Why Nazis had achieved power by 1933

Introduction

1 of 6

Significant cause of Hitler's rise
meant that Germany forced to accept unconditional surrender
myth of Germany (military) being stabbed in the back by politicians
Meant army and navy severly reduced in size with only 100,000 men and 6 battleships
Rhineland demilitirized
Large parts of Germany given to other parts of Germany, caused upset and anger due to language
Considerable reperation payments
France allowed to exploit their coal mines out of compensation for own destroyed mines
Germans resented bc seen as designed for own humiliation
wake of wide spread anger led to Nazis gaining support
a horrendous blow to Germany and Weimar gov was held in contempt for signing it
destroying it was central to Nazis policy and propaganda

2 of 6

Unemployment rates soared from 1.5m in 1929 to 6m in 1932
German banks collapsed
Exports declined
industry production falling
pressure of reperations
Weimar government held responsible for the collapse of German economy but important to remember Gustav Stresseman ended crises and led Germany through Golden age
Support for democracy collapsed due to the economic crises
Historians say the Depression was the "wind in the Nazi sails"
Over-reliance on foreign investment left the Weimar economy subject to the fluctuations of