Germany on the brink of losing WWI suffered humiliation and depression.
Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh restrictions, attributing full blame to Germany.
Military restrictions, loss of territories, and reparations of £6.6 billion.
Economic and national despair led to the emergence of extreme parties, including the Nazi Party (National Socialist Party).
Early Developments
1923 Munich Putsch:
An attempt by Adolf Hitler and Nazi leaders to seize power by force.
Failed, resulting in Hitler's imprisonment.
In jail, Hitler wrote "Mein Kampf," which outlined his ideology.
Shift to Democratic Methods
Post-Imprisonment:
The Nazi Party re-emerged, attempting to gain power through democratic means.
Initially, a failure due to Germany’s economic recovery under the Weimar Republic.
Economic Crisis and Nazi Ascendancy
1929 Wall Street Crash:
Global economic downturn led to widespread unemployment and poverty in Germany.
The Nazis promised work ("Arbeit") and bread ("Brot"), appealing to the distressed populace.
Electoral success: 12 seats (1928) to 288 seats (1933) in the Reichstag.
Nazi Leaders in 1933
Key Figures
Adolf Hitler:
Leader of the Nazi Party, charismatic orator.
Joseph Goebbels:
Minister of Propaganda, creatively sold Nazi ideology.
Heinrich Himmler:
Head of the SS (elite force responsible for enforcing terror and running concentration camps).
Hermann Göring:
Deputy leader of the party, former WWI fighter pilot, showman.
Ernst Röhm:
Leader of the SA (larger paramilitary group, "brown shirts").
Rudolf Hess:
Managed party organization from Munich.
Conclusion
The Nazi Party's rise to power was facilitated by Germany's economic and political instability post-WWI and during the Great Depression.
Understanding the key leaders and their roles in 1933 provides insight into the organizational structure and strategic approach of the Nazis leading to their dominance in German politics.