1. Historic People #3 Hitler and Nazi Germany
World History
Unit 6

2. Essential Question
What led to Adolf Hitler's rise to power and the Nazis ruling Germany?
Consider this in your answer:
Realizing that his book with his views had been written and published – do you think the German people knew what kind of person he was or do you think they were just blinded by his many promises?

3. Hitler in WWI
Hitler fought for Germany in the Western Front during WW I
He was a runner, bringing messages through the trenches
He was wounded twice and was hospitalized after being temporarily blinded by mustard gas

4. Nazism Adolf Hitler was an early recruit to the Nazi party.
The party tried to take over Germany in 1923 but failed.
Hitler was imprisoned for trying to seize power with other Nazis’ and was arrested
While in prison he wrote about his vision for Germany. The book Mein Kampf means “My Struggle”

5. Mein Kampf Hitler wrote his views in his book in 1923. They included:
Extreme German nationalism
Strong anti-Semitism
Anticommunism
Superior nation (like Germany) has right to expand to other countries
Superior individuals (like him) should have absolute power

6. After reading these quotes from his book, would you have elected him leader of your country?

7. Adolph Hitler
Hitler was an anti-communist, and was a fan of Italy’s Mussolini
He was a skilled and persuasive speaker who rose to power in Germany by legal means

8. Rise to Power Hitler gained control over Germany through lawful means
He was appointed chancellor by then German President Hindenburg and allowed to create a new government
He got the Reichstag (parliament) to pass The Enabling Act which gave him power to ignore the Constitution in order to solve German problems

9. Chancellor, then Fuhrer
Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945
Führer (Leader) of Nazi Germany from 1934 to 1945.
Extremely anti-Semitic
-Stripped Jews of German citizenship and property (and all dignity)
-Had millions of Jews killed in concentration camps
He created the SS to eliminate anyone who opposed him

10. Why Germans Supported Hitler
Germany had very high unemployment during the Great Depression, and Hitler promised jobs
Reparations from WWI had been VERY harsh.
Hitler promised to bring back dignity to the “superior race” (Germans)
He promised to create a new Germany and appealed to German national pride and honor and traditional militarism
Hitler promised to protect Germany against a Communist takeover

11. What Hitler Did with his Power
Civil service (government jobs) was purged of Jews and any democratic element
Concentration camps (prisons) were set up for opponents of Nazis
Trade unions were abolished
All political parties except Nazis were abolished
Public officials and soldiers had to swear loyalty to the Fuhrer (Leader).

12. The Nazi State,
Hitler wanted to develop Germany into an Aryan racial state to dominate Europe (and possibly the world) for generations
His empire of Nazi Germany would be the Third Reich (Holy Roman Empire and German Empire from were considered First and Second)

13. How Hitler Built His Power
He put people back to work through public works projects, but mainly through rearmament program (building up of the military)
Controlled opposition with SS
Held mass demonstrations, like Nuremberg party rallies, to get people excited

14. How Hitler Maintained Power
He set up youth groups for ages 10-18
All youth were expected to join.
Nazi values were taught and reinforced with the youth

15. Nazi Youth Propaganda
1934 Hitler propaganda

16. Hitler initiated Anti-Semitic Policies
Nuremberg laws
Kristallnacht (night of shattered glass)

17. World War II and the Holocaust
Hitler leads Germany into WW II
Hitler’s “Final Solution” (extermination of the Jewish people)
…..to be continued in Unit 7

18. Essential Question
What led to Adolf Hitler's rise to power and the Nazis ruling Germany?
Consider this in your answer:
Realizing that his book with his views had been written and published – do you think the German people knew what kind of person he was or do you think they were just blinded by his many promises?