Rise of the Nazis

• Where was Hitler born?

  Austria 1889
• How did Hitler grow up?


  A poor school record. Dropped out of high school to become an artist or architect.. He hated his father but loved his mother. He's thought to have lived on the streets of Vienna between 1909 and 1914 where it's thought his hatred of Jews and communists grew and his interest in politics and history
• What did Hitler claim?


  The war 'saved' him. He won an iron cross for his communication between trenches
• Who was he employed by in 1919?

  The government to spy on different parties and gain information on those who could possibly overthrow the government.
• When did Hitler join the Nazis?


  1919 when he was gaining information on them which was led by Anton drexler. He realised how good a speaker he was so put him in charge of propaganda. They made the 20 point plan together and renamed the party the Nationalist German socialist party. Drexler was worried about his decreasing power but eventually Hitler took over
• Who did he win the support of?


  Hermann Goring who joined in 1922 and was very influential and have Hitler important social contact.
• Who did the National Socialists appeal to?

  Both the left and right wing
• What did the Nazis stand for?


  -racism

  -ultra-nationalism

  -anti-capitalism

  -anti-communism

  -authoritarianism
• What did these beliefs mean?


  -They thought German success meant an all-powerful leader

  -Democracy wasn't good and you shouldn't trust the people. He even said "the broad masses are blind and stupid"

  -Lebensraum

  -Slavs and other minorities were sub-human

  -Jews (secretly wanted world domination)
• What was the Nazi newspaper called?

  Volkisher Beobachter , Peoples observer.
• What happened when Hitler was in prison to the Nazi party?


  -Munich V North Germans

  -There was disarray between the party.

  -When Hitler got out there was a Bamberg conference where he spoke for two hours and says there would be no changes to Nazi policy.

  -In 1926 the hail Hitler salute was created.
• What were the Nazi's thoughts of nationalism?


  -crucial element in Nazi thinking was aggressive nationalism

  -Hitler's nationalism called for more than a mere restoration of the 1914 frontiers

  -Meant creation of an empire (Reich)

  -He dreamed of a greater Germany

  -Basis of Hitlers demand for Lebensraum for Germany
• What were the Nazis socialist aspect?


  -This is also when Hitler and Goebbels later began to promote Volksgemeinschaftt

  -It intended to overcome the old differences of class, region and politics.

  -Aimed to bring about a new collective national identity by encouraging people to work together for the benefit of the nation and promoting 'German values
• Why did Farmers vote for Hitler?

  As they'd been hit hard by the depression, Nazi's promised them higher prices, better quality of life, higher status in society and preached the threat of communism
• Why did Young people vote for Hitler?

  The depression hit the moment when youngsters from the pre-war baby boom came of age and many had little chance of finding work. Study of Nazi membership said 41.3% were born between 1904-13. It was the young who filled the ranks in the SA- often unemployed disillusioned with traditional politics and without hope for the future the SA gave them something to do.
• Why did the Businessmen/Upper class vote for Hitler?


  Scared of communism. All their money and land would be divided. Business men financed Hitler. Nazi's promised further wealth through allowing factory owners to run their businesses how they wanted, would use their factories to build weapons, battleships and fighter planes.
• Protestants voting?


  Catholics had strong tradition of Associationism and so a specific identity. Protestants had no such loyalties like farmers and middle classes and were more likely to listen to Nazi policies.
• Why did women vote for the Nazis?

  Agreed with Nazi policies of traditional family life, agreed with the Nazi opinions on youth being influenced by Weimar Media.
• Why did the middle class vote for the Nazis?

  Their wages were cut by the Weimar in the depression, worried law and order would break down, feared communism would upset their way of life, liked the decisiveness of authoritarianism.
• What were the 5 propaganda methods the Nazis used?

  -Mass suggestion

  -Technology

  -Canvassing

  -Violence

  -Scapegoats and unifying themes
• What is mass suggestion?


  The intention was to create an atmosphere so emotional that all members of the crowd succumb to the collective will. This is the idea of 'mass suggestion' and every kind of device was used to heighten the effect; speeches,uniforms,music,salutes
• How would they use technology?


  Loudspeakers, radio, film and records were all uses. Expensive cars and aeroplanes were hired, not only for practicality but also for a statesman-liking. In 1932 3 major speaking programmes were organised by Hitler called flight over Germany. Also social events like sports concerts and fairs.
• How did the Nazis use canvassing?


