Nazi’s Seize Power Homburg American Studies

Entry Question What were the conditions like in Germany that allowed Hitler to rise? Economy was in a depression (stock market crash 1929) Germany had to pay reparations because of Treaty of Versailles Hyper-inflation Spread of communism

Background Unemployment 2,258,000 in ,000,000 in 1932 After 1930 Nazis hold 107 seats in Reichstag Hitler forms storm troopers (SA) to attack rivals

Hindenburg

Bruning

Hitler as Chancellor 1932 Hitler runs against Hindenburg for president Hindenburg wins, refuses to name Hitler chancellor Hindenburg was not impressed and later said Hitler might be suited for Postmaster, but never for a high position such as the Chancellorship of Germany Hindenburg’s circle persuaded him to appoint Hitler which he did on Jan Hitler had come into office by legal means

Reichstag Fire/Enabling Act Nazi’s claimed communists set fire to the Reichstag building in Berlin and that they were a threat against the gov’t. Hindenburg issues emergency decree and allows Hitler to suspend civil liberties and arrest communists- decree was never revoked Enabling act Allows Hitler to rule by decree

More Power 1934 Hitler orders killing of 100 SA officers In 1934 Hindenburg dies, Hitler combines head of gov’t and head of state Organizes elite SS (secret police) headed by Himmler (2 nd to Hitler)

Exit questions  Who is to blame for Hitler coming to power?  If Germany had won WWI and their economy was doing well, do you think Hitler would have become the leader of Germany? Why or why not?