IB HISTORY (Authoritarian States): Hitler | Quizlet

Conditions of Hitler's emergence

impact of war

social division

weakness of the political system

economic factors

Conditions of Hitler's emergence: impact of war

WWI had been popularly embraced in 1914: the severe loss of life and loss after many years of fighting caused humiliation after WWI and was badly received throughout Germany

Resentment in 1918, with beliefs that the army had been betrayed by those who signed the armistice

Further anger due to Versailles.

November Criminals

German Leaders who signed Treaty of Versailles.

Treaty of Versailles

1919

described as a "Diktat": it dictated peace and the Germans had no say in the discussions or terms of the treaty.

Political and economic consequences of Versailles

reparations, acceptance of the war guilt clause (Germany had to take full responsibility for starting the war), reduction in the armed forces (no submarines or air force and army reduced to 100'000 men), colonies were confiscated, Alsace-Lorraine given to France

Conditions of Hitler's emergence: social division

Chaotic and divided society after the war

There were numerous attempts to control Germany and many different political ideas

Communist ideas were popular due to the success of the Bolsheviks in Russia and the wide differences in socio-economic status between wealthy aristocracy and poorer workers

Spartacist uprising

January 1919

civil unrest and strikes. This period ended with the proclamation of the Weimar republic

Conditions of Hitler's emergence: weakness of the political system

Article 48 of the constitution could be abused.

The proportional representation system for voting in the Reichstag meant it was difficult to create majority governments and there was more chance of coalitions forming.

Great deal of political instability in the early Weimar republic: Spartacist Uprising and the Putsch

After the difficulties of 1923, Weimar was able to strengthen politically; largely due to improved economic conditions. However, many Germans felt dissatisfied with democracy and coalition governments.

Weimar Republic establishment

January 1919

Following the abdication of the Kaiser after the war.

The republic's constitution was more democratic than the previous system

Article 48

this allowed the president of Germany to rule by decree in an emergency without the consent of the Reichstag

This made dictatorship legal

Kapp Putsch

In March 1920

protest against the decision to accept the Treaty of Versailles. The Kapp Putsch failed to win support from the German Army and was brought to an end during the General Strike of the numerous trade unions.

Conditions of Hitler's emergence: economic factors

Economic conditions were difficult after the war (high war debt and unemployment)

Germany faced huge reparations bill as a part of the treaty of versailles

The increasing demands for reparations payments caused problems for the weakened German economy, contributing to the French invasion of the Ruhr and hyperinflation

The wall street crash led to economic depression (recalling of American loans given to Germany during the golden years subsequently having a negative impact on the economy). The depression led to high unemployment and the closing of businesses.

hyperinflation

1923

caused by high war debt

The Golden Age of Weimar

1924-1929

Stresemann introduced a new currency and secured foreign investments in Germany. The German economy improved because of better fiscal policies and improved international relations (not all Germans benefited, some were ruined by hyperinflation and farmers experienced difficulties during this time)

Wall Street Crash

1929

cause of economic depression in Germany

The wall street crash led to economic depression due to recalling of American loans given to Germany during the golden years subsequently having a negative impact on the economy. The depression led to high unemployment and the closing of businesses

unemployment figures in Germany during the depression

1.7 million in 1929 to over 8 million in 1933

Economic factors in the emergence of Hitler's authoritarian state

Economic factors were important, effects of ww1

Hyperinflation in 1923

Superficial recovery based on American loans

Fall out from the wall street crash (unemployment, bankruptcy...)

There is no direct link between Nazi voting figures and economic factors.

In areas of high unemployment, Nazis recorded worst results (eg. the Ruhr).

The weakness of the weimar political system is what allowed for the formation of the Nazi Authoritarian state. Hitler's decision to adopt the tactics of taking part in elections. He realized a revolution would NOT work.

july 1932: nazis won by 230 seats, by far the largest party but hitler STILL did not get into power

nazi propaganda and intimidation (use of political violence, Goebbels, Hitler over Germany campaign of 1932 election, Gaue system)

Hindenburg and the overconfidence of the elites to control Hitler who was seen as someone that could be used to achieve their ams (useful against the rise of communism)

On 5 July 1933, meeting between Hitler and the leading conservatives and industrialists. They signed a petition asking Hindenburg to make Hitler chancellor.

Hitler did not get into power because of the economic situation, he was NOT voted into power

Both of these factors helped, but the main reason for hitler's success was the fact he was HELPED INTO POWER by conservative elites.

