history session 3

Module 2: Rise of Hitler and the Nazis

Unit 2.1: Hitler's Road to Chancellorship

• Several factors influenced the Nazi's victory in 1932, contributing to Hitler's Chancellorship:

  • The Great Depression

  • Fear of Communism

  • The Weakness of the Weimar Republic

  • The Organisation of the Nazis and the Role of Hitler

The Great Depression

• Timeline of Events: October 1929: U.S. Wall Street crash led to a worldwide economic depression, deeply impacting Germany due to its reliance on U.S. loans.

• Economic Consequences:

  • German businesses were forced to repay loans, leading to bankruptcy as industrial production dropped 40% and wages fell by 15%.

  • The German Government, under Chancellor Bruning, raised taxes and cut unemployment benefits, failing to stabilize the economy.

  • Impact on Citizens: Unemployment soared from 3 million in 1930 to 6 million by 1932, creating widespread poverty among farmers, middle-class citizens, and businessmen.

• Nazi Exploitation of the Depression:

  • Increased dissatisfaction with the Weimar Government drove people to vote for extreme political parties like the Nazis.

  • Hitler's promises of 'bread, land, and work' for all appealed to the desperate populace.

  • There was a direct correlation between rising unemployment and increased Nazi vote shares.

Fear of Communism

• The Depression led to heightened support for the Communist Party (KPD) among the working class, resulting in parliamentary representation.

• Nazi Response:

  • The Nazis portrayed Communism as a major threat, linking it to a Jewish conspiracy.

  • The SS (Schutzstaffel) disrupted Communist meetings and intimidated their supporters, sowing fear among the middle and upper classes who were frightened by the potential for a Communist revolution.

The Weakness of the Weimar Republic Government

• Ongoing resentment towards the Weimar Government stemmed from the Treaty of Versailles and economic struggles.

• Frequent changes in government (20 coalition governments between 1919-1933) led to instability and unresolved issues.

• Hitler promised a more robust and unified state to garner support.

The Organisation of the Nazis and the Role of Hitler

• Organizational Structure:

  • The Nazis established offices throughout Germany to recruit voters, receiving financial backing from wealthy industrialists.

  • Youth outreach was conducted through the Hitler Youth program.

• SS Influence:

  • Presented the Nazis as organized, disciplined, and reliable while also intimidating opposition parties.

• Hitler's Image:

  • Portrayed as a strong, decisive leader appealing to various demographics. His public speaking skills garnered vast audiences.

• Propaganda Tactics:

  • Josef Goebbels utilized modern media including radio, films, and posters to spread Nazi ideals, targeting workers, farmers, and businessmen specifically.

• Core Promises:

  • Economic recovery, the restoration of Germany's national pride, retribution for losses in WWI, stringent law enforcement, and racial unity were key components of Nazi messaging.

Hitler's Electoral Success

• After the onset of the Great Depression, the Nazis captured significant parliamentary votes:

  • September 1930 Elections: 18% of the vote.

  • July 1932 Elections: 37% of the vote (largest party).

  • November 1932: Slight decline to 33%, still the largest party.

• Appointment as Chancellor: Hitler demanded to be Chancellor, initially resisted by President Hindenburg, who was swayed by conservative politicians believing they could control him.

The First Steps to Dictatorship

• Reichstag Fire (February 27, 1933):

  • Blamed on Communists, it was portrayed as a prelude to a revolution, leading to the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and allowed for the arrest of political opponents.

• Enabling Act (March 23, 1933):

  • Passed after the fire, granting Hitler the power to enact laws without parliamentary consent, solidifying his dictatorial control.

Key Events Timeline