Rise of Nazi Party

Paul von Hindenburg

A prominent German military leader who served as a Field Marshal during World War I, he later became the elected President of Germany in 1925. Hindenburg was known for his quiet and often passive approach to the political turmoil of his time, refraining from taking strong stances on various political issues that arose.

Enabling Act

A pivotal piece of legislation passed in 1933 that granted the Nazi party unprecedented power to arrest political opponents and suppress dissent following the Reichstag Fire. This act effectively allowed Hitler to govern by decree, undermining the democratic structures of the Weimar Republic.

Reichstag

The German parliament, functioning as the legislative branch of government. The Reichstag comprised representatives from various political parties, with their positions and influence determined by the voting percentages in elections, playing a crucial role in the legislative process.

Center Party (BPV)

A centrist political party in Germany characterized by its slightly conservative stance and strong Catholic ideologies. It focused on promoting traditional family values and often sought compromises between various political factions.

Social Democrats (SPD)

A major political party in Germany that leaned left, supporting the democratic principles of the German Republic. The SPD aimed to address social issues by creating jobs, supporting labor unions, and promoting social equality.

National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP)

Commonly known as the Nazi Party, it was an extreme right-wing political organization that propagated a fascist ideology. The NSDAP focused on nationalism, anti-Semitism, and advocated for territorial expansion, claiming to represent the interests of the German working class.

Communist Party of Germany (KPD)

An extremist political party in Germany that promoted the principles of communism. The KPD advocated for social equality, the abolition of capitalism, and was vehemently opposed to both the Nazis and other capitalist entities.

Reichstag Fire

A critical event that occurred in February 1933 when the German parliament building was set ablaze. The Nazis blamed the Communist party for this act, utilizing it as a pretext to justify their crackdown on political enemies and to consolidate power.

Night of Long Knives

A significant purge that took place in late June 1934, during which over 200 leaders of the SA (Stormtroopers) were executed on Hitler's orders. This act was intended to eliminate potential threats to Hitler’s authority and consolidate his power within the Nazi Party.

Malicious Practices Act

Legislation introduced to criminalize opposition to Hitler and the Nazi regime, leading to the banning of all political parties other than the Nazis. This act facilitated the establishment of a one-party dictatorship in Germany.

Volksgemeinschaft

This term refers to the concept of a 'National Community' fostered by the Nazi regime, which emphasized racial purity and promoted strict adherence to traditional gender roles. The philosophy aimed to create a sense of collective identity among Aryans at the expense of minority groups.

Mein Kampf

An autobiographical manifesto written by Adolf Hitler during his imprisonment in 1923. In this book, Hitler outlined his political ideology, including his vision for Germany's future, his beliefs in anti-Semitism, and the expansion of German territory.

Dachau

Dachau was one of the first concentration camps established by the Nazis in 1933, initially intended for political prisoners, especially communists. Over time, it became a site of starvation, forced labor, and brutal treatment of inmates.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that occurred in the late 1920s, lasting until the early 1930s. This crisis had profound effects on Germany, exacerbating economic instability and contributing to the rise of extremist political movements.

Article 48

A provision in the Weimar Constitution that allowed the President to take emergency measures without the Reichstag’s approval, effectively suspending constitutional rights. This article was often used to bypass democracy and promote authoritarian rule.

Weimar Republic

The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, existing from 1918 until 1933. It was marked by significant social freedoms and political instability, facing numerous challenges that contributed to its eventual downfall.

Eugenics - 'positive' vs. 'negative'

The concept of eugenics promotes the idea of improving the genetic quality of human populations. 'Positive' eugenics encourages the reproduction of people with desirable traits, while 'negative' eugenics aims to prevent those deemed 'unfit' from procreating, often through sterilization and restrictive marriage laws.

Propaganda

Information, often biased or misleading, that is used to influence public opinion in support of a specific agenda. The Nazi regime utilized extensive propaganda to cultivate a favorable view of their policies and demonize their opponents.

Joseph Goebbels

The chief propagandist for the Nazi party and head of the Reich Ministry of Public Enlightenment. Goebbels was instrumental in developing the propaganda strategy that promoted Nazi ideology and manipulated public perception.

Nuremberg Laws

A set of anti-Semitic laws enacted in September 1935 that established racial criteria for German citizenship. These laws stripped Jews of their citizenship rights and laid the groundwork for further segregation and discrimination.

Kristallnacht

Also known as the Night of Broken Glass, this was a coordinated series of violent attacks against Jews in Germany on November 9-10, 1938. This state-sponsored violence resulted in the destruction of Jewish businesses, synagogues, and the arrest of thousands of Jewish individuals.

Hitler Youth

A paramilitary organization for boys aged 14 to 18, aimed at indoctrinating youth with Nazi ideology and preparing them for military service. The organization promoted loyalty to Hitler and the values of the Nazi regime.

German Girls

A program designed for girls, promoting domestic skills such as cooking and homemaking while reinforcing Nazi racial ideology and traditional gender expectations.

SA (Stormtroopers)

The Sturmabteilung, or SA, was the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party, known for its street violence and intimidation tactics. They played a key role in the rise of the Nazis but were later seen as a threat to Hitler’s authority.

Article 48

This provision in the Weimar Constitution permitted the President to act independently of the parliamentary system during emergencies, allowing for the suspension of civil rights and the potential for authoritarian governance.