Emergence of Nazi Germany Historiography

Historian on the weakness of the Weimar system

Richard Evans – Weimar’s political system was flawed: proportional representation bred instability.

Historian on economic crisis being the reason for Nazi success

Detlev Peukert – Economic collapse, not ideology, explains Nazi electoral breakthrough.

• positive: election results from before the Great Depression

Historian on the death of Weimar

Geoffrey Layton – 1932 represented a “genuinely revolutionary situation” where Weimar could not survive.

Historian on Hitler as a weak but exploitative dictator vs historian on Hitler as the key

Hans Mommsen – Nazis exploited structural weaknesses; Hitler was a “weak dictator,” carried by circumstances.

vs

Ian Kershaw – Hitler’s charisma was crucial: “Hitler was the indispensable catalyst.”

Historian views on Hitler’s political role

Alan Bullock – Hitler was the “master of the Reich,” a skilful manipulator.

vs

A.J.P. Taylor – Hitler was opportunist, not planner; economic crisis created his opening.

Historian on social factors in Hitler’s rise

William Shirer – Hitler’s rise stemmed from propaganda, intimidation, and widespread disillusionment.