Hitler's Rise to
Power
An overview of the causes of
Hitler’s rise to power in
Germany.
Note: this presentation provides only a brief
overview of the reasons for Hitler’s Rise, each
element of the slideshow will also be taught in
depth
By Mr Moorhouse
www.SchoolHistory.co.uk
www.SchoolsHistory.org.uk
14/03/2016
Weimar and Nazi Germany
1
Objectives
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At the end of this lesson you
should be able to:
Identify and explain a number of
factors that led to the rise of the
Nazi party
Recognise that no single factor led
to Hitler’s rise
Weimar and Nazi Germany
2
Overview
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The Nazi Party was formed in 1919
Hitler joined the party shortly after
it’s inception
Germany was in a state of disarray
after the First World War
There were many extremist groups
in Germany at the time
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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1919-1923
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Many Germans were disillusioned after the
defeat in the First World war. Ex-soldiers felt that
they had been ‘Stabbed in the back’ and felt that
they had not been defeated on the
battlefield.Many of them joined Right Wing
groups such as the Freikorps or the Nazi party.
The Spartacist rising, amongst others, led to
many people fearing a Communist revolution in
Germany. People looked to right Wing groups to
act against this: the Freikorps in particular.
Economic hardship was coupled with humiliation
as a result of the terms of the Treaty of
Versailles. Right Wing groups gained popularity
by saying that they would not adhere to it’s terms.
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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How did the Nazi party gain support
in this period?
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Military uniforms demonstrated strength at a time
when the government was weak
Use of force against communists and Trade
unionists was popular with businesses
Populist policies and rhetoric were employed to
discredit opponents and develop support.
References to traditional values and reminders of
‘Who was to blame’ for the economic crisis builds
support.
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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1923: Violent uprising
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By 1923 the Nazi party had gained much support
in Bavaria. Now firmly under the control of Adolf
Hitler the group attempts to seize control of the
government through use of force.
Despite having many sympathisers the coup fails
and Hitler is imprisoned.
The failure of the Beer Hall Putsch demonstrates
that power needs to be taken through legal
means.
Weimar and Nazi Germany
6
Regrouping
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Whilst in prison Hitler analyses the
parties strategy
Political Strategies are developed
and refined
Shift to winning electoral support
Development of propaganda tools
Attempts to win support of big
business
Weimar and Nazi Germany
7
1924-1929
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Focus on traditional values
Builds fear of Left Wing groups
Continued use of military imagery
Lack of electoral support due to
relative prosperity in Germany at
the time
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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1929-1932 A Change in
Fortunes
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Wall Street Crash leads to end of
effective financial assistance from
USA
Unemployment rises rapidly
Hyperinflation recurs
Threat of Communism increases
Coalition government fails to
address problems successfully
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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Into government (1)
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Nazi’s use force to prevent uprisings
Rhetoric plays on peoples fears
Big Business won over through radical economic
plans
Emphasis placed on military power wins support
of many soldiers and traditionalists.
Weak coalition governments enables Nazi’s to
gain political strength
Propaganda and shows of might impress the
masses
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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Into Government (2)
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Electoral support rises: Nazi’s
become largest single party in the
Reichstag
Continuing economic crisis leads
to break down of coalitions
Aging and ineffective president
increasingly reliant upon Article 48
Germany in desperate need of a
strong leader
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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In Power
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Invited to become chancellor by
politicians who believe that Hitler
can be manipulated easily
President Hindenburg’s death
allows Hitler to assume
presidential powers
Nazi Party’s rise to power is
complete
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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Rise to power: an
overview
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Strong leadership
Determination
Popular Rhetoric and Hitler’s capabilities as a
public speaker
Weakness of Coalition government
Wall Street Crash and the consequent economic
collapse
Support of significant businessmen
Disruption of extremist opponents
Fear of Communism
Weimar and Nazi Germany
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