Rise of Hitler

Weimar Republic

The democratic government of Germany from 1918 to 1933, established after the end of the German Empire.

Proportional Representation

An election system where the number of seats a party gets in the government is directly related to the number of votes they receive.

Coalition Government

A government formed when several political parties join together to rule because no single party won a majority in the election.

Article 48

A part of the Weimar Constitution that allowed the President to pass laws without the Reichstag in emergencies.

Treaty of Versailles

The peace treaty signed at the end of World War I that imposed harsh terms on Germany, causing resentment and humiliation.

Stab in the Back Myth

The idea spread by right-wing groups that the Weimar government betrayed Germany by surrendering in World War I.

Spartacists

A left-wing, communist group that led a rebellion in Germany in 1919.

Freikorps

Right-wing paramilitary groups made up of ex-soldiers who opposed the communist rebellions

Kapp Putsch

An attempted right-wing coup in 1920 that aimed to overthrow the Weimar government.

Ruhr Crisis

The occupation of the Ruhr industrial region by French and Belgian troops in 1923 due to Germany's failure to pay reparations.

Hyperinflation

A period of extreme and rapid increase in prices that made Germany's currency worthless in late 1923.

Dawes Plan

An economic plan in 1924 that provided Germany with loans from the United States to help stabilize its economy and pay reparations.

Stresemann

Gustav Stresemann, Chancellor and Foreign Minister, who played a key role in stabilizing the Weimar Republic in the 1920s.

Young Plan

A plan in 1929 that further reduced Germany's reparation payments.

Rentenmark

A temporary currency introduced in 1923 to stabilize the German economy during hyperinflation.

Reichsmark

The new, permanent currency introduced in 1924 to replace the Rentenmark and establish long

Nazi Party

Political party that emerged from the German Workers' Party, led by Adolf Hitler, known for its nationalist and extremist ideology. (Hitler joined in 1919, removed Drexler as leader in 1921).

SA (Storm Troopers)

The Nazi Party's paramilitary wing, formed in 1921, used to protect Nazi meetings and disrupt those of other parties.

SS

Originally Hitler's personal bodyguards, later became a powerful organization within the Nazi Party, fanatically loyal to Hitler. (set up in 1925).

Hitler Youth

Nazi youth organization that indoctrinated young people with Nazi ideology. (formed as part of Nazi reform).

Munich Putsch

Failed coup attempt by Hitler and the Nazis to seize power in Germany. (November 1923).

Reichstag

The German Parliament. (Nazis became the single largest party in July 1932).

Chancellor

The head of government in Germany.

Negative Cohesion

Support for the Nazis based not on agreement with their views, but on shared fears, such as fear of communism. (used by Nazis in the 1930s).

Third Reich

The Nazi regime in Germany, established by Hitler. (formed on 15 March 1933).

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that began with the Wall Street Crash in 1929, leading to unemployment and hardship in Germany, and helping the Nazis gain support.

Fear of Communism

The Nazis exploited the fear of communism among various groups in German society, including farmers, businessmen, and those who remembered the Russian Revolution.

Mein Kampf

"My Struggle," a book written by Hitler in prison, outlining his political ideology and plans for Germany.

Hitler's Promises

Deliver a strong government; Revive Germany's former glory; Overturn the Treaty of Versailles;

Nazi Ideology

Combination of capitalist economic policies with talks of equality and state control to appeal to both left and right; Anti-Bolshevism; Use of propaganda; Belief in a "master race" and anti-Semitism.

Adolf Hitler

Leader of the Nazi Party, appointed Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933.

Hitler's Strengths

Excellent and charismatic speaker; Captivated audiences and inspired confidence; Persuasive and manipulative, able to influence various groups (unemployed, farmers, middle class, industrialists) through his campaigns; Reorganized the Nazi Party effectively; Exploited fears of communism to gain support; Skilled at making deals with politicians