Nazi Germany Lesson: Rise to Power

Lesson Overview

• Key Events and Factors
• Nazi Germany Assessment 
• Answers

The rise of Nazi Germany from a minor extremist group to a totalitarian dictatorship was a rapid transformation driven by political instability, economic hardship, and skillful manipulation of public sentiment. Between 1919 and 1934, Adolf Hitler maneuvered through crises, leveraged public dissatisfaction, and used both legal and violent means to consolidate absolute power.

This lesson will examine the major events and factors that contributed to Hitler's ascension. Understanding these developments is crucial to comprehending how democracies can be eroded from within and how authoritarian regimes can gain control.

Key Events and Factors

The timeline below provides a structured view of significant moments in Nazi Germany's rise. Understanding these events in sequence will help clarify the major turning points and how each step brought Hitler closer to absolute control.

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Nazi Germany - Rise to Power

The Weimar Republic's Weaknesses

The Weimar Republic, established after World War I, was plagued by fundamental weaknesses that made it vulnerable to extremism. The following factors contributed to its instability and ultimate collapse:

• Political Instability: The government was frequently changing, with short-lived coalitions that lacked effective leadership. Constant elections led to fragmented power and weakened democratic institutions.

• Economic Problems: Hyperinflation in 1923 wiped out savings and caused social distress. The 1929 Great Depression led to mass unemployment, reducing confidence in democracy.

• Versailles Treaty: Many Germans viewed it as humiliating, blaming Weimar politicians for accepting harsh terms that crippled national pride and economic stability.

• Rise of Extremism: Radical political parties, particularly the Nazis and Communists, exploited economic and social distress to gain support.

Nazi Strategy for Gaining Support

Hitler and the Nazi Party used a combination of legal tactics, propaganda, and violence to increase their influence. Their strategy can be summarized in the following ways:

How Hitler Legally Seized Power

The process through which Hitler transformed his position from Chancellor to absolute dictator involved strategic manipulation of legal systems, crises, and political miscalculations by his opponents.

• Chancellor Appointment (Jan 1933): Hitler was appointed Chancellor due to backroom deals among conservatives who believed they could control him.

• Reichstag Fire (Feb 1933): The burning of the Reichstag was used as justification to invoke emergency decrees, which allowed mass arrests of Communists and other opponents.

• Enabling Act (Mar 1933): Passed under intimidation, it granted Hitler unchecked legislative power, effectively dismantling democratic governance.

• Banning of Opposition (1933): All political parties except the Nazi Party were outlawed, making Germany a one-party state.

• Night of the Long Knives (June 1934): Hitler eliminated potential threats within his own party, particularly Ernst Röhm and the SA leadership.

• Hindenburg's Death (Aug 1934): Allowed Hitler to merge the presidency with his chancellorship, solidifying absolute control.

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Rise of Hitler and Nazi Germany Quiz!

Memory Aids

To recall key factors in Hitler's rise, use the mnemonic W.E.E.P.:

• Weimar Republic's weaknesses – Political instability, ineffective leadership.

• Economic Depression – Unemployment and poverty drove desperation.

• Extremist Tactics & Propaganda – Nazi control over media, fear campaigns.

• Political Miscalculations – Conservative elites underestimated Hitler.

Nazi Germany Assessment 

Finally, try this short quiz to test your knowledge of Nazi Germany's rise to power. These questions cover important facts and concepts from the lesson. 

• What was the date of the Reichstag fire?

• How many votes (approximately) did the Nazi Party receive in the 1928 Reichstag election?

• How many seats did the Nazi Party win in the Reichstag in the September 1930 election? (Hint: they had only 12 seats in 1928, so it was a big increase.)

• What did the German presidential election of March 1932 demonstrate about Adolf Hitler's popularity in Germany?

• The Nazi Party's ideal of racial purity and supremacy was referred to as ________________. (Fill in the blank.)

Answers