Part 3_3 Germany development of dictatorship, 1918–45

A School History Part Three

Focuses on the rise of Hitler and the Nazis

• Timeframe: Up to January 1933

• Related Topics: Development of Dictatorship in Germany from 1918 to 1945

Instructions for Use

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Learning Objectives

• Understand the early development of the Nazi Party from 1920 to 1922, including the ideological foundation and the key figures involved.

• Comprehend the Munich Putsch of 1923, its immediate implications for the Weimar Republic, and the subsequent imprisonment of Hitler.

• Analyze the significant growth in support for the Nazis from 1929 to 1932, including how socio-economic factors influenced public sentiment.

• Explore the complex political maneuvers that led to Hitler being appointed Chancellor from 1932 to 1933, examining the roles played by various political actors.

Important Keywords

• Dictatorship: A government system where a single entity or leader holds absolute power.

• Depression: Refers to the Great Depression, a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929.

• SA (Sturmabteilung): A paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party, known for its role in protecting party meetings and intimidating opponents.

• SS (Schutzstaffel): Initially formed as a personal bodyguard for Hitler, it evolved into a major paramilitary organization involved in numerous atrocities during the Nazi regime.

• Chancellor: The head of government in Germany, equivalent to a prime minister.

• Führer: The title used by Hitler conveying authority and a messianic leadership role.

• Lebensraum: The Nazi concept advocating for territorial expansion to provide living space for the Aryan population.

• Autarky: Economic independence that the Nazis aimed to achieve through self-sufficiency.

• German Army Oath: Soldiers' pledge of unconditional loyalty to Hitler, emphasizing the regime's control over military forces.

Rise of Hitler and the Nazis (Up to 1933)

Key Events and Developments

• Hitler's Initial Role in German Workers' Party (DAP): Hitler joined the DAP in 1919, where he found a platform for his nationalist and anti-Semitic ideologies.

• Changes to the Party (1920-22): Rebranding of DAP to NSDAP (Nazi Party) and introduction of the swastika as a symbol of the party’s identity.

• Munich Putsch and Its Aftermath (1923): The coup attempt aimed to seize power in Munich was a failure; however, it gained national attention for Hitler and the Nazi ideology.

• Reorganization of the Party (1924-28): After his release from prison, Hitler worked to broaden the party's appeal and established its infrastructure while adopting democratic processes to win electoral legitimacy.

• Impact of the Great Depression on Political Climate: The economic despair following the 1929 stock market crash led many Germans to turn towards extremist parties like the Nazis, who promised radical solutions.

• Methods of Gaining Support (1929-32): The Nazis utilized propaganda, rallies, and the SA’s intimidation tactics effectively to galvanize support.

• Events Leading to Hitler’s Chancellorship (1932-33): A culmination of political instability, backroom deals, and the underestimation of Hitler by traditional politicians allowed his ascendance to power.

Hitler and the German Workers' Party

• Background: Hitler was born in Austria-Hungary on April 20, 1889. He served in World War I and received decorations, including the Iron Cross, for bravery.

• Rise Within the Party: His effective use of propaganda, public speaking skills, and charismatic authority allowed him to rise rapidly to leadership by July 1921.

The Munich Putsch (1923)

• Causes, Events, and Results: The political instability in the Weimar Republic created a fertile ground for Hitler's coup attempt. Despite its failure, Hitler leveraged the trial to publicize his ideology and authored "Mein Kampf" during imprisonment.

Reorganization of the Party (1924-28)

• Following his release from prison, Hitler emphasized organizational growth. The Bamberg Conference of 1926 was pivotal in consolidating his authority and aligning the party under his vision, establishing the 25-Point Programme as a blueprint for Nazi policies.

Impact of the Great Depression

• The economic turmoil led to heightened unemployment and social unrest, facilitating a drastic increase in the Nazi electoral representation, from 12 seats in the Reichstag in 1928 to 230 in 1932.

Nazi Methods to Win Support

• Propaganda campaigns were designed to appeal to different demographics, with Joseph Goebbels playing a critical role in crafting Hitler’s public persona as a savior figure.

Events Leading to Hitler's Appointment as Chancellor (1932-33)

• Political maneuvers by figures such as President Hindenburg and Chancellor von Papen, along with increasing public support for the Nazis, culminated in Hitler's appointment as Chancellor in January 1933, under the false belief he could be controlled.

Glossary of Terms

• Great Depression: Significant worldwide economic downturn that started in 1929, severely impacting German society and politics.

• Chancellor: The head of the government in Germany, particularly during the Weimar Republic.

• Dictatorship: A governance model where one entity holds complete power, often associated with totalitarian regimes.

• SA (Sturmabteilung): The Nazis' paramilitary group responsible for enforcing party loyalty and aggressing against political opponents.

• Lebensraum: The Nazi policy aimed at territorial expansion to accommodate the Aryan race.

• Führer: The title adopted by Hitler symbolizing his role as the supreme leader of Germany.

• Autarky: The economic strategy of self-sufficiency implemented by the Nazi regime to reduce dependency on foreign nations.

• German Army Oath: A pledge emphasizing the military's loyalty to Hitler, highlighting the regime's dominance in all aspects of German society.

Homework Time

• Complete tasks related to Nazi control and dictatorship in Germany, analyzing economic, political, and social dimensions of the Nazis' rise to power.