Hitler And The Nazis Emergence Flashcards
Economic factors that led to Hitler’s rise
- Hyperinflation (1921-23)
- The Great Depression (1929)
- Reparations and the Treaty of Versailles
How did hyperinflation lead to Hitler’s rise
-In the 1920s, the value of the German mark plummeted, rendering savings worthless and causing widespread poverty. This period saw people using wheelbarrows full of cash to buy basic necessities, as prices rose exponentially and Prices rose exponentially. This economic chaos eroded trust in the government and created an environment where extremist ideologies could flourish.
-Weimar government’s inability to manage the crisis and the economy effectively led to political turmoil. The French invasion of the Ruhr in 1923 worsened the crisis by reducing govt. income and printing more money.
-The middle class, who had traditionally been stable and conservative, was particularly affected. They lost their savings and their trust in the Weimar Republic, which they blamed for the economic disaster. This created a fertile ground for extremist ideologies like Nazism, as people sought alternatives to the failing government whereby the Nazi’s capitalized on this opportunity.
How did the Great Depression lead to Hitler’s Rise.
-Played a pivotal role in Hitler’s rise by exacerbating economic conditions, fostering widespread discontent, and creating an environment where extremist ideologies could flourish.
Key economic and unemployment factors of the Great Depression
Mass unemployment:
The Great Depression led to a drastic increase in unemployment in Germany, rising from 1.4 million in 1929 to 6.1 million by January 1933. This economic hardship created a sense of desperation among the population.
Economic instability:
Banks recalled loans, forcing businesses to close, which further exacerbated unemployment and economic instability. The value of savings plummeted, leaving many without financial security.
Political instability and extremism as a result of the Depression
Weakening of the Weimar Republic:
-Weakened the Weimar government, which was seen as ineffective in addressing the crisis. Chancellor Brüning’s austerity measures (tax increases on poorer, spending cuts, slashing welfare benefits) and frequent use of Article 48 to bypass the Reichstag (five major decrees between July 1930 and December 1931) further eroded trust in the government.
Rise of Extremist Parties:
The economic crisis provided a fertile ground for extremist parties like the Nazi Party (NSDAP) and the Communist Party (KPD) to gain popularity.
Electoral Gains and Political Momentum of the Nazis from the Depression
The Nazi Party experienced significant electoral gains, becoming the largest party in the Reichstag by 1932.
1930 Reichstag elections
Percentage of Votes: They secured about 18.3% of the votes cast.
Seats in the Reichstag: The Nazis won 107 seats, becoming the second-largest party in the Reichstag.
July 1932 Reichstag Elections
The Nazis received over 13 million votes, securing 37% of the total vote, making them the largest party in the Reichstag, winning 230 seats, doubling their previous total.
November 1932 Reichstag Elections
-Lower votes than from July with just over 11 million votes.
-Secured 33% of the vote, winning 196 seats
Unemployment statistics in 1929
1.4 million unemployed
Unemployment statistics in Jan 1933
6.1 million unemployed
Social factors that led to Hitler’s rise
Ethnic and Cultural Intolerance:
1) Targetting the multi-ethnic society
2) Scapegoating minorities
3) Divided left
How did a Multi-ethnic Society in Germany contribute to Hitler’s rise
-Germany was a multi-ethnic and cultural society but the rise of Nazism was accompanied by increasing intolerance towards minority groups, particularly Jews, Roma, and other marginalized communities. This would also come to include Communists and disabled individuals.
How did Hitler scapegoat minorities
The Nazis scapegoated these groups for Germany’s social and economic problems, promoting a racist and anti-Semitic ideology that sought to exclude or eliminate perceived “undesirables”.
Anti-Semitism in Germany
-Hitler promoted a racial ideology that classified Jews as a distinct and inferior race, despite being ethnically and culturally integrated into German society. This ideology portrayed Jews as a threat to German purity and culture
-Scapegoated for Germany’s economic and social problems, such as inflation and unemployment. This scapegoating was used to justify discriminatory policies and violence against Jewish communities.