  Goebbles had an understanding of pyschology which we now assossiate with advertising agencies eg posters or leaflets. He also understood how to direct propaganda according to peoples social and economic interest. Leaflets were produced for specific socail groups and Nazi speakers paid particular attention to the worries and concerns of the indivdual clubs and societies they addressed.
• What were some examples of canvassing?

  -farmers and peasants by offering special benfits to offset the collapse of agricultral prices

  -to appeal to the mittelstand by limiting the control of large department stores.
• How did they use violence?


  The growth of the SA and SS unleashed an unprecedented wave of violence, persecution and intimidation. The growth of an unemployment resulted in a phenomenal expansion of the SA led by Rohm. Many people joined as members out of desperation, food and accommodation although much was out of thuggery SA was responsible for violence against opposition especially communists. They were banned but restored by Papen in June 1932. In the campaign of July 1932 there was 461 political riots in Prussia alone between communist and Nazis, on July 10th a riot left 10 people dead. Violent activities are encouraged by the Nazi leadership.
• How did they use unifying themes?


  Nazis tried to embrace and bring together many of the disparate elements in Germany. 3 key unifying themes dominated Nazi propaganda.

  -The Fuhrer cult; Hitler was portrayed as a mession-type figure who could offer strong authoritarian leadership and a vision for Nazi Germanys future

  -The Volksgemeinschaft to appeal to the people for the development of an unifying idea, regardless of class

  -German nationalism, to play on German nationalism and to exploit the discontent since the WW1. To make Germany great again
• How did they play on the idea of scapegoats?


  -The November criminals

  -Communists by playing on the idea of increased communism it helped the Nazis

  -Jews easy to do due to history of anti-Semitism in Europe
• What happened in politics after the Wall Street Crash?

  It was the communists and socialists which benefitted the most from the economic chaos which was seen in the Reichstag election of 1930.
• What happened with the Nazis in 1932?

  Had the largest party in the July election (Which was incredibly violent , riots between Nazis and communists cause the deaths of 100 people) but in November 1932 their seats fell from 230 to 196
• When was Hitler appointed Chancellor?

  30th January 1933
• Reichstag Fire


  27th February 1933, the Reichstag was set on fire and a young Dutch anarchist, van der Lubbe, was found guilty. Hitler could portray communists as anti-democratic and it was a communist plot to stage a takeover therefore repressive measures on the communists were needed
• What happened because of the Reichstag Fire?


  Hindenburg used 'Protection of People and the state' Article 48 to give Hitler emergency powers. The Nazis were seen as acting quickly and decisively compared to the Republic. 4000 communists were arrested. The Nazis exploited the situation and used it to their electoral advantage
• March election 1933


  Their vote increased from 33% to 44% as they has 288 seats. But it meant they needed nationalist support with their 52 seats to secure overall 2/3 majority
• Enabling Act

  23rd March the absence of communist Reichstag members meant Hitler could get the 2/3 majority he needed and it was passed 444 votes to 94. But it was only achieved as he promised the Catholic Centre Party he would respect the Catholic churches rights and their moral values.
• What did the Enabling Act do?


  It gave emergency powers to Hitler for four years, It allowed him to pass decrees without the Reichstag's involvement. This act dismantled the Weimar Constitution and gave him the ability to create a one-party state. Meant the intolerance and violence that would characterise the regime could be used as tools to govern
• Gleichschaltung


  Nazification of Germany. It would allow Nazis to control social, cultural and educational activity. Main concern was political
• What was the Nazi Parties first concern?


  Federal states, as Germany had strong regional traditions, reflected in its federal nature which was a direct challenge to the Nazi belief in centralised state. Process started with violence and intimidation. Local Nazi party organisations aimed to dominate the states and they attacked rivals. In doing so they created widespread disorder which the party leaders conscious of the need to avoid being seen as revolutionaries by the army struggled to control.
• How was the situation resolved?

  1. Regional parliaments were dissolved on 31 March 1933 and replaced by Nazi-dominated state governments

  2. Reich governments who were usually local party gauleiters were created

  3. In January 1934 regional parliaments were abolished and federal government and governors were subordinated to central government
• What else did Hitler do with the passing of the Enabling act?

  Banned trade unions, as the trade union movement was strong. Their funds were seized and leaders sent to CC. Replaced by the German labour front. They lost the right to negotiate wage and working conditions.
• What was passed on the 14th July 1933?


  'Law against the Establishment of Parties' declared Nazis were the only legal political party.