Single Party State Project
Adolf Hitler – Leader of Nazi Germany
By Asma Saleem
1. World/country context – conditions which helped account got the leader’s rise to
power.
WWI Outcome
Germany had lost the war along with its ally Austria-Hungary. After WW1, Germany was
blamed for many atrocities. Because Germany offered Austria- Hungary with a “blank cheque”,
it was interpreted that they looked forward to war. The blank cheque refers to Germany not
questioning A-H motives of war and going to war without any true reason other than their treaty.
This was true in the case of Germany, they did in fact want to go to war. They were expanding as
they were looking for new colonies deeming it their ‘cultural mission’ to guide those countries
less fortunate than them (Does Germany Need Colonies, Freidrich Fabri). This outlook however
would impair the country; now that the war was lost they would have to pay many reparations
for their deeds. Many thought Germany had the power to end the war instead of allying with
Austria-Hungary which is why they were so heavily blamed for the starting of WW1.
Military Historian – Sir Max Hastings
“No one nation deserves all responsibility for the outbreak of war, but Germany seems to me to
deserve most. It alone had power to halt the descent to disaster at any time in July 1914 by
withdrawing its "blank cheque" which offered support to Austria for its invasion of Serbia.”
(BBC News Magazine)
This interpretation was dangerous for Germany. The world recognized their power and
influence which would normally be seen as an advantage for a country but after the loss of
WW1, this caused many problems. Also Germany’s role in the war, their invasion of France, and
all the atrocities they committed, many thought Germany deserved a harsh punishment to avoid
further conflict. The proximity they had to all the European countries, caused countries such as
France and Britain to fear that they may start a new war. The fact that France and Germany share
a border caused panic in France, for if another war were to start, they would be the ones to suffer
the most casualties and economic turmoil. Which is why, a harsh treaty was necessary which
would strip Germany of their power and hopefully prevent war. Germany at this point had no
choice but to sign the treaty despite unfair terms and humiliating circumstances.
The Treaty of Versailles (June 28, 1919)
Due to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany lost many things causing a downwards spiral
into economic depression.
Military Controls
1) Germany limited to 100,000 troops
2) No air force
3) (no subs) only small ships
Effect – this causes great internal conflicts within the country which weakens the government.
The country is now in a weakened state and is unable to protect itself. It is no longer a great
military power. This also has an effect on the nationalism of the country. With the loss of the war
and the further restrictions, the people of government feel defeated and lose hope their
democratic government (Weimar Republic) can rebuilt their empire (this later aids Hitler in his
campaign as he is against democracy and believes in totalitarian rule). Patriotic pride of a
government reflects that of the people. Not only do the people of Germany recognize the
weakness, but the countries of the world can also see that Germany has lost their ability to wage
war.
Military Reparations
1) Germany had to pay money and goods to Britain, France
and Belgium (in the billions)
“The first reparation demands were 266 gold marks, which amounted to roughly $63 billion then
(close to $768 billion today), although this was later reduced to $33 billion (about $402 billion
today).”
(Time Magazine)
Effect – war reparations caused the country to go into dept, intensifying the depression issues,
which led to economic disasters. Also weakens economy drastically. This along with the US
stock market crash caused Germany to enter a serious depression which made the country
particularly vulnerable. The stock market crash in the US after the war made US demand their
loans from outstanding countries. This caused the already degrading economy of Germany to
decline into a depression. By 1932 almost 6 million people were unemployed in the country as
an effect of the depression. Germans had further distrust for their government as they did not
think the Weimar Republic could fix the economic and social problems. Because of this, they
sought out a new leader who could lead them into prosperity.
War Guilt Clause
1) Germany forced to sign statement of guilt as the primary cause to the war
Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles
"The Allied and Associated Governments affirm and Germany accepts the responsibility
of Germany and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and
Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected as a consequence of the war
imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and her allies."
(Yale Law School)
This clause was forcibly pushed upon them in order to satisfy countries such as France who were
angry at Germany invading their country. It was seen as unjust and too harsh in present day light.
