Rise of Hitler and the Nazi's

Adolf Hitler

Leader of the Nazi Party who rebuilt the party after 1924 and ultimately rose to power in Germany.

Reichstag Fire

The arson of the German parliament in February 1933, which was used by Hitler to justify a crackdown on Communists.

Enabling Act

Legislation passed in March 1933 that allowed Hitler to rule by decree, sidelining the parliament.

Nuremberg Laws

Anti-Semitic laws enacted in 1935 that stripped Jews of their citizenship and civil rights.

Gestapo

The secret police established by Hitler to suppress opposition and dissent in Nazi Germany.

Night of the Long Knives

A purge that took place in June 1934, where Hitler executed potential rivals within the Nazi Party.

Great Depression

An economic crisis that began in 1929, contributing to the rise of the Nazi Party by causing widespread unemployment.

Joseph Goebbels

Hitler's propaganda minister, responsible for crafting and controlling the messaging that glorified the Nazi Party.

1932 Presidential Election

The election in which Hitler lost to Paul von Hindenburg but the Nazi Party became the largest party in the parliament.

Support from the Middle Class

The backing the Nazi Party received from middle-class and business communities, fearing communism and desiring economic stability.

Militarization and Expansion

Hitler's aggressive rebuilding of Germany's military, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, setting the stage for WWII.

Backroom Politics

The political maneuvers that led to Hindenburg appointing Hitler as Chancellor in January 1933.