1. Hitler’s Rise to Power

2. Nazis grow in Popularity German economy began to recover in the late-1920’s. Until…… Stock Market Crashed in 1929 –Germany one of the hardest hit by the Great Depression

3. Nazis Grow in Popularity Economic problems increase popularity of Nazi party –Hitler leads the party 1930-1932 series of emergency elections called –Nazis gain seats in each election

4. The Mind of a Nazi Twenty Five Points (party platform) Common Characteristics of Nazi Thinking: –Irrationality: Appeal to emotion, not always based on fact, often promotes the idea of a violent struggle (ex. Mein Kampf means “my struggle”) –Racism and Anti-Semitism Influenced by “Social Darwinism”, Jews depicted as a race rather than a religion –Blood and Soil Lebensraum “Living Space” Volk, need for more land

5. The Mind of a Nazi Common Characteristics of Nazi thinking –Cult of Leadership Authoritarian government with charismatic leadership, Hitler the “savior” of Germany and father figure –Fascist view of state Well-being of the state/country comes first Sacrifice personal liberty for well-being of nation State seen as a living thing that must be protected at all cost

6. Nazis Grow in Popularity Hitler looks for ways to increase power of Nazis Supported by soldiers called SA –Led by Ernst Rohm

7. Hitler’s bid for Presidency 1932, Hitler ran against Hindenburg for Presidency Too close in original vote Hindenburg wins second vote

8. 1932 1932 was a turbulent year for politics in Germany –4 emergency elections held in one year By November, Nazis were the largest party in the Reichstag Hindenburg approaches Hitler about a position in the government –He refuses to accept any office lower than the Chancellor

9. Crooked Politics Hindenburg old and needs a strong Chancellor –Not yet ready to give the job to Hitler Other politicians compete for the position –Von Schleiker and Von Pappen –Enemies and neither is willing to see the other as Chancellor

10. Control Hitler??? Eventually, Pappen approaches the President about making Hitler Chancellor –They believed they could control him –Hindenburg is tired and easily convinced January 30, 1933- Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany

11. Hitler as Chancellor Immediately begins formulating plans and making policy Looks for ways to increase power of Nazi Party –Opportunity arises with a “Crisis” soon after Hitler becomes Chancellor

12. Reichstag Fire February 26, 1933 Dutch Communist sets Reichstag building on fire Hitler uses this as opportunity to increase his own power –Hindenburg gives him the power to use force to protect the society and go after the “bad guys”

13. Hitler gains Dictatorial Powers President gives Hitler control, but he still needs the Reichstag’s support Nazis= 43% of Reichstag –Hitler still needs votes to gain a majority –Cuts a deal with the Catholic Center Party Reichstag passes Enabling Act to give Hitler dictatorial powers under article 48 of the Weimar Constitution

14. Hitler gains Dictatorial Powers Hitler outlaws the Communist Party –Claims it is to protect Germany from future attacks Begins “Meshing of the Gears” to bring the rest of Germany under Nazi control The only check left on his power is Hindenburg

15. Hitler becomes Der Fuhrer 1934: Hindenburg dies Hitler merges the office of Chancellor with the office of Presidency and assumes total control of Germany Reshapes German society to fit Nazi ideologies

16. Meshing of the Gears Goebbels takes over as Propaganda Minister –Uses press to shape the minds of the German people –VERY successful Nazis control press and will run Germany’s only national newspaper –Censor what is published and how stories are covered –Papers that fail to follow Nazi policies are shut down

17. Meshing of the Gears Propaganda used to build support for Nazi policies Film industry used as well Nationalistic films, documentaries about Nazis, etc.

18. Meshing of the Gears Nazi institutions replace all parts of society Police are replaced or incorporated into Gestapo Gestapo led by Reinhard Heydrich –Posterboy for Nazis Blonde, blue eyed, cultured MURDERER!!!

19. Heydrich

20. Meshing of the Gears Focus on Young people –Hitler Youth (for boys) –League of German Girls (for females) Education reshaped to reflect Nazi ideologies Old teachers “retire” and younger teachers take over Curriculum revamped –Eugenics, Anti-Semitism, German History, etc.

22. Meshing of the Gears Nazis infiltrate the military Begin to build an air force –Luftwaffe Hermann Goring SS become the elites of the German military –Led by Heinrich Himmler

23. Eliminating threats Hitler also begins process to eliminate threats to his power Night of Long Knives –June 30, 1934 –AKA Operation Bumblebee –SS and Gestapo murder 300 SA –Ernst Rohm among the victims

24. Eliminating Threats Construction of Concentration Camps began Originally created for Political opponents NOT Jews –Communists, etc. Dachau- the Model Camp

25. Eliminating Threats Nazi policies eventually start to target Jews Policies evolve over years to become more violent