Nazi voting figures after the Wall Street Crash

Increase from 12 seats in 1928 to 230 seats in July 1932

July 1932 Nazi scores

Nationally they scored 32% in July 1932, in the Ruhr only 11%

Nazi results in 1932 elections

July 1932

Nazis won 230 seats, 43%, by far the largest party but hitler still did not get into power

meeting between Hitler and the leading conservatives and industrialists

On 5 July 1933

meeting between Hitler and the leading conservatives and industrialists. They signed a petition asking Hindenburg to make Hitler chancellor.

Methods of Hitler's emergence

Force, role of leaders, ideology, persuasion coercion and propaganda

Methods of Hitler's emergence: force

Use of force from the earliest stage

Formation of the SA (1920)

1923: Munich Putsch failure. Change of tactics (key turning point). Move away from a revolutionary party to a parliamentary one.

Party changes its nature, force is an element but one of many elements

1933: Hitler is invited to power, SA had contributed in some way to Hitler's electoral success.

In the takeover of power force plays a relatively minor role (open to debate) but ultimately the reason he gets into power is because of a deal/compromise

leader of the SA

Ernst Röhm

role of the SA

It provided security to the party during rallies and attacked communists in Germany.

Munich Putsch

8-9 November 1923

Hitler believed that the conditions were right for a bid for power due to the severe hyperinflation and that Nazi Party had enough popular support.

Organized in alliance with General Ludendorff

An uprising in Munich where around 2000 people marched into the centre of the city in support of the Nazis.

The putsch failed (police shot at the marchers) and led to Hitler's imprisonment.

SS leader

Heinrich Himmler

Methods of Hitler's emergence: role of leader

In the early 1920s, Hitler quickly established himself as a leader within the party. He made numerous speeches in beer halls which were well received. 25 point programme outlined their policies.

During the rise to power of Hitler, there were many other prominent Nazis who played different roles in the party. These included Hermann Göring, Joseph Goebbels and Heinrich Himmler, who would all go on to have roles within the Nazi government once they were in power.

What Hitler would talk about in 1920s speeches

German nationalism, anti-Semitism, anti-communism, and anger around the circumstances of the end of the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles

25 point programme

1920

Laid out the official policies of the NSDAP. It included right wing policies as well as some socialistic policies:

• Abolition of the Treaty of Versailles

• Union of Germany and Austria (Anschluss)

• German citizenship to be taken away from Jews.

• Generous pensions for old people

• Strong central government in Germany ruled by a dictator.

Methods of Hitler's emergence: ideology

After the failure of the Munich Putsch, Hitler used his trial as an opportunity to promote his views, gaining a sympathetic ear from the judge and a lenient prison sentence.

Hitler wrote Mein Kampf while in prison, which would be used to help define the Nazis' ideological position.

Lebensraum was an idea promoted by Hitler, he also sought to unite all German-speaking people, pursue autarky as a result of the economic depression in Germany where the reliance on American loans had weakened the economy.

Methods of Hitler's emergence: persuasion coercion and propaganda

Hitler's speeches played a vital role in this process, and he was able to tailor his speeches to different sections of society to increase the popular appeal of the party:

During the depression, speeches could be used to promote the Nazi solution to society's problems. (eg. the unemployed may have seen a chance for work and a better life under the Nazis, landowners and industrialists felt that their interests would be protected by the strong anti-communist position) Hitler's continued attacks on the Treaty of Versailles also worked to gain supporters.

He was able to spread his message during publicized trail and gain support and sympathy from the judge.

These techniques became more organized in the later stages of the 1920s (Goebbels was in charge of the propaganda effort- use of posters, leaflets, publications and radio broadcasts, was used to promote Hitler's election campaigns, technology was used 'Hitler Over Germany' campaign)

Consolidation and Maintenance of power

removal of democracy, removal of potential opposition, force, charismatic leadership, propaganda

Consolidation and Maintenance of power: Removal of the system of democracy

Reichstag fire

5 march 1933 election and coalition

enabling act

nazification of the landtage

law banning the formation of new parties

Reichstag fire

27 February 1933

blamed on the KPD

1933 election

5 march 1933 election

election Nazis gained 43.9% of the vote, 288 seats which was not a majority.