It is now seen as one of the leading forces which began WW2. Germans, Hitler being one of
them, were humiliated by the clause. The clause however did help Germany in reducing their war
reparations they had to give to other countries.
“You have to swallow it whether you like it or not”
Picture denotes men (world powers) forcibly giving a pill (peace
terms) to a man (Germany) who is clenched in the grips of Italy,
USA, Britain, France
Effect – humiliates and embarrasses country. Morale in the country
is low, many lose their nationalism and distrust government.
Germany is treated as a joke by the rest of the world who no longer
take Germany seriously due to lack of strength and loss. This causes forces such as Hitler to want
to take revenge, which in turn Hitler uses to promote nationalism. The people want someone who
will restore their country to its former glory and Hitler makes those promises.
Geographical Terms
1) Germany loses all colonies
2) Alsace-Lorraine region previously won by Germany in 1870 ‘given’ to
France (recourse rich area)
3) Saar coal regions loaned to France for 15 years (coal region gone)
4) Parts of eastern Germany given to Poland
Effect – resource laden areas of the country were given away further crippling the
economy. Loss of territory and colonies weakens Germany internally and
internationally. Much of Germany’s land given away, now Germany is left without a major
resource area.
Due to the general weakness of Germany, it was made susceptible for manipulation by
someone such as Adolf Hitler. The economic factors were significant as Germany was
economically devastated after the war. Versailles, which many agree was too harsh, forced
Germany to give up 13% of its land and pay billions in reparations. In addition a protective tax
was placed on German goods making it difficult for Germany to make too much money from
exports. With loans and dept Germany was facing they entered the Great Depression which hit
particularly hard on Germany who already had a weak economy from the war. Unemployment
rose to almost 30% in 1932 (pbs.org). Hitler saw the means to make Germany into a great nation
and spoke of new nationalistic and ideological prosperities which the German peoples desired.
2. Ideology/Form of Government
Adolf Hitler was the leader of the National Socialist Workers Party otherwise known as the
Nazi party. Much of his ideology was with association to the Nazi Party. A goal of the party was
to establish a totalitarian state. Hitler was against democracy and believed in total control of the
state.
The Nazi ideology:
 Lebensraum - the need for 'living space' for the German nation to expand
Hitler had acquired the belief that Germany was in need of Lebensraum (living space) as a
required necessity in order to survive. This would call upon the nation for expansion, particularly
Hitler looked to the east, Russia. Hitler believed this was an important aspect in Germany
becoming more culturally and socially developed. Russia was chosen as
Hitler possessed a very anti-communist/anti-Bolshevik view point.
“Truly, this earth is a trophy cup for the industrious man. And this rightly
in the service of natural selection. He who does not possess the force to
secure his Lebensraum in this world, and, if necessary, to enlarge it, does
not deserve to possess the necessities of life. He must step aside and allow
stronger peoples to pass him by.”
― Adolf Hitler
so,
This quote taken from Mein Kampf (my struggle), Hitler’s book he wrote while
imprisoned for his failure at Beer Hall Putsch, talks thoroughly about his idealistic society in
which he believes the powerful nation, in this case Germany, should expand in order to satisfy
social and naturals rights. This is taken from a social-Darwinism perspective which is an
important influence for Hitler.
 Germany was in danger - from Communists and Jews, who had to be destroyed.
Anti Semitic views already present within Austria (where Hitler grew up) and in Germany. Hitler
provided a common enemy for the German peoples to blame for their economic crisis. This
became the Jewish peoples who at the time were powerful and wealthy people. Believed that
Jews were second class citizens and were to blame for the war, this ledto discrimination and uses
of terror by the police (SS).
“Non-German alien race” – in Hitler’s letter to Herr Gemlich
Hitler’s desire for a “pure race” of German only people also explained his hatred of the Jewish
peoples. He saw no place for them in his nation and thought they should be sent to the fringes of
society, exported out of the country and eventually sought the final solution, the extermination of
the Germans. This was one of his most unethical, unconventional policies which lead to the
holocaust.

