HIST 106: Lecture 11: Nazism and the Rise of Adolf Hitler

Economic Context of the Weimar Republic (1919-1939)

  • The Weimar Republic was established in Germany after World War I, amidst significant turmoil and economic difficulty.

Key Figures and Events

  • Friederich Ebert: Chancellor of the Weimar Republic and significant figure in its political landscape.

  • Spartacists:

    • Leaders Rosa Luxembourg and Karl Liebknecht led a revolutionary movement advocating for communist ideologies.

  • Kapp Putsch (1920):

    • Wolfgang Kapp led an attempted coup against the Weimar government, showcasing the instability during the era.

  • Free Corps: Paramilitary groups that played a role in suppressing leftist uprisings and maintaining order in post-war Germany.

  • Reichstag: The German parliament, which faced challenges in governance and faced public dissatisfaction.

Major Challenges Faced by the Weimar Republic

  • Stigma of the Versailles Treaty:

    • The Treaty of Versailles was viewed negatively, credited with the sense of having been “stabbed in the back” by the government and military leaders.

  • Severe Postwar Economic Problems:

    • Economic depression and hyperinflation led to widespread suffering and dissatisfaction among the populace.

    • Post-1929: The Great Depression intensified these economic issues, further undermining the Weimar Republic.

  • Anti-democratic tendencies:

    • The German populace had limited experience with democracy, which bred authoritarian tendencies throughout society.

  • Bhur Valley: (Context unclear; potential geographic point of discussion.)

  • Gustav Stresemann: Notable policy figure known for the concept of “Passive Resistance,” in dealing with economic and political issues.

Key Economic Treaties and Plans

  • Dawes Plan (1925): A plan that restructured reparations payments and stabilized the German economy.

  • Spirit of Locarno (1925): Series of agreements that aimed to secure peace in post-war Europe and improve Germany's international relations.

  • Kellog-Briand Pact (1928): Agreement where signatory states pledged not to use war to resolve disputes, furthering the notion of peace efforts during this time.

Nazism and the Rise of Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler's Ascent to Power

  • Adolf Hitler (1889-1945): Germany’s dictator who left a lasting impact through his ideologies and policies.

  • Military Background: Joined the German army in 1914, where he showed valor and earned the Iron Cross, First Class, during World War I.

  • Formation of the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazi Party):

    • Hitler emerged as a leader in 1921, eventually becoming the Fuhrer (leader) of the party, which developed a distinct violent and nationalistic ideology.

Nazi Ideology

  • Key tenets of Nazi ideology included:

    • Violent nationalism: A focus on extreme nationalism leading to aggressive military policies.

    • Anti-Semitism: A strong anti-Jewish sentiment that formed a core aspect of the ideology.

  • SA (Sturmabteilung): Known as the Storm Troopers or Brownshirts, were a paramilitary group used by the Nazis to ensure party loyalty and intimidate opposition.

  • Beer Hall Putsch (November 1923): An attempted coup in Munich led by Hitler that failed but garnered attention for the Nazi Party.

Hitler's World View and Key Policies

  • As articulated in Mein Kampf, Hitler outlined his plans, including:

    • Defying the Treaty of Versailles: Aimed to restore national pride by rejecting the treaty’s stipulations.

    • Ending Reparations Payments: Proposed to cease payments imposed by the Treaty of Versailles that hampered the German economy.

    • Remilitarization of the Rhineland: Planned military reoccupation of this demilitarized zone.

    • Rearming Germany: A focus on rebuilding the military strength of Germany.

    • Racial Nationalism: Promoted the concept of the Aryan Race as superior, in opposition to what he described as inferior races (e.g., Jews).

    • Anschluss: Advocated for the union of Austria and Germany.

    • Sudetenland: Recognized the presence of 3 million ethnic Germans in Czechoslovakia and their claims for autonomy.

    • Lebensraum: The idea of needing “Living Space,” particularly in Eastern Europe, targeting territories in the Soviet Union and Ukraine for German expansion.

Propaganda and Hitler’s Rise

  • Joseph Goebbels: The Nazi Party's chief propagandist who played a critical role in shaping public perception of the regime and its initiatives.

  • Hitler Becomes Chancellor: In January 1933, Hitler's political maneuvering led to his appointment as Chancellor, marking a significant shift in German governance.

Implementation of Nazi Policies

  • The establishment of a dictatorship characterized by Hitler's personal control.

  • Reichstag Fire (February 27, 1933):

    • A pivotal event used to blame Communists and rally public support against perceived threats to the regime.

  • Enabling Act (March 1933): Provided Hitler with dictatorial powers for four years, enhancing his control over the government.

  • Night of the Long Knives (June 1934): A purge of the Nazi leadership; this incident consolidated Hitler's power.

  • SS (Schutz Staffel): A new, brutal paramilitary force controlled by Heinrich Himmler, used for enforcing Nazi policies.

  • Gestapo: The secret police of Nazi Germany tasked with eliminating opposition to the regime through intimidation and violence.