DICTATORSHIP

• Weirmar Republic

  • Established after World War I, the Weimar Republic faced numerous challenges, including economic difficulties, political extremism, and social unrest
  • Many Germans were upset with the Treaty of Versailles, which imposed heavy reparations and loss of land
• Rise of Nazi Party

  • Adolf Hitler joined the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) and quickly rose to a leadership position
  • The Nazi Party used propaganda to promote nationalism and anti-Semitism
  • The 1929 Great Depression worsened conditions, allowing the Nazis to gain significant support (they promised that they would make peoples condition better)
• Hitlers appointment of Chancellor (1933)

  • Hitler appointed Chancellor
  • The Reichstag Fire in February 1933 allowed Hitler to push through the Reichstag Fire, limiting the rights of individuals
  • The Nazis claimed that the communists were about to stage a takeover as a Dutch communist Van der Lubbe was found at the building
• Weimar Republic Weakness

  • German people were unhappy about how they handled Great Depression and wanted a strong leadership
  • Nazis presented themselves as stable and promised bread and work
  • Hitler promised rearmament
  • Fear of communism - Nazis presented as only to save Germany from a communist takeover, therefore gaining support
• Power

  • Enabling act 1933 allowed Hitler to pass laws without the Reichstag
• • Reason for Dictatorship - weaknesses of Weimar Republic, economic crisis (Great Depression), Fear of communism, Propaganda (Nazis portrayed themselves as saviour of Germany), violence, Enabling Act 1933