A strong Germany - the Treaty of Versailles should be
abolished and all German-speaking people united in one
country.
The treaty of Versailles was a humiliating end to a strong German
army.
Hitler was greatly affected by the conclusion of the war as he served
as a
soldier. He has strong German pride though born Austrian which made
him seek
revenge to the treaty. He wanted to build a new Germany. The very
treaty
established to prevent further conflict was a large contributor as to why Germany staged a new
war. Hitler also had views that German people all over Europe should unite into a single, large,
powerful country.

Fuehrer - the idea that there should be a single leader with complete power rather than
a democracy.
Hitler believed in totalitarian power which he himself would establish in Germany. This
is seen through his policies of the enabling act and further laws which gave him sole power over
Germany. He wanted to lead Germany into a new age and believed the old democratic
government style was useless as it could not save the German economy from the depression and
proved to be continuously unreliable.

Social Darwinism - the idea that the Aryan race was superior and Jews were
'subhuman'.
Hitler was also was motivated by his forming of the Aryan race, a race of Germans with
specific features such as blonde hair and blue eyes which also started the incorporation of
eugenics. This he believed was his perfect race that all Germans should be like. They should be
of pure German blood.
3. How he achieved/rose to power
In 1919 the Nazi party was virtually unknown only sustaining with about 40 members when
Hitler first joined. By 1921, Hitler was using his capabilities to his advantage, speaking to
masses of people and gaining a large following. His crowds grew up to 6,000 people. He was
particularly well adapted in the publicizing of the meetings. Members would drive around
Munich in trucks waving the Nazi party symbol (which Hitler himself created) the swastika on a
red background. There were also songs and posters of propaganda printed and created to gain the
peoples favor.
His particularly hateful speeches were of opposing politicians, the Treaty of Versailles,
Marxists and the Jews. Each of these were popular views of the Germans, which Hitler reiterated
and agreed with which helped him gain support.
“For us there are only two possibilities, either we remain German or we come under the thumb
of the Jews. This latter must not occur, even if we are small, we are a force. A well-organized
group can conquer a strong enemy. If you stick close together and keep bringing in new people,
we will be victorious over the Jews.”
Munich, Gathering of the SS-- Speech of November 9, 1921
In 1923, Hitler organized a coup known as Beer Hall Putsch against 3000 men in a
government meeting which led to his arrest. Many of the public sympathized with him and he
was only detained for 8 months in which he wrote his book Mein Kampf (my struggle). Once
Hitler was released the US stock market crashed giving Hitler the opportune moment to act. He
gave further speeches to repudiate the Versailles Treaty, strengthen the economy and fix the
unemployment problem in Germany.
Depression
As previously mentioned, Europe, particularly Germany was in a depression. Germany
suffering from war debts, unemployment (6 million unemployed 1932) and internal chaos due to
lack of faith of the government was falling into pieces. Especially when the American stock
market crashed, America called in on all of its foreign loans which destabilized the German
economy. The people were prepared to welcome a new leader who would rebuild the economy
and repair the damaged German name for the people. Hitler was seen as the prime candidate.
Good Speaker
In terms of the public eye, majority of Germans saw Hitler as a powerful of charismatic
speaker who gave them exactly what they wanted to hear. He talked of a new Germany, speaking
to the patriotic perspectives and a new workers class of German nationalists. This gave people
hope and gained him a large following. With the current circumstances in Germany and the
previous government (Weimar Republic), Hitler was given the opportune moment to act.
Propaganda
Joseph Goebbels – given complete control over radio, cinema, theatre and press.
Convinced mass amounts of people of Hitler’s capabilities and of his nationalistic mission.
Industrialist Support
Many workers turned to communism which caused many large business corporations to
become fearful. This caused wealthy businessmen to fund Hitler who had many anti-communist
policies. Many US companies also funded Hitler such as General Motors. It is arguable that the
Nazi’s could not mobilize without the funding of American corporations. Henry Ford invested in
Hitler as he admired him and shared the same anti-Semitic views as he.