The Nazis collaborated with the DNVP to form a majority coalition

Enabling Act

May 24 1933

Hitler passed the enabling act which essentially gave him dictatorial powers. He eliminated the KPD and intimidated the SPD from attending the meeting, offered the Zentrum and BVP guarantees for the protection of the catholic church, and surpassed the two thirds vote needed to pass the bill

Nazification of the Landtage

7 April 1933

Nazification of the Landtage removed regional governments

Law Against the Formation of New Parties

14th July 1933

Germany officially became a one party state

Consolidation and Maintenance of power: Removal of potential opposition

Law for the reestablishment of the civil service

Abolition of trade unions

Potential enemies placed in concentration camps

The Night of the long knives

Law for the Reestablishment of the Professional Civil Service

April 1933

purge of the civil service allowing the government to remove elements it considered anti-nazi (remove anyone hostile to national socialism and remove jews)

Abolition of trade unions

2 May 1933

workers were Hitler's main opposition (NSBO election showed only 20% support for the nazis therefore workers could be seen as a hostile group)

Night of the Long Knives

30th June 1934

attack on the SA (due to rivalry between their leader Rohm and Himmler and Goring, Rohm was planning a "second revolution")

Consolidation and Maintenance of power: force

Force is very selective: party opponents, not the population at large. (sets the tone for use of force in Nazi Germany).

SA was a dubious asset during the rise to power. Rapidly become a liability once Hitler is made Chancellor

SA behaviour out of control and arbitrary (this can be compared to indiscriminate use of force in Mao’s China)

The SS under Himmler were a more favoured alternative

30 June 1934: Night of the long knives. Indiscriminate force ends. The more targeted and insidious approach of the SS was favoured

SS selective targeting of groups. Political, Religious

SS was main body of control, the Gestapo investigated opponents throughout Germany, used torture as a method to extract information from people. They held suspects without trial and a large number of people disappeared after being arrested. They relied on ordinary people to denounce others to create a more fearful atmosphere in the country.

SS became the national police force

1936

leader Himmler, this was different to earlier when police forces operated at the local level

difference between Gestapo and SS

Their origin: SS was a party organisation while the Gestapo was a state organisation

concentration camps

first one set up in Dachau in March 1933. The first prisoners were political. Average duration of sentence 6 weeks. Centres of political correction.

28'000 prisoners in 1939, but more had passed through.

extermination camps

Established to exterminate jews, equipped with gas chambers. NOT concentration camps.

Final solution

1941-1945

Wannsee conference of 20 January 1942 to inform and secure support from government ministries for the final solution.

Consolidation and Maintenance of power: Charismatic leadership

Hitler was seen as the solution to many of the problems faced by Germany following the war and the depression

Reduction in unemployment and gradual overturning of versailles made many feel that Germany was becoming stronger

Consolidation and Maintenance of power: propaganda and censorship

His image and words were used in propaganda to promote him and his message

Ministry of propaganda was set up in 1933 with Goebbels in charge (but propaganda was also widely used before this, eg. Hitler over Germany)

Outsiders were identified and negatively portrayed/discriminated against (jews, homosexuals...)

Weekly newspaper used to spread nazi ideology and antisemitism

Films were also used as propaganda (eg. the film "ich Klage an" to change views on mercy killing)

All available media was used to spread nazi ideology and promote Hitler and the cult of personality (photography, books, music...)

Censorship was widely used (book burnings)

Consolidation and Maintenance of power: foreign policy

Aggressive foreign policy which was ultimately the major cause of ww2

Lack of response of early foreign policy from France and Britain gave hitler to pursue more ambitious foreign policy

Later foreign policy sought to reinforce Hitler's position and expand German territory and influence.

aim of foreign policy

uniting the German people, overthrow of Versailles, pursuit of lebensraum

evidence of success in these aims

debate surrounding hitler's foreign policy

whether hitler was a master planner or an opportunist

Early foreign policy

1933-1936

Foreign policy achievements were aimed at overturning Versailles. His success in doing this improved his popularity

Withdrawal from the league of nations

The saar plebiscite

Rearmament of Germany

Remilitarization of the Rhineland

withdrawal from the League of Nations

october 1933

Saar Plebiscite

January 1935

people voted to be part of Germany and not France: the saarland was returned to Germany

rearmament of Germany

from 1935 onwards in violation of versailles (army expanded and conscription reintroduced)

Remilitarization of the Rhineland

1936

in violation of versailles, little opposition from France or Britain

Lack of response from France of Britain gave hitler to pursue more ambitious foreign policy

Later foreign policy: steps to war

1936-1939

Sent troops to support Franco in the Spanish civil war

Anti-comintern pact

Anschluss

Takeover of the Sudetenland (appeasement)

