Hitler's Rise to Power

Treaty of Versailles

Document ending World War I

War Reparations

Monetary payments to the winners of a war as punishment for losing

War-Guilt Clause

Clause in Treaty of Versailles requiring Germany to take total responsibility for the War, including all deaths and damages

November Criminals

Those who signed the Armistice to stop fighting in WWI - seen as traitors

"Stab in the Back" Theory

Belief that German politicians (especially Jews and communists) sold out the people in the surrender of WWI

Weimar Republic

German government from 1919-1932

Fuhrer

Hitler's title as leader of the Nazi Party

Paul von Hindenburg

President of Weimar Republic; Well respected but weak

SA (Brownshirts)

Nazi street thugs/police

SS

Hitler's personal police force

Reichstag

German legislature

Great Depression

Era from 1929-1945 where the global economy crashed leading to high inflation and unemployment

Election of 1932

Huge victories for Nazi Party - Beginnings of Third Reich government

Antisemitism

Feelings of hatred, bigotry, or discrimination toward members of the Jewish faith or culture

Coup

the violent overthrow of a government by a small group

Beer Hall Putsch

Hitler's failed coup of the government in Munich. Used trial for publicity

Mein Kampf

"My Struggle" - Hitler's book he wrote in prison on the dangers of Jews, socialists, and communists

Propaganda

Using false or misleading words or images to evoke emotion

Nationalism

Strong feelings of pride in one's country