Hitler & Germany - Rise To Power

What was the Weimar Republic?

Germany's democratic republic established after the First World War. It had an elected parliament, a president and a constitution protecting civil liberties.

How did the Great Depression help the Nazis gain support?

Unemployment and poverty increased, and many Germans lost confidence in the government. Nazi promises of jobs and recovery became more attractive.

Why did the Weimar government's economic policies become unpopular during the Depression?

Spending cuts and tax rises increased hardship and weakened public confidence in the government's ability to solve the crisis.

Why did fear of communism encourage some people to support Hitler?

Some business owners, middle-class voters and conservative politicians feared a communist revolution. They saw Hitler as a strong opponent of communism.

How did divisions between Hitler's opponents help the Nazis?

Opposition parties struggled to cooperate. In particular, Communists and Social Democrats remained deeply divided, making a united response to the Nazis more difficult.

How did Hitler's leadership help him attract support?

His speeches appealed to people's fears and hopes. He presented himself as a strong leader who could restore order and Germany's national pride.

What promises did the Nazis make to attract voters?

They promised jobs, economic recovery, strong government and national revival. They adapted their messages to appeal to different groups.

How did Nazi propaganda help Hitler gain support?

Posters, newspapers, rallies and speeches spread Nazi messages widely. Propaganda promoted Hitler as Germany's saviour and blamed opponents for the country's problems.

How did Nazi Stormtroopers help Hitler's rise to power?

They protected Nazi meetings, intimidated political opponents and disrupted rival meetings. Their violence weakened opponents and demonstrated Nazi strength.

What role did Franz von Papen play in Hitler becoming Chancellor?

Papen helped persuade President Hindenburg to appoint Hitler. He believed that conservative politicians could control Hitler within a coalition government.

Who appointed Hitler as Chancellor, and when?

President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor on 30 January 1933.

Was Hitler directly elected Chancellor by the German people?

No. Voters elected representatives to parliament, but the President appointed the Chancellor. Hitler gained the position through political negotiations.

Why did becoming Chancellor not immediately make Hitler an absolute dictator?

He still faced limits from President Hindenburg, his coalition partners and Germany's political institutions. He needed to remove opposition and further checks on his power.

What was the Reichstag Fire, and when did it happen?

The German parliament building caught fire on 27 February 1933.

How did Hitler use the Reichstag Fire to strengthen his position?

The Nazis blamed the Communists and claimed that Germany faced a revolutionary threat. They used this claim to justify emergency powers and repression.

What did the Reichstag Fire Decree of 28 February 1933 do?

It suspended civil liberties, including freedoms of speech, press and assembly. It allowed the regime to arrest and detain opponents without normal legal protections.

What was the Enabling Act, and when was it passed?

Passed on 23 March 1933, it allowed Hitler's government to make laws without parliamentary approval, including laws that departed from the constitution.

How did the Nazis secure the passage of the Enabling Act?

They arrested or excluded opponents, used intimidation and gained support from other parties to obtain the required two-thirds majority.

What happened to independent trade unions on 2 May 1933?

The Nazis occupied union offices, seized funds and arrested leaders. This helped destroy organisations that could organise workers against the regime.

How did Germany become a one-party state in July 1933?

Opposition parties were banned or pressured into dissolving. The law of 14 July recognised the Nazi Party as the only legal party and prohibited the formation of others.

How did the Gestapo help the Nazis maintain control?

The Gestapo was the secret state police. It investigated suspected opponents and used surveillance, arrests and intimidation to discourage resistance.

What was the Night of the Long Knives, and when did it happen?

Between 30 June and 2 July 1934, Hitler ordered the murder of leading Stormtroopers and other perceived political rivals.

Why did Hitler target Ernst Röhm and the Stormtrooper leadership?

Army commanders feared the Stormtroopers as a rival force. Removing their leaders helped Hitler gain army support and eliminate a potential challenge within the Nazi movement.

How did Hindenburg's death help Hitler consolidate power?

When Hindenburg died on 2 August 1934, Hitler combined the powers of President and Chancellor. He became Führer and removed a major remaining limit on his authority.

Why was the army's oath of loyalty in August 1934 important?

Soldiers swore personal loyalty and obedience to Hitler. This strengthened his control over the armed forces and made resistance to him a breach of their oath.