1. Germany After being forced to accept the Versailles Treaty the Germans faced economic chaos. The demilitarized Rhineland is invaded by the French Army. Inflation and infrastructure damage causes Germany to have few jobs. Multiple political groups rise up. 1919, Adolf Hitler joins a new party called the Nationalist Socialists German Workers’ Party.

2. Hitler quickly becomes the leader (Der Fuhrer) of the party. 1923, with tensions ripe because Germany resumed paying the war reparations, the Nazis attempted the “Beer Hall Putsch.” An attempt to take over the State of Bavaria by force. It failed, with Hitler and other top Nazi officials being arrested.

3. Hitler’s trial took place in 1924. Hitler never denied his charges and put the government on trial in which the press wrote, at length, every word that was said. Found Guilty and sentenced to 5 years with possible parole in 6 months. While in prison book he wrote Mein Kampf (my struggle).

4. Hitler had dreams uniting ALL of the German speaking people under one flag. Hitler also wanted to create a master race. – Blonde haired, blue eyed Aryans Hitler also wanted to expand the Reich (empire) so that Germany would grow and survive.

5. By 1932, Germany was economically a disaster with 6 million out of work. Many joined the brown shirts (S.A.). This year, the Nazis became the strongest political party. January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor. It didn’t take Hitler long to create the Third Reich by destroying the Weimar Republic. 1935 Hitler begins to rebuild the German military machine Triumph of the Will is released into movie theaters by Leni Riefenstahi. banned in 12 Allied countries for 30 years or more. 1936 Germany puts troops back into the Rhineland.