Nazism in Germany Lesson: Rise, Impact, and Downfall

Lesson Overview

• How Did World War I Affect Germany?
• How Did Hitler Gain Absolute Power in Germany?
• How Did Nazi Aggression Lead To World War II?
• How Did Nazi Germany Fall?
• Timeline of Key Events in Nazi Germany (1919–1945)

This lesson examines Nazism in Germany, tracing its alarming rise, devastating impact, and ultimate downfall. You will learn how economic hardship, nationalistic fervor, and charismatic leadership enabled Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to seize power, transforming Germany into a totalitarian regime. Additionally, you'll explore how Nazi ideology reshaped society, leading to catastrophic events such as World War II and the Holocaust. 

How Did World War I Affect Germany?

Economic and Political Instability

• Germany lost World War I (1914–1918) and signed the Treaty of Versailles (1919), which forced it to pay huge reparations, surrender land, and limit its military.
• The Weimar Republic was established as a democratic government but struggled due to political division and economic problems.
• Hyperinflation in 1923 made German money almost worthless, leading to social unrest.

The Great Depression and Hitler's Rise

• The Great Depression (1929) worsened Germany's economy, increasing unemployment and poverty.
• Extremist parties like the Nazis gained support by promising jobs, blaming Jews and communists for Germany's struggles, and promoting nationalism.
• In January 1933, German President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor, believing he could control him.

How Did Hitler Gain Absolute Power in Germany?

Consolidation of Power

• The Reichstag Fire (February 1933) gave Hitler an excuse to pass emergency laws restricting freedoms.
• The Enabling Act (March 1933) allowed Hitler to rule by decree, making him a dictator.
• By 1934, Hitler banned all political parties, eliminating opposition.
• After President Hindenburg's death (August 1934), Hitler combined the roles of Chancellor and President, declaring himself Führer (Leader).

Nazi Policies and Society

• The Gestapo (secret police) arrested and silenced opponents.
• Schools and media promoted Nazi propaganda, glorifying Hitler and spreading anti-Semitic beliefs.
• The Hitler Youth trained young Germans to follow Nazi ideology.
• The Nuremberg Laws (1935) stripped Jews of citizenship and basic rights.

Economic and Military Expansion

• Hitler defied the Treaty of Versailles by rebuilding Germany's military and increasing arms production.
• Public works programs, like the construction of autobahns (highways), reduced unemployment.
• In 1936, Germany remilitarized the Rhineland, directly violating the Treaty of Versailles.

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How Did Nazi Aggression Lead To World War II?

Early Expansion

• In March 1938, Germany annexed Austria in the Anschluss, uniting the two countries.
• In September 1938, Britain and France followed a policy of appeasement at the Munich Conference, allowing Hitler to take the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia.
• In March 1939, Hitler invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia, breaking his promises.

World War II Begins (1939)

• Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, using blitzkrieg (lightning war) tactics.
• Britain and France declared war on Germany, marking the start of World War II.
• By mid-1940, Germany had conquered Denmark, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, and France.
• Only Britain remained free in Western Europe, resisting German air attacks in the Battle of Britain (1940).

Invasion of the Soviet Union (1941)

• In June 1941, Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union.
• The German advance stalled due to Soviet resistance and harsh winter conditions.
• This invasion weakened the Nazi war effort and marked a major turning point.

United States Enters the War (1941)

• In December 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, leading the United States to enter World War II.
• Germany declared war on the U.S., which significantly strengthened the Allied powers.

How Did Nazi Germany Fall?

Turning Points in the War

• The Battle of Stalingrad (1942–1943) saw the Soviet Union defeat the German army, marking the beginning of Nazi Germany's decline.
• In June 1944, the D-Day invasion by the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control.

Germany's Surrender (1945)

• In April 1945, the Soviet Red Army captured Berlin after intense fighting.
• Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945, as Soviet forces entered the city.
• Germany surrendered on May 7–8, 1945, ending World War II in Europe.

Timeline of Key Events in Nazi Germany (1919–1945)

Here you go: 

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10 - History - Unit 5 - Nazism in Germany