Nazi Rise to Power (1920-1934)

Overview

• Part of a three-part series on Germany, 1980-1945
• Focus on Nazi rise to power: 1920-1934
• Key areas: Hitler's joining of Nazi Party, becoming Chancellor (1933), consolidation of power (1934)

Hitler's Early Life and Initial Involvement

• Born in Austria, lower-middle-class family
• Parents died young, struggled academically, pursued art unsuccessfully in Vienna
• Became homeless, later moved to Munich (1913)
• Joined German Army in WWI, awarded Iron Cross
• Post-war: Angry about Treaty of Versailles, worked as a spy for the army

Formation of the Nazi Party

• Initially joined the German Workers Party (DAP) in 1919, became the Nazi Party
• Not founded by Hitler, but by Anton Drexler
• Nationalist beliefs: Against Weimar politicians, democracy, and Jews
• Socialist elements: State-promoted work, increased state control, nationalization

Growth of the Nazi Party

• Hitler's Charisma: Effective orator, engaging speeches
• Nazi Party expanded due to Hitler's influence, 3,000 members by 1920
• By 1923, significant in Bavaria, newspaper circulation, large rallies, SA creation

The Munich Putsch (1923)

• Attempted coup to overthrow Weimar Republic
• Failure due to poor organization, underestimated Bavarian loyalty to Weimar
• Aftermath: Nazi Party banned, Hitler imprisoned
• Long-term success: Gained publicity, reoriented to legal means of power
  • Mein Kampf: Hitler's book outlining Nazi ideology

Reorganization and Expansion (1924-1928)

• National structure with 35 regions
• Shift away from socialist elements post-Bamberg Conference (1926)
• Propaganda and organization under Joseph Goebbels
• SA expanded, SS created

The Great Depression and Rise to Power (1929-1933)

• Depression hit Germany hard, increasing Nazi support
• Unemployment crisis, government struggle
• Nazis benefitted from rising fear of communism
• Charismatic leadership of Hitler, effective propaganda
• 1932: Nazis largest party in Reichstag

Hitler's Appointment as Chancellor (1933)

• Despite largest party status, Hindenburg initially refused to appoint Hitler
• Political maneuvering: Hindenburg invited Hitler to form government

Consolidation of Power (1933-1934)

• Reichstag Fire (1933): Used to arrest Communists, pass Enabling Act
• Enabling Act allowed Hitler to rule by decree
• Banned trade unions, political parties, centralized government
• Night of the Long Knives (1934): Purge of SA leaders, consolidation of army support
• Hindenburg's death: Hitler merges presidency and chancellorship, becomes Führer

Key Takeaways

• Hitler's rise involved strategic shifts, opportunistic exploitation of crises
• Significant events: Munich Putsch, Great Depression, Reichstag Fire, Night of the Long Knives
• Consolidation of power involved both legal changes and forceful suppression of opposition