Depth Study: Germany Part 2 - Why was Hitler able to dominate Germany by 1934?

The Nazi Party Ideology in the 1920s

National: Restore unity, prestige, power, and lands lost during WWI.
Socialist: Attacked the rich and aimed to distribute wealth evenly.
Key Beliefs:
- Nationalism: Greater Germany, destruction of the Versailles Treaty.
- Anti-Semitism: Jews denied citizenship and public roles.
- Anti-Capitalism: Nationalisation of industries, mainly targeting Jewish-owned businesses.
Private Army: SA (Sturmabteilung) - Brown Shirts.

1923 Munich Putsch: Failed takeover, made Hitler a national figure during trial.
Shift to legal means to gain power: Organizational improvements, expansion of SA and SS, youth movements, and propaganda.

Munich Putsch Impact: Trial increased Hitler's visibility.
Organizational Focus (1924-1928): Nationwide branches, SA and SS expansion, youth and propaganda initiatives.
Limited Electoral Success: Only 12 Reichstag seats in 1928.

Hitler's Background: Austrian with strong anti-Semitic and nationalist views, WWI veteran, joined and led Nazi Party.
Economic Conditions: Great Depression created dissatisfaction with Weimar Republic.
Versailles Treaty Resentment: Exploited by Hitler to gain support.
Oratory and Propaganda: Effective public speaking, rallies, and media usage.
SA's Role: Intimidation and violence against Communists.
Industry Support: Backing from wealthy industrialists.
Weimar Republic's Weaknesses: Political instability and lack of strong coalition governments.

Reichstag Fire (February 1933): Used to justify emergency laws against Communists.
March 1933 Reichstag Elections: Nazis gained largest party status but not majority.
Enabling Act (March 1933): Allowed Hitler to rule by decree, bypassing Reichstag.
Night of the Long Knives (June 1934): Purged SA leadership and other opponents.
Death of President Hindenburg (August 1934): Hitler became Führer, combining Chancellor and President roles, gaining full control.

By 1934, strategic use of propaganda, exploitation of economic and political conditions, and ruthless elimination of opposition allowed Hitler to dominate and transform Germany into a totalitarian state.