Invasion of Poland

Nazi-Soviet pact

Anti-Comintern Pact

25 november 1936

Alliance between Germany, Italy, Japan

Anshluss

1938

Anschluss of Germany and Austria, majority of people voted for the union

Takeover of the Sudetenland

1938

thanks to the Munich conference of 1938, only example of appeasement as it was Chamberlain's initiative

Invasion of Poland

1 September 1939

Britain and France issued an ultimatum and later declared war

Nazi-Soviet pact

23 August 1939

Purpose of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

to undermine France's attempts to surround germany with its allies

meant Hitler would not have to worry about the Soviet Union as he invaded Poland and pursued war in Europe

Assessing opposition in Nazi Germany

difficult due to lack of source material (strict censorship)

Plebiscite results: rigged and do not show attitudes towards nazism

Diaries: too individualistic

Memoirs: too much hindsight, can not tell us thoughts and opinions of the 30s

Most reliable sources: SPD reports and NASDAP reports

Reliability is compromised by who was spoken to and what the questions were

Fear of punishment caused "tepid neutrality" among resistors

Nature of opposition

political, workers, religious groups, youth, military

Political opposition

Communists, Socialists

Treatment of political opposition

Their ability to coordinate was repressed by the law against the formation of new parties and violence against political opposition. they were imprisoned in concentration camps, the remaining hid from authorities and distributed leaflets as a form of opposition

Worker opposition

NSBO election showed only 20% support for the nazis, workers could be seen as a hostile group

low level resistance through strikes, refusal to salute and sabotage of factory machines

Treatment of worker opposition

Elimination of trade unions made opposition from workers difficult to organize

Military opposition

Became more organized as ww2 progressed and officers became dissatisfied with hitler's leadership

Kreisau Circle made up of high ranking military officers and members of the old aristocracy: July 1944 bomb plot

Treatment of military opposition

leaders of the bomb plot were executed

Youth opposition

Usually on moral grounds or to demand more individual freedoms

White Rose group by Hans and Sophie Scholl, moral opposition. They handed out fliers.

Edelweiss Pirates, Swing Youth opposed authoritarian measures and the Hitler youth, they wanted to pursue freedoms that were restricted

Treatment of youth opposition

Scholl siblings were caught and executed in 1943

Opposition from religious groups

From the most part we see compliance and muted opposition

Catholic pressure against euthanasia and sterilization

Bishop von Galen spoke out against the euthanasia programme in a sermon

The confessional church was a more organised form of opposition

Churches largely agreed with nazi views such as traditional family values and anti-communism

Agreement with the Vatican

1933

granted Catholics freedom of worship without molestation from the regime

Treatment of religious opposition

Hitler was careful of his treatment of the Catholics because of agreement with the vatican and fear of loss of support

The leader of the confessional church was arrested and imprisoned

Extent of opposition

Dissent, opposition, Active resistance

Dissent in Nazi Germany

general complaining (working hours, wages, conditions) mundane non-political matters, jokes about hitler/other party members, refusal to salute.

Widespread but not serious

doesn't point to widespread opposition or active resistance.

Opposition in Nazi Germany

concrete initiative to speak against the regime.

Less common.

Catholic intervention, speaking out

1941 bishop publicly spoke out against euthanasia programme

Removal of crucifixes from catholic classrooms

1936

District of Oldenburg, the local Nazi leadership attempted to subvert the agreement by removing crucifixes from catholic classrooms, yet they were soon replaced after protest

Catholic intervention against sterilization programme

1933

intervention to try and overturn the verdict of the Reich Hereditary Health Court

Active resistance in Nazi Germany

Bomb plot of 1944

White Rose group

Kreisau Circle

Edelweiss Pirates

All of these had limited scope, scale and outcome

Methods of treatment of opposition

Legal methods

Terror

Propaganda

COMPLiANCE

Legal methods of treatment of opposition

Enabling act

Law against the formation of new parties

Authoritarian control and the extent to which it was achieved

Hitler's regime lasted just 12 years. It was destroyed by external factors, not internal disintegration. The degree of authoritarian control was profound.

Factors that induced compliance

sophisticated propaganda, political terror, denunciations, relative lack of opposition

Sophisticated propaganda

especially surrounding controversial issues such as eugenics

Eg. Famous propaganda film "Ich Klage An" (I accuse). Wolfgang Liebeneiner, 1941. SS monitoring noted that 73% of the population agreed with the film's central message: the law should be changed to allow "mercy killing"