Rise of the Nazis

• Throughout the early 1930s the Nazi Party’s popularity increased massively, along with their share of the vote and seats in government.

  On 30th January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor and his next step was then to establish his dictatorship in Germany as the Nazis seized power.
• Why did the Nazi Party grow so rapidly?

  Factor 1: The Depression

  •The Depression hit Germany hard with businesses collapsing, unemployment soaring and banks closing.

  •This helped Hitler as people started listening to his messages of being against the Treaty of Versailles and blaming the Jews for Germany’s problems.

  •Through desperation people started listening to his messages.

  •As unemployment rose, more people turned to the Nazis. 
• Why did the Nazi Party grow so rapidly?

  Factor 2: Polarisation of Politics

  •The Depression led to the polarisation of politics in Germany.

  •Initially Communism became more popular with people turning to extreme left wing politics.

  •In response more people also turned to the extreme right wing option of the Nazis as a viable alternative.

  •Traditional, moderate parties suffered, decreasing in popularity as politics shifted more to the extremes.
• Why did the Nazi Party grow so rapidly?

  Factor 3: Failure of Weimar Government

  •Weimar politicians were unable to agree how to deal with the problems of the Depression and unemployment.

  •They argued constantly and achieved very little, with numerous chancellors and coalition governments failing.

  •For many Germans the democratic form of government was not working and instead they looked for other options.

  •Instead people started to support groups such as the Nazis.
• Why did the Nazi Party grow so rapidly?

  Factor 4: Appeal of Adolf Hitler

  •Hitler himself played a significant role in the rise of the Nazis with his charismatic personality.

  •Hitler was an inspiring speaker who motivated others and greatly increased the appeal of the Nazis.

  •His charisma filled people with hope and optimism, as he persuaded people that the Nazis could improve Germany.

  •His leadership galvanised and drove the party forwards.
• Why did the Nazi Party grow so rapidly?

  Factor 5: Fear of Communism

  •In 1917 there was a Communist Revolution in Russia, and there had been attempts by Communists to take over in Germany too.

  •Consequently middle and upper class Germans were particularly scared of the Communists, who increased in popularity.

  •The Weimar parties were seen as being incapable of dealing with the Communists, but Hitler promised to tackle this issue.

  •He used violence and the SA to deal with the Communists.
• Why did the Nazi Party grow so rapidly?

  Factor 6: Nazi Party Methods

  •Following the failure of the Munich Putsch, Hitler realised he needed to win votes and elections to gain power.

  •Nazi Party offices recruited new members with SA membership increasing dramatically, whilst the Hitler Youth was set up.

  •Propaganda was used through radio broadcasts, newspapers, leaflets and cinema, as well as mass rallies and parades.

  •Violence was also a key aspect of their methods.
• Reichstag burned down


  A week before the March 1933 elections
• A young communist, Marinus Van der Lubbe, was arrested and blamed for the Reichstag fire
• Hitler said the fire was a communist plot to take over the country


  Hindenburg passed an emergency 'protection law' to give Hitler the power to deal with the problems
• Election


  March 1933
• Leading communists were banned from taking part in the March 1933 election due to new protection laws
• 4,000 communists were arrested and all newspapers shut down
• In the election, Hitler received more votes than he had ever done before, partly due to how he dealt with the communists
• Hitler still did not get a majority though
• Hitler had murdered his political opponents in the Night of the Long Knives and had control over both his party and most of German politics


  By August 1934
• Hindenburg died


  2nd August 1934
• Hitler immediately took over the President's job as well as keeping the role of Chancellor
• Hitler made the army swear allegiance to him and gave himself the new title of Der Fuhrer
• Hitler put Nazis in charge of all local government, councils and the police


  From April 1933
• The Gestapo (secret police) was formed and the first concentration camp set up in Dachau
• Hitler banned all trade unions and threw all their leaders in prison


  In May
• In July all political parties were banned except the Nazis
•  September 1930, the Nazis became the second largest party, winning 107 seats. Bruning became chancellor, but he was unpopular and resigned in July 1932. In the election of that month, the Nazis became the largest party with 230 seats, but they did not have a majority. President Hindenburg refused to appoint Hitler as Chancellor, instead giving the job to first Franz von Papen and then Kurt von Schleicher. Both lacked support and failed and with no further options, Hindenburg had little choice but to appoint Hitler as Chancellor on 30th January 1933.
• Germany was a one party state
• Due to the fear of communism, the Centre Party joined Hitler giving him the majority in government that he craved
• Hitler forced the Reichstag to pass the Enabling Law
• The Enabling Law gave him the power to make laws without asking the rest of the politicians in the Reichstag if they agreed
• No politicians could stop Hitler now
• Hitler and his elite personal bodyguards (SS) stormed into a hotel and arrested leading members of the SA and their leader Ernst Rohm, who Hitler perceived as the main threat to his leadership


  On 30th June 1934
• Over 400 people were executed including Rohm and former Chancellor Kurt von Schleicher
• Any threats to Hitler had been removed and the power of the SS established
• Who voted for the Nazis and why

  • Farmers
  • Middle Class People
  • Women
  • Young People
  • Upper Class & Factory Owners
• Farmers


  They were hard hit by the Depression and the Weimar government did not help them. The Nazis promised higher crop prices and a better quality of life.
• Middle Class People


  Voted for Nazis in high numbers due to economic crisis and fear of Communism. Trusted the Nazis and SA to instil order and discipline in time of chaos.
• Women


  The Nazis appealed to women by emphasising the importance of family life, good morals and self-discipline. They criticised the filth of Weimar Culture.
• Young People


  Many young people wanted to be part of the bright future that the Nazis promised and were won over by the passion of Hitler's speeches.
• Upper Class & Factory Owners

  Liked the independence and strong leadership offered by the Nazis and were pleased that the Nazis would fight off Communism which they feared.
• Wall Street Crash took place

  October 1929
• The Wall Street Crash plunged the American economy into chaos