To go from near-victory to unconditional surrender would be hard for the proud German Empire to swallow.

6. Postwar Instability Weimar Republic was formed (weak democracy)
Allowed elected ruler immense power in state of emergency
Economic conditions reached an all-time low in 1923
This is a 100 Billion Mark Note. It would barely buy you a loaf of bread by the end of November In January of 1923 it was just 700 Marks. In 1920, a loaf of bread was 1.2 Marks.

7. Stabilizing the Economy
On November 15, 1923 a new currency, the Rentenmark was introduced.
It was backed by all land and industry owned by the government.
One new Rentenmark was worth a Trillion of the old Marks.
Prices stabilized under the new currency, however the wealth of most of the nation's citizens had been destroyed

8. Where’s Hitler in all of this?
Hitler had become the leader of the Nazis and tried to lead a forceful rebellion to take over the government, this was called the “Beer Hall Putsch”
The rebellion was quickly put down and Hitler was sent to prison.
While in prison, Hitler writes Mein Kampf, his autobiography and manifesto
The bottom line is that Hitler was a well-known figure at this moment, but Germany as a whole wasn’t desperate enough to follow him, yet.

9. Mein Kampf – “My Struggle”
Hitler states that since the Aryans are the master race, and require more land (Lebensraum), which will be acquired by force
Hitler wanted Russia to cultivate food and provide room for growing Aryan population
Slavic people who currently lived there would be removed, enslaved, or killed.
Germany must first defeat its old enemy France, to avenge the German defeat of World War I and to secure the western border
Blames political treachery particularly by the Jews for the defeat of World War I.
INTERESTING FACT: The book sold poorly at first, but after Hitler becomes appointed Chancellor, it was considered proper for all Germans to have a copy and became a common wedding or graduation gift.

10. Great Depression!
The Stock Market in the United States crashes in 1929.
This eventually crashed the markets across the globe.
This was particularly harsh for Germany who had just recovered from the Hyperinflation caused by WWI just years ago.

11. Growth of Nazi Movement
Desperate times call for desperate measures
Economic Depression (again)
40% Unemployment
Hitler began to grow in popularity
Was appointed to Chancellor in 1932 – the thought from President Hindenburg was that other non-Nazis in key positions would be able to keep him under control while having the illusion of power.

12. Complete Nazi Takeover
February 27, 1933 – Burning of the Reichstag (government building in Berlin, Germany)
Nazi Propaganda blamed the entire Communist Party for an attempted government takeover with this fire as a part of it.
Hitler took advantage of this to gain “temporary power to control situation”

13. The End of Democracy in Germany
Enabling Act was passed in It allowed Hitler to suspend the Constitutional Government and take over.
6/30/1934 – “Night of Long Knives” – Hitler eliminates all political rivals
The Nazis have complete control over the government and have either the support or fear of all German citizens.

14. “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”

15. The Honest Dictator?
Hitler and the Nazis violate the Treaty of Versailles and expand their military and take over surrounding area
When the League of Nations did nothing, he got bolder
March 12, 1938 – Annexed Austria through full-scale invasion
Demanded Czechoslovakia surrender the Sudetenland
Prime Ministers of Britain and France signed the Munich Agreement
Hitler could invade the Sudetenland, but he would not be allowed to take over anything else.
This became known as Appeasement.

18. Most citizens of Britain and France were pleased with this agreement
Most citizens of Britain and France were pleased with this agreement. Czecholsovakia, not so much. (They were not allowed to be a part of the conference!) They were told to relinquish the land or be invaded by Germany. They called it the Munich Diktat which meant Munich Betrayal. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain received a hero’s welcome in Great Britain when he announced that he had secured “PEACE FOR OUR TIME”.

19. Questions for Thought
What does the story, “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”, have to do with Adolf Hitler?
Who is represented by the man with the lollipops surrounded by the sea monster?
What does Dr. Seuss think about appeasement?
Is there anything going on in the world today that resembles Hitler’s actions in taking over surrounding land?