In 1928, the Nazi party had a mere 12 seats in the Reichstag (German parliament) out of
577. By 1932, Germans won 33% of the votes (over 11 million) and had 230 seats in parliament
making them the largest party. With 33%, Hitler did not have the majority but entered into a
coalition deal with President Hindenburg who gave Hitler the position of Chancellor.
Nazi Power – use of force
Use of force was not so much a problem as it was after Hitler was appointed chancellor
but none the less there was force used upon Jewish people who opposed Hitler’s speeches and
suspected communists.
4. How they consolidated, maintained power, reinforced power
Adolf Hitler attempted to remains popular throughout his time in power. His propaganda
minister Joseph Goebbels used all forms of media to portray Hitler as a nationalistic leader.
However some books, people and movies were dubbed anti-Nazi and with the possibility that
may affect Hitler’s reign in power, censorship began. Nazi organizations made up extensive lists
of books they thought should not be read by Germans. Then, on the night of May 10, 1933, Nazis
raided libraries and bookstores across Germany marching in parades, sang chants, and threw
books into huge bonfires. On that night more than 25,000 books were burned. Many were by
Jewish writers or by authors whose views opposed that of Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
The SS was, in 1930 sent to disrupt the film premiere of the movie “All Quiet on the Western
Front” as it was called un-German.
Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933. He took almost every
opportunity to launch the country into a single party dictatorship. There was quick organization
of his police which were used to spread terror through the country. Particularly vulnerable were
the Jewish peoples.
How Hitler used Power to Become a Single Party State
On the night of February 27, 1933, a Dutch citizen set fire to the German parliament
building (Reichstag). Hitler and his propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, used this to their
advantage by falsifying some of the information in order to present it to the public as an act of an
armed Communist uprising. This enabled Hitler to establish a permanent state of emergency.
Known as the Reichstag Fire Decree, this suspended constitution that protected basic individual
rights, including freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly. The decree
also permitted increased state and police intervention into private life, allowing officials to
censor mail, listen in on phone conversations, and search private homes without a warrant or a
reasonable cause. Under the state of emergency established by the decree, the Nazi regime could
arrest and detain people without cause and without limits. The consequences of this were that
trade unions were dissolved and leader (assumed communists) were sent to concentration camps
or held by police.
March 23, 1933 the Enabling Act was signed by President Hindenburg which transferred
state powers to Hitler for a period of 4 years (was renewed later). This act gave Hitler the power
to pass laws without the consent of parliament or any further government body. This act gave
Hitler the power to ban or dissolve all parties in Germany other that the Nazi party. This act
allowed Germany to become a single party state.
March 31, 1933 Adolf Hitler replaces elected state officials with appointed Nazi’s in
order to create a centralized government with no opposition, one which he can control.
Nazi Storm Troopers (SA), were also used to terrorize political opponents. Also used to
gain power through the 1920’s, these forces were used to intimidate those against Hitler (the
Fuhrer) and to protect Nazi leaders. This force was used to persecute and attack enemies. They
also staffed the concentration camps. Later the Gestapo (secret police) were created. They
arrested socialists, communists, trade union leaders, and others who had spoken out against the
Nazi party. Nearly all organized opposition to the regime had been eliminated. Democracy was
dead in Germany.
This force was also used to scare the general public into submissiveness and willingness
to comply with the state. Though, many agreed with Hitler’s views and saw him as a popular
leader who brought back Germany from the fringes of society.
An example of Nazi SS terror is when Nazi’s take control of all trade unions offices. The
unions are then forcibly made to comply with the order to merge with the Nazi government (the
German Labour Front)
Membership in the party increases to 2.5 million in 1935, and ultimately to 8.5 million by 1945.
- US Holocaust Memorial Museum
Nuremburg Laws
In Nuremburg 1935, the Nazi party announced new
laws of racial theories based upon the party’s ideology. The
laws targeted German Jews from Reich citizenship and
prohibited them from marrying or having relations with persons of "German or related
blood." Additional laws disenfranchised Jews and deprived them of most political rights.
