Hitler’s rise to power & growth of Nazism, 1929-1939

“In 1929 the golden age of the Weimar Republic came to an end “In 1929 the golden age of the Weimar Republic came to an end. This was caused by an economic crisis that created political problems. These problems in turn led to the total collapse of democracy in Germany.” Modern World History, p.152

Economic causes Political causes Hitler’s tactics

Economic causes Wall Street Crash (October 1929) American banks demanded repayment of loans German businesses slumped or went bankrupt Statistics: 1.8 million unemployed (1928) 6 million (1932)

Economic causes People could not afford rents or mortgages Begging on streets People lost faith in Weimar Republic Growth of political extremists

Political causes Streseman died, October 1929 German Foreign Minister He had spent years working to restore the German economy and stabilize the republic and died, having exhausted himself in the process. Disagreement among coalition parties 3 alternatives: print more money cut unemployment raise taxes

What were the problems with all these alternatives?

Political causes Hermann Muller (leader of SPD) refused to cut benefits to save money and resigned (Social Democratic Party of Germany (Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands — SPD) Heinrich Bruning (leader of Centre Party) lacked support in Reichstag and used Article 48 to pass legislation

“In effect, Weimar democracy came to an end in 1930 “In effect, Weimar democracy came to an end in 1930.” Modern World History, p.153

Hitler’s tactics Support for Nazis grew rapidly, 1929-32 Hitler toured by plane Speeches Modern technology, microphones & radio

Hitler’s tactics Joseph Goebbels responsible for propaganda Nazis owned 8 newspapers

Hitler’s tactics Wealthy supporters, Alfred Hugenberg (leader of German National Party, newspaper owner); Thyseen (steel manufacturer) Promises to reduce powers of trade unions

Hitler’s tactics SA (Storm troopers) Sturm Abteilung (Storm Section) Numbers increased to 400,000 by 1932 Street battles, bullying tactics

Who did Hitler & the Nazis appeal to?

General appeal Elite Workers & Peasants Racial minorities Young Women Positives Negatives General appeal Elite Workers & Peasants Racial minorities Young Women

General appeal ‘Stabbed in the back’ theory of the Treaty of Versailles Failures of Weimar Republic, Exploited suffering caused by Great Depression Anti-semitism

Elite Feared communist uprising Supported Nazis (e.g. paid for Nazi electoral campaigns) Lost confidence in Weimar Republic Suspicious of Hitler’s background – hoped to control him within government (using Hindenburg & von Papen) Traditionally supported Nationalist Party

Workers & Peasants Farmers Badly affected by Depression and slump in food prices Nazi promised financial support & incentives for farming communities Naturally supported socialist & communists

Workers & Peasants Germany suffering from economic depression 6 million unemployed (1933) Nazis promised to end unemployment & financial hardship Traditionally supported socialists & communists

Racial minorities No discrimination under Weimar governments Hitler made Jews scapegoats for Treaty of Versailles Anti-Semitism in Nazi Party (e.g. Mein Kampf)

The young Disappointed with Weimar Government Attracted by career opportunities within Nazi Party Impressed by activities of Hitler Youth Movement Joined Hitler Youth to rebel against family constraints

Women Greater emphasis on role of women as mothers & housewives Improved women’s rights under Weimar Republic Nazi opposed to female careerism

How did Hitler become Chancellor in 1933?

Political developments March 1932 Hitler challenged Hindenburg for the presidency He lost by 19.4 million votes to 13.4 million Hindenburg – the winner!

Political developments May 1932, Chancellor Bruning resigns due to rising unemployment Chancellor Bruning – not a happy man!

Political developments May 1932 Von Papen becomes Chancellor Von Papen – aristocratic & respected

Political developments July 1932 Von Papen calls a general election to win more seats for Centre Party Nazis win 230 seats

Poltical developments November 1932, Von Papen holds new elections but fails again to win more seats for Centre Party Hindenburg replaces von Papen with General Kurt von Schleicher Nazis win 196 seats Schleicher – the military man!

Political developments Von Schleicher resigns when Hindenburg refuses to continue to govern using Article 48

Poltical developments January 1933, Hindenburg appoints Hitler as Chancellor Von Papen is appointed Vice Chancellor

 Your task Construct a timeline showing Hitler’s rise to power Why do you think Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor, especially as the Nazis were becoming less popular?

How did the Nazis consolidate power, 1933-4?

Night of the Long Knives Reichstag fire Elections Enabling Act Political parties Trade unions Night of the Long Knives

Reichstag fire 27 February 1933, Reichstag building burns down Marinus van der Lubbe, communist, arrested & admits guilt Communist plot feared – leaders imprisoned Article 48, state of emergency imposed

Elections March 1933 election to Reichstag Hermann Göring, Minister of the Interior, ordered police to leave SA alone Opponents, e.g. SDP & KPD forbidden from campaigning under terms of state of emergency

Elections

Elections Hitler needed 2/3 majority Won support of Nationalists & Centre Party (promising to defend RC Church) Banned Communist Party

Enabling Act March 1933, Enabling Act SA & SS present during vote 444 members for v. 94 against

Political parties Law against the Formation of Parties KPD & SPD leaders arrested & imprisoned in concentration camps Germany a one party state

Trade Unions Trade Unions powerful during Weimar Republic Depression weakened political influence & membership 2 May 1933, Trade Unions offices occupied by Nazis & leaders arrested & imprisoned Labour Front (DAF)

Night of Long Knives 30 June – 1 July 1934 leaders of SA arrested & shot Ernst Röhm (leader of SA) George Strasser (founder of DAP) Schleicher (former Chancellor) 1000 deaths

Why did Hitler purge the SA? Rohm & others feared as revolutionaries Growth in membership to 2 million by 1934 Removal of potential opponents Pressure from within SS (e.g. Himmler) Concession to conservative elite Concession to army (Reichswehr) – August 1934 swear oath of personal loyalty

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