1. An overview of the causes of Hitler’s rise to power in Germany.

2. W.A.L.T. 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

3. What we already know. 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 e.g. communists.

4.
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 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 destroy the ToV.

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 win support.
References to traditional values and reminders of ‘who was to blame’ for the economic crisis builds support.

6. 1923: Munich Putsch 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 putsch fails and Hitler is imprisoned.
The failure of the Beer Hall Putsch demonstrates that power can only be achieved through legal means i.e. through elections.

7. Regrouping Whilst in prison Hitler analyses the parties strategy
Political strategies are developed and refined
There’s a shift to winning electoral support
Development of propaganda
Attempts to win support of big business

8. 1924-1929 A focus on traditional values
Building up fear of Left Wing groups
Continued use of military imagery
But … there was a lack of electoral support due to the relative prosperity in Germany at the time (Stresemann period)

9. A Change in Fortunes
Wall Street Crash leads to the end of effective financial assistance from USA (Dawes & Young Plans)
Unemployment rises rapidly
Hyperinflation recurs …fears of a return to 1923
Threat of Communism increases
Coalition government fails to address problems successfully

10. Into Government
Electoral support rises: By 1932 the Nazi’s become largest single party in the Reichstag
Continuing economic crisis leads to break down of coalitions
Aging and ineffective President Hindenburg becomes increasingly reliant upon Article 48
Germany in desperate need of a strong leader (Hitler ?)

11. In Power
In January 1933 Hitler is invited to become Chancellor by politicians who believe that Hitler can be manipulated easily (mistake !)
President Hindenburg’s death in 1934 allows Hitler to assume presidential powers – he becomes the Fuhrer
Nazi Party’s rise to power is complete

12. 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