Cultural Purification
The Nazis sought to “purify” German culture by eliminating what they considered “degenerate” art and literature. This included book burnings and the suppression of works by Jewish authors and other perceived enemies of the state.
Hitler promoted a vision of Aryan culture as superior, emphasizing traditional values and racial purity. This ideology was used to justify the exclusion and persecution of those deemed culturally or racially “un-German”
How did Hitler use the TOV and reparations to his advantage
The TOV was seen as a national humiliation with many Germans feeling that their country had been unfairly punished. This sentiment fueled resentment and a desire for revenge, which Hitler exploited
Examples of the weakness of the Weimar Republic’s political system led to Hitler’s rise
1) Political Instability;
-1919 Spartacist Uprising
-1920 Kapp Putsch
-1923 Beer Hall Putsch
-Exposed the ineffectiveness and vulnerability of the Weimar government and their ability to respond
2) Systematic Weaknesses;
-Proportional representation
-Article 48 and Emergency Powers –> Both Bruning and Hitler used this to consolidate power.
How did Hitler use persuasion to establish the Nazi state
Hitler was a skilled orator who used powerful speeches and propaganda to sway public opinion. He employed trigger words and emotional appeals to create a sense of urgency and unity among Germans, often framing issues in simplistic and populist terms to mobilise support.
Nazi regime created a cult of personality around Hitler, portraying him as a strong, decisive leader who embodied the will of the German people.
Hitler exploited feelings of national humiliation and economic hardship by blaming external enemies, such as Jews and communists, for Germany’s problems.
How did Hitler use coercion to establish the Nazi state
The Nazis established a police state that relied on fear and terror to control the population. The SS and Gestapo were instrumental in suppressing opposition, intimidating dissenters, and enforcing Nazi policies through violence and repression.
Gleichschaltung
Hitler implemented a Nazification policy of “Gleichschaltung” (coordination), which involved aligning all aspects of German society with Nazi goals. This included purging opposition from government, media, and civil society, and making the Nazi Party the only legal party in Germany.
Role of other leaders in Hitler’s rise
Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels:
Effectively used modern media to build a cult of personality around Hitler, portraying him as a strong, decisive leader who could restore German greatness.
Paul von Hindenburg:
Pres. Hindenburg played a significant role by appointing Hitler as Chancellor, believing he could micromanage him. This decision was influenced by conservative politicians who hoped to use the Nazi Party’s popularity for their purpose and thought Hitler wasn’t a threat.
Conservative Elite:
The conservative elite in Germany supported Hitler’s appointment, thinking they could manipulate him to further their own interests. However, Hitler quickly outmaneuvered them and consolidated his power
Racism and Aryan Supremacy
Hitler’s ideology emphasised the superiority of the “Aryan” race and the need to purify German society by eliminating perceived threats, such as Jews, Roma, and other minorities. This racist ideology was central to the Nazi worldview and justified the persecution and genocide of millions of Jews.
Nationalism and Lebensraum
-Hitler advocated for a strong, unified Germany with expanded territory (Lebensraum) to ensure the survival and dominance of the Aryan race. This expansionist policy was used to justify aggressive military actions and territorial conquests against other European nations
Anti-Communism and Anti-Capitalism
-Hitler portrayed himself as a champion against both communism and what he saw as Jewish-controlled international finance. This stance allowed him to appeal to both nationalist and anti-capitalist sentiments within Germany.
How did Hitler use intimidation and violence
SA and SS:
The Nazi Party’s paramilitary organizations, played crucial roles in intimidating and suppressing opposition. They were used to disrupt political meetings, attack opponents, and create an atmosphere of fear that facilitated Nazi consolidation of power
How did Hitler use propaganda
1) Emotional Appeals - Mass rallies, public speeches
2) Scapegoating and Demonisation
3) Mass rallies and events and radio and film
4) Creating a cult of personality
–> Overall legitimising Nazi policies.
