The Nazis' Rise to Power

The Rise of Nazism in Germany

The Evolution of the Reichstag (1920-1939)

  • Investigating shifts in political power from the Weimar Republic to Nazi Germany.

Three Key Stages of Nazi Rise

  • Revolutionary Stage (1919-1924): Early years marked by chaos and the foundation of the NSDAP.

  • Parliamentary Stage (1924-1933): The Nazis begin to exploit democratic processes.

  • Legality Stage (1933-1935): Nazis consolidate power through legal means.

Causes of the Revolutionary Stage

  • Post-WWI chaos in Germany:

    • Weimar Republic founded in November 1918, struggling to maintain order.

    • Treaty of Versailles viewed as too harsh by Germans.

    • Rise in popularity of extreme political groups due to social unrest.

    • The city of Weimar chosen to host the government amid Berlin's chaos.

Hitler's Initial Political Engagement

  • Hitler joined DAP (German Workers’ Party) as a spy but quickly became its star speaker.

  • Formation of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in 1920; Hitler became leader by September 1921.

  • Goals included:

    • Gaining power

    • Abolishing the Treaty of Versailles

    • Overturning democracy

    • Rallying against perceived betrayal of Germany.

Munich Beer Hall Putsch (November 1923)

  • A failed coup planned by Hitler, inspired by Mussolini.

  • Results in Hitler's arrest and imprisonment where he wrote "Mein Kampf," outlining his ideology.

  • Although a failure, it established the Nazi Party’s foundational narrative.

Shift During the Parliamentary Stage (1924-1933)

  • Key Causes:

    • Hitler's release from prison in December 1924.

    • New strategy focused on exploiting the Weimar democracy to gain electoral support.

The Schutzstaffel (SS)

  • Established in 1925 as Hitler's personal bodyguards.

  • Later evolved into a significant force enforcing Nazi racial policies.

    • Responsible for the Holocaust and overseeing concentration camps.

Impact of the Great Depression (1929)

  • Stock market crash intensified social issues in Germany; U.S. loans ceased.

  • Rapidly rising unemployment led to a resurgence of support for Hitler and the Nazi Party.

  • Blamed Jews for the economic crisis, which gained him popular support.

Reichstag Elections and Rise in Votes

  • July 1932 election: NSDAP secured 37.8% of the vote, gaining 230 seats.

  • Fears of communism and economic instability drove many to support the Nazis.

Hitler's Chancellorship

  • Appointed Chancellor on January 30, 1933, amidst political maneuvers by Hindenburg.

  • Immediate actions led to the Reichstag Fire (February 27, 1933).

Utilization of Emergency Powers

  • Following the Reichstag Fire, Hitler convinced Hindenburg to enact the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties.

  • The Enabling Act (March 23, 1933) enabled Hitler to enact laws without Reichstag approval.

"Nazification" of Germany

  • Established a one-party state.

  • Suppressed all political opposition, eliminated trade unions, and controlled religious influences.

Key Events Leading to Total Control

  • Dachau established as the first concentration camp (March 1933).

  • Night of the Long Knives (June 30 - July 2, 1934): Purge of perceived threats within the Nazi Party, leading to numerous executions.

  • After Hindenburg's death (August 2, 1934), Hitler combined the roles of President and Chancellor into one position as the Führer.

Military Loyalty Shift

  • The Wehrmacht pledged an oath of loyalty to Hitler, marking a radical shift in military allegiance and control.