People with 3 or 4 Jewish grandparent were identified as a Jew regardless of their
religion or personal identity. This method of categorizing now seen as bigotry and racist are
based upon the party’s hatred of Jewish people and their theory that the Jewish peoples were
preventing the country from progressing. On certain establishments, signs were put up
preventing Jews from entering. In the Olympics in 1936 hosted by Germany, Jews were even
prevented from participating.
Hitler then furthered these laws by sending the Nazi’s to
persecute Jews. In 1937 and 1938, the government set out to bankrupt
Jews by requiring them to register their property and then by
"Aryanizing" Jewish businesses. This meant that Jewish workers and
managers were dismissed, and the ownership of most Jewish businesses
was taken over by ‘true’ Germans who bought them at bargain prices
fixed by Nazis. Jewish doctors were forbidden to treat non-Jews, and
Jewish lawyers were not permitted to practice law in the country.
Further dehumanizing occurred when all people deemed
Jewish were required to carry identification cards with a large red
J so others could recognize them. Other forced to wear the yellow
Star of David on their clothes to show they were Jewish people.
Jewish people were no longer allowed to vote and many were
removed and segregated from schools.
Executive Order on the Law on the Alteration of Family and
Personal Names requires Jews to adopt an additional name:
"Sara” for women and “Israel” for men.
- US Holocaust Memorial Museum
5. Their policies both internal and external policies with sufficient detail, impacts of
their policies, their motivation
After becoming chancellor, Hitler was quick to launch bold initiatives that would save the
country from unemployment that further threatened their economy. Many Germans believed they
had found a saviour of their nations.
Four Year Plan
The Economic program by Adolf Hitler in August 1936 would revitalize the German
army and economy within four years in anticipation for war. War was also a large part of Hitler’s
ideology and motivation as he wished to spend and take lands from neighbouring countries.
Hitler’s intention was to create and independent, strong and powerful Germany with large
armies, companies and workers. The plan run from 1936-1940, was Hitler’s attempt to make
Germany a self sufficient country. Hitler did not wish to be dependent on the industry and
resources from imports but rather develop the industry in Germany whilst creating jobs. Hitler
attempted to make Germany self-sufficient on its own resources and not upon imports but the
policy failed. The following economic policies and military policies are a part of Hitler’s 4 year
plan.
INTERNAL
Economic Policies
Full employment - the idea that everyone should have a job. By 1939, there was virtually no
unemployment in Germany.
 Before the US stock market crash 1.25 million unemployed in Germany
 By 1937, only 1 million left unemployed, while in 1932 6 million were
unemployed
 Hitler stopped paying reparations for the war and instead invested money into
German companies
 In order to create jobs the government banned some labour saving machine
industry work
 Employers had to ask before reducing the work force
 The creation of railways and roads creating efficient road systems
 80,000 jobs made creating cars (autobahns), hospitals and schools
 However with dismissing trade unions, wages did not increase
Military
Re-armament begun in 1935 - the idea of 'guns before butter'
 REAMRMENT – jobs created in the military industry in order to rearm the army
 In direct violation with the treaty of Versailles which limited the German army
 Army in 1933 – 7 divisions, 1939 – 52 divisions
 Luftwaffe (air force) not allowed by treaty, but by 1939 Germany has over 4000
planes
 4 warships and 54 subs, not allowed by treaty launched in 1939
 Prepared Hitler for war in 1939 which later helped in the invasion of Poland
Though many military policies opposed the treaty, no country intervened despite coming
to the knowledge that Germany was rearming. The new League of Nations which Germany left
by Hitler’s order was aware of the actions Germany was taking in rearming the military but
chose to steadily stand by (Winston Churchill policy of isolationism).
