The Weimar Republic and the Rise of the Nazi Party

Coalition Government

Government formed by multiple political parties.

Political Fragmentation

Disunity in parliament leading to weak governments.

Article 48

Allowed president to dissolve parliament in emergencies.

Treaty of Versailles

1919 treaty imposing harsh terms on Germany.

Diktat

German term for imposed treaty terms.

November Criminals

Term for politicians blamed for signing Versailles.

Spartacists

Communists seeking a government like Russia's.

Hyperinflation

Rapid currency devaluation causing economic hardship.

Ruhr Valley Occupation

French troops occupied Germany's industrial heartland.

Reichstag

German parliament formed by proportional representation.

Mein Kampf

Hitler's book outlining Nazi ideology and policies.

SS (Schutzstaffel)

Hitler's personal bodyguard unit, expanded by Himmler.

Great Depression

Economic crisis worsening Germany's political instability.

Nazi Party Rise

Hitler's party gained support through effective propaganda.

Ebert's Dilemma

President Ebert's struggle with signing Versailles.

Freikorps

Anti-communist paramilitary groups aiding government.

Economic Woes

Public blamed government for financial hardships.

Hitler's Rhetoric

Persuasive speeches addressing public concerns.

Political Legitimacy

Hitler's strategy to gain power through elections.

Lebensraum

Nazi concept of territorial expansion for Germans.

Public Discontent

Widespread dissatisfaction with Weimar government.

Economic Prioritization

Government accused of favoring workers over middle class.

Rebellions Impact

Spartacist uprising distracted government from reforms.

Hitler's Campaign Strategy

Utilized media to spread Nazi messages widely.

Rallies

Hitler's events to galvanize public support.

Political Exploitation

Using crises to undermine opponents and gain power.

Local Nazi Parties

Network established to broaden Nazi support base.

Reorganisation of Nazi Party

Brought clarity to Hitler's policies and structure.

SS and SA

Paramilitary groups portraying Nazi discipline and order.

Joseph Goebbels

Appointed head of Nazi propaganda in 1929.

Nazi Propaganda

Used media to blame Treaty of Versailles.

Weimar Politicians

Blamed for inability to address economic crisis.

25 Points Program

Nazi manifesto promising jobs and support for workers.

Scapegoating

Blaming Jews for economic problems during depression.

Anti-Communist Stance

Attracted industrialists to finance Nazi campaigns.

Middle Class Support

Many middle-class Germans supported Nazi promises.

Rural German Votes

Nazi values appealed to rural German voters.

Street Battles

Frequent clashes between police and communists.

Jobless Workers

Large groups seen on streets during depression.

Discipline and Order

SA and SS presented themselves as organized forces.

Wall Street Crash

Triggered Great Depression starting in October 1923.

US Loans Impact

Germany's economy collapsed due to recalled loans.

Job Losses

By 1932, nearly 6 million Germans unemployed.

Income Decline

Average German income fell by 40% (1929-1932).

Weimar Government Failure

Failed to alleviate hardships during economic crisis.

Coalition Government Collapse

SPD coalition failed to support jobless welfare.

Reichstag Fire

Burning event used to justify emergency powers.

Marinus van der Lubbe

Communist arrested for starting Reichstag fire.

Decree for Protection

Granted Hitler powers to suspend civil liberties.

Political Oppression

Arrests and bans on opposition parties and media.

March Election Advantage

Nazis eliminated communists, boosting their political power.

Nazi Seats Won

Nazis secured 288 seats, improving from 1932.

Reichstag Majority

Nazis held 52% of seats with support from allies.

Enabling Act

Allowed Hitler to pass laws without Reichstag approval.

Two-Third Majority

Required for Hitler to amend Weimar Constitution.

Political Rival Voting

Only the SPD opposed the Enabling Act.

Communist Intimidation

Many communists did not vote due to threats.

Catholic Centre Party

Cooperated with Nazis for vague promises.

Legal Dictatorship

Hitler became a legal dictator post-Enabling Act.

Coordination Process

Brought state institutions under Hitler's control.

Civil Service Ban

Hitler banned Jews from civil service in 1933.

Trade Union Ban

Hitler banned trade unions, securing elite support.

One-Party State

All political parties except Nazis were banned.

SA Growth

SA grew to 3 million under Ernst Röhm.

Night of the Long Knives

Hitler eliminated SA leaders, consolidating power.

Economic Recovery

Hitler's policies reduced unemployment post-Great Depression.

Reich Labour Service

Provided public works jobs to unemployed men.

Hjalmar Schacht

Appointed economics minister to stabilize finances.

Conscription Reintroduction

Hitler reintroduced conscription, violating Treaty of Versailles.

Autarky Plan

Regulated labor and materials to achieve self-sufficiency.

Luftwaffe Creation

Announced development of a world-class air force.

Support for Large Companies

Firms profited from government contracts, avoiding strikes.

Reich Entailed Farm Law

Protected farmers from losing land to banks.

Strength Through Joy (KDF)

Organized affordable recreational activities for workers.

Volkswagen Beetle

Symbol of prosperity, encouraged savings among workers.

Beauty of Labour Movement

Improved factory working conditions and facilities.

Public Building Projects

Included highways and the Reich Chancellery.

Support from Workers

Hitler's initiatives increased worker loyalty and popularity.