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Why was Hitler Able to Dominate Germany by 1934?

• Overview of the topic, which will cover various aspects of Hitler's rise to power, including:

  • The early formation and policies of the Nazi Party in the 1920s

  • Factors influencing the Nazi Party's success and previous challenges before 1930

  • The means by which Hitler became Chancellor and consolidated his power by 1934

The Nazi Party in the 1920s

Origins and Emergence

• Adolf Hitler's Background

  • Served as a messenger in WWI; awarded medals for bravery

  • Injured in a mustard gas attack, learned of Germany's defeat while hospitalized

  • Developed a belief in the 'dolchstoss' theory blaming Weimar politicians for the loss

• Formation of the DAP

  • Founded by Anton Drexler in February 1919 as a response to political instability

  • Hitler's initial role was to spy on political groups; subsequently joins as a member in 1919

  • Growth in party size and influence, leading to rebranding as the NSDAP by 1920

The Development of the NSDAP

Key Changes Under Hitler's Leadership

• Rise in Membership

  • By June 1920, membership grew to 1,000; end of year had 3,000 members

  • Increased through Hitler's oratory skills and personal appeal

• Organizational Structure and Policy

  • Implementation of the Twenty-Five Point Programme to formalize party policies

  • Policies reflect a mix of Nationalism and Socialism aiming to attract a broad audience

  • Creation of a party army (SA) to support and protect party activities and intimidate opponents

Challenges and Setbacks (1924-1928)

The Munich Putsch

• Attempted Coup in 1923

  • Triggered by hyperinflation and government instability; aimed to overthrow Weimar government

  • Failed due to lack of support from right-wing military and police, leading to Hitler’s arrest

  • Following imprisonment, Hitler used the time to strategize and write Mein Kampf

• Outcome and Impacts

  • Weakened party temporarily but laid groundwork for future actions

  • Party's name changed and restructured in 1925 after release and lifting of bans

Rise to Power Maximization (1930-1933)

Exploitation of Economic Crisis

• Wall Street Crash of 1929 and its consequences

  • Led to massive unemployment and dissatisfaction with the Weimar government

  • Hitler capitalized on grievances, promoting the Nazi Party as a solution

• Increased Electoral Success

  • By July 1932, the NSDAP became the largest party with 38% of the vote

  • Bruning’s unpopular policies further drove voters toward the Nazis

Appointment as Chancellor

• Political Maneuvering

  • Hindenburg’s hesitance and political miscalculations allowed Hitler’s rise

  • Appointed Chancellor in January 1933; relations with von Papen miscalculated by Hindenburg

Consolidation of Power (1933-1934)

Key Methods

• Reichstag Fire and Decree

  • Fire provided a pretext for limiting Communist influence and civil liberties

  • Arrest of political opponents following the Fire, establishing a climate of fear

• The Enabling Act (March 1933)

  • Gave Hitler legislative powers to bypass Reichstag, marking the end of parliamentary democracy

• Night of the Long Knives

  • Purge within the SA to eliminate rivals; solidified Hitler’s control over the party and military

Conclusion: Transition to Dictatorship

• Death of Hindenburg in 1934

  • Allowed Hitler to unify the positions of Chancellor and President, declaring himself Führer

  • End of the Weimar Republic and initiation of Nazi Germany's authoritarian rule