history session 2

Unit 1.1: The Weimar Government

• Background

  • Prior to 1919, Germany was an empire ruled by Kaiser Wilhelm II, who abdicated on November 9, 1918.

  • Following his abdication, the Weimar Republic was established in Weimar, Germany.

• Government Structure

  • The Weimar Republic implemented a democratic system with proportional representation in parliament.

  • A new Reichstag (parliament) was formed where:

    • A president is elected every 7 years.

    • A chancellor is elected through popular vote, representing the political party with the most seats.

  • The chancellor possesses significant power for law formulation and passage.

• Key Figure: Friedrich Ebert

  • Ebert was the first president of Germany (1919-1925), representing the Social Democratic Party (SPD).

  • His government faced unrest and challenges from Communist and far-right groups.

• Unpopularity Reasons

  • Approval of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 led to resentment; politicians labeled as ‘November criminals’.

  • Economic issues: Hyperinflation and eventual Great Depression in 1929.

  • Ineffective democracy due to fragmentation; no clear winners in elections.

Unit 1.2: Germany in the 1920s

• Social and Political Climate

  • Discontent arose from WWI defeat and economic hardship.

  • Emergence of völkisch parties aiming to forge a strong national identity through ethnic purity, influenced by Social Darwinism.

  • The German Workers' Party (DAP) was co-founded by Anton Drexler, connecting later with Hitler’s ideology.

• Hitler’s Early Life and Political Awakening

  • Born in Austria (1889), initially aspired to be an artist but was rejected by an art school.

  • Moved to Munich in 1913, became obsessed with Germany and blamed the Weimar Republic for Germany’s WWI defeat.

  • Fought in WWI, awarded the Iron Cross.

• DAP Overview

  • Founded in 1919 with 50 members; aligned with nationalist and socialist ideologies.

  • Significant hostility towards Weimar Government, Jews, and the Treaty of Versailles.

Hitler and the Birth of the Nazi Party (1919-1921)

• Membership Growth

  • Hitler joined the DAP in 1919, rising to become Drexler’s right-hand man.

  • The membership surged to 3,000 by 1920 due to Hitler's oratory skills.

• Formation of the NSDAP

  • DAP became the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) in 1920 and adopted the Swastika as a symbol.

  • Established a permanent office in Munich, acquired newspapers like Völkischer Beobachter for propaganda.

• Propaganda and Control

  • The NSDAP utilized propaganda to spread their ideologies, focusing on antisemitism from the start.

  • Utilized the SA (Stormtroopers) to exert control and combat opposition, particularly targeting Communists.

Hitler's Complete Control of the Nazi Party

• Leadership Structure and Changes

  • By January 1922, Hitler solidified his control over the party, centralizing authority under the Fuhrerprinzip.

  • Nazi membership grew from 1,100 in mid-1920 to approximately 55,000 by late 1923.

• Munich Putsch (1923)

  • A failed coup attempt to overthrow Weimar Government resulted in 14 deaths and Hitler's imprisonment.

  • In prison, Hitler wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his ideologies.

• Consequences of the Putsch

  • Highlighted the Nazis' lack of support at the time but later gained publicity during Hitler’s trial.

  • The party was banned, but the ban was lifted in 1925.

The 'Lean Years' (1924-1928)

• Impact of Mein Kampf

  • Mein Kampf encapsulated key beliefs:

    • Nationalism to reverse the Treaty of Versailles.

    • Aryanism advocating the superiority of the Aryan race.

    • Socialism emphasizing wealth for working people.

    • Totalitarianism removing democracy for Führer rule.

• Reorganization of the Nazi Party

  • Relaunched on February 27, 1925, at a Munich Beer Hall, attended by 4,000 supporters.

  • Established a structured hierarchy across Germany, with departments handling finance, industry, and education.

• Developing Support

  • Propaganda campaigns aimed at various societal groups, notably business owners, farmers, and women.

  • By 1929, membership exceeded 100,000.

A Lack of Success (1928)

• Decline in Support

  • In 1928, the Nazis only secured 3% of votes due to improved economics in Germany and increasing public support for the Weimar Government.

  • The deteriorating support was linked to stronger institutions and well-promoted leaders like Von Hindenburg.

Key Economic Events Leading to Change

• 1929 Great Depression

  • Triggered by the Wall Street Crash, leading to soaring unemployment and increasing discontent with the Weimar Government.

  • Resulted in a rise of extremist parties and set the stage for an authoritarian regime.