Education
Only true Germans were allowed in schools (others who could attend such as Jews were
segregated). Education was to be based upon the beliefs of Germany and German traditions
which Hitler and the Nazi’s deemed appropriate. There was mandatory military training of
children in school. Children were taught that this was normal and an important part of the
German lifestyle. Students were taught disciplinary actions, “to lead is to obey” as quoted by the
article Germany’s Youth Belong to the Fuhrer! Once 18, boys were expected to enlist in the
armed forces or the Reich Labour Forces. This gave a sense of ‘controlled freedom’. The
children were free to do what they pleased, within the restrictions of their school education. God
is believed upon in only one particular way. Any other different beliefs were looked down upon
such as Jewish. The dismissal of Jewish teachers also gave a bias in educational thought as
children were not given the truth of the racism in Germany, rather taught to hate Jews who were
enemies of true Germans.
The Hitler Youth organization in 1933 was 50,000 but by the end of the year became 2 million.
In 1939, 5.4 million part of the organization.
Social
Racism against Jewish people was evident all over Nazi Germany. Hitler saw the Jewish
people against the German people who he loved. He believed the failure of the war was the work
of non-Germans, of Jewish people. According to Hitler, Marxism was a Jewish strategy used to
subjugate Germany. Hitler was also against communist, homosexuals and other minority groups.
He created policies previously mentioned such as the Enabling Act and the Reichstag Fire
Decree and used his power to repress the groups.
Kristalnacht – the night of broken glass, when Hitler ordered the SS to destroy Jewish homes
and businesses as revenge for shooting a German diplomat (one of the unfair policies
implemented by Hitler where all Jews were made to suffer for the actions of one Jewish man).
Anti-Jewish Policies - Holocaust
As previously mentioned the Nuremburg laws were a large policy against the Jewish
people which not many people were opposed to in Germany.
“...the personification of the devil as the symbol of all evil assumes the living shape of the Jew.”
- Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf
Jewish people were seen widely as the people who opposed true Germans. Hitler saw no
other way to stop the Jewish problem than to completely eradicate them. This was known as the
Holocaust when the order for the final solution was given. The final solution refers to Hitler’s
order to gather the Jewish population in concentration camps for a mass genocide, the largest the
world had ever witnessed.
The
numbers killed is estimated at 6 million. This shattered communities all across Europe. Hitler not
only targeted Germany but also Poland, Norway, Netherland and many more countries.
According to the American Jewish Yearbook, it is estimated there were about 9.5 million Jews in
Europe in 1933. About 60% of this original number was annihilated through various torture
methods and killings. In Poland, 90% of the Jewish population were killed.
Concentration camps around Europe are displayed in the map above. Not only were there
death camps but also labour camps. Upon admission, ID would be tattooed on the person. At
labour camps, work hours ranged from 12-14 hours a day. Many would starve or become
exhausted from the physical labour. Torture was common in these camps where many atrocities
occurred to men, woman and children (all of which were Jewish, homosexual, ‘communist’ or
opposed to Hitler’s policies).
At extermination camps, people would be killed in gas chambers, allowing many to be
killed at once, others shot or burned in ovens (Auschwitz). Some starved, died of exhaustion and
some cases, others were experimented upon.
This information was kept quiet from the public for possibility of objections.
EXTERNAL
Foreign Policy
Hitler wished to incorporate the German’s living outside the Reich into Germany and
create “lebensraum” (policy mentioned in ideology) for the Germans to live in. This would
include only German people. In order to gain this space, the need for expansion was necessary in
Russia and around the borders of Germany. The racially inferior Slavs would be required to go
elsewhere.
Munich Pact 1938
A pact between Germany and Britain, dealt with Hitler receiving from Winston Churchill
the occupation of Sudetenland if Germany agreed to leave the rest of the country in peace.
However when Hitler’s plan for war began, in 1939, September 1, Hitler invaded Czechoslovia
and Poland breaking the agreement and beginning the war.
Nazi-Soviet Pact 1939
A non-aggression treaty was signed between Russia and Germany. With drew a partition
for the two countries to avoid conflict. This was a great advantage for Germany as they could
concentrate on the western front war rather on a two front war as fought in WW1. This treaty
however was broken by the Germans on June 22, 1941 causing a turning point in the war in
favour of the Allied forces, particularly Russia.
6. Conclusion, assess their legacy, impact, influence, successes, failures, both short and
long term
Hitler’s entire plan was to inevitably lead the country to war, which was made possible when
Germany invaded Poland. World War Two and the Holocaust are the two events in history Hitler
is known for and notorious in causing. His legacy is not one which is seen dominantly as good.
However Hitler’s impact on Germany was exceptional. Hitler was able to rebuild the German
economy swiftly in the span of just over a decade 1932 when he became chancellor to 1945 to
the time of his death. It is unquestionable to doubt the love Hitler had for Germany and his
nationalistic pride. He took a country in the shadows, in ruins and rebuilds it to a proud nation.
Though after WW2, the humiliation and shame of Germany repeated. Hitler never anticipated
losing the war. Despite capturing Poland in a day, France in 6 weeks, Belgium, Netherlands and a
handful of other countries in just the spring of 1940, Germany lost the war. Hitler took his own
life on April 30, 1945, when the loss of the war was eminent. Hitler was in fact a good German
leader leading his country to prosperity but due to his beliefs in the Holocaust and the actions
that took place in WW2, he is remembered as the infamous German dictator. His cause failed
overall. Many policies were changed and had to be re-evaluated.
World Impact
Holocaust – as mentioned previously
WW2
Hitler wanted war for many reason;
 Revenge for Versailles
 Rebuild economy and military for power
 Lebensraum
 Create German society
The attack staged on Poland was a clear indication to the world of the powers of
Germany. France and Britain stepped into the war at this point protecting the European countries.
Hitler’s ideas and beliefs started a chaotic war lasting from 1939-1945.
The outcome of this war cost the lives of 61 million people (Second World War website).
Many of which were civilians.
Short Term Effects
Conclusion of the Holocaust
The Holocaust was a short term effect of Hitler’s reign. Ending once Hitler committed
suicide at the end of WW2. The effects of the Holocaust however still linger to present day time.
Germany is still held accountable for the Holocaust, issuing apologies and creating memorials to
present day.
Deemed morally wrong and unethical many camps were bombed such as Auschwitz, the
German death camp where the practice of ovens and burning victims alive was commonly used.
Nuremburg Trials
Though the Holocaust was over 60 years ago, war criminals charged with offences of serving
in concentration camps are still constantly being convicted. Major Powers, USA, the USSR, and
Britain agreed to punish offenders for their crimes against humanity. The trials took place
between 1945 and 1946 but some trials for Nazi’s still occur presently.
 12 prominent Nazi leaders were executed
 Foreign ministers, heads of security, commanders convicted
 Those involved with murders were given heavy sentences
 Some involved with labour camps were given shorter sentences
“. . . The United States will persevere in its efforts to rescue the victims of brutality of the
Nazis. . .”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt - March 24, 1944
Economy
After Hitler dies the German economy was once again in ruins.
 Food production was only 51% of its level in 1938
 Industrial output in 1947 was only a third of what it was in 1938
Long Term Effects
Millions of people were killed
through the war. The list taken from
Second World War website shows
the estimated casualties. Other lists
show up to 75 million people
fatalities in the war.
These deaths were primarily blames
upon Hitler and the Germans.
The Holocaust left many
physiological impacts on the world
and on survivors.
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26048324
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/subject_menus/versailles_menu.asp
http://www.worldology.com/Europe/world_war_1_1919.htm
http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2023140,00.html
http://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/marcuse/classes/33d/projects/1920s/Econ20s.htm
“Who says I am not under the special protection of God?”
― Adolf Hitler
“The receptivity of the masses is very limited, their intelligence is small, but their power of forgetting
is enormous. In consequence of these facts, all effective propaganda must be limited to a very few
points and must harp on these in slogans until the last member of the public understands what you
want him to understand by your slogan.”
― Adolf Hitler