Hitler's Rise to Power
Adolf Hitler's path from obscurity to dictatorship exploited Germany's crises and weaknesses.
Early Life
- Born Austria, 1889
- Failed art school applicant
- Drifted in Vienna, absorbed antisemitic ideas
- Served in WW1, wounded, decorated
The war's end devastated him. He blamed Germany's defeat on betrayal by Jews and Marxists.
The Nazi Party
1919: Hitler joined the tiny German Workers' Party, soon renamed the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP/Nazi).
His skills: Powerful oratory, propaganda instincts, ruthless ambition.
The Beer Hall Putsch (1923)
Hitler attempted to seize power in Munich. It failed. He was imprisoned for 9 months.
In prison, he wrote Mein Kampf (My Struggle), outlining his ideology: antisemitism, racial purity, German expansion.
Democratic Path to Power
After prison, Hitler pursued power through elections:
1928: Nazis won 2.6% of votes.
1930: Depression struck. Nazis won 18.3%.
1932: Nazis became largest party (37%).
January 1933: President Hindenburg appointed Hitler Chancellor, hoping to control him.
Consolidation
- Reichstag Fire (Feb 1933): Used as pretext to suspend civil liberties
- Enabling Act (Mar 1933): Gave Hitler dictatorial powers
- Night of the Long Knives (1934): Murdered rivals
- Hindenburg's death (1934): Hitler became Führer (absolute leader)
Why Did Germans Support Him?
- Economic desperation (mass unemployment)
- Humiliation from Versailles Treaty
- Fear of communism
- Effective propaganda
- Promise of national renewal
Many Germans later claimed ignorance. The evidence suggests widespread complicity.
Related Reading
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