Lecture Notes on Adolf Hitler's Rise to Power

Introduction

• 150,000 people united under Hitler's leadership.
• Hitler's name is synonymous with horror and hatred.
• His goal: a Reich lasting a thousand years.

Impact of Hitler's Speeches

• Nationalistic and fanatic speeches led to the outbreak of WWII.
• WWII resulted in over 60 million deaths and transformed global history.

Early Life

Childhood

• Born in Linz, Austria, in April 1889.
• Lacked academic discipline, yet showed artistic talent.
• Desired to become a painter, but father wanted him to be a civil servant.
• Father's death at 13 allowed Hitler to pursue his artistic ambitions.

Move to Vienna

• At 18, moved to Vienna to study at the Academy of Fine Arts.
• Failed entrance exam; felt betrayed by the jury.
• Resulted in a downward spiral and homelessness.

Rise of Anti-Semitism

• In Vienna, experienced anti-Semitic press blaming Jews for societal issues.
• Developed deep resentment and identified Jews as scapegoats for his failures.

World War I

• Joined the German army despite being Austrian.
• Found purpose and belonging; decorated with the Iron Cross.
• Post-war, faced return to poverty and homelessness after Germany's defeat.

Karl Mayr's Influence

• Mayr, head of army intelligence, hired Hitler to monitor leftist movements.
• Recognized Hitler’s oratory skills and encouraged him to pursue education.

Political Awakening

• Spoke at a DAP meeting in 1919, marking the beginning of his political career.
• Joined the DAP and began a rise to prominence.

Communication Strategy

• Adopted theatrical speaking style to engage audiences.
• Developed a recognizable image with the help of photographer Heinrich Hoffmann.
• Created a visual identity for the Nazi Party, including the swastika.

Expansion of Party

• DAP renamed to National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party).
• Created a paramilitary group (SA) to project power and intimidate rivals.

Putsch Attempt

• Organized a failed coup (Putsch) in 1923, leading to his imprisonment.
• Wrote "Mein Kampf," outlining his ideology and future plans.

Post-Prison Strategy

• Shifted focus to gaining power through elections rather than force.
• Secured funding from wealthy industrialists, notably Fritz Thyssen.

Campaigning and the Great Depression

• Utilized innovative campaigning techniques, including air travel for rallies.
• The economic crisis (Great Depression) allowed him to gain popularity.

Conclusion

• By January 30, 1933, Hitler was named head of government, marking the peak of his rise from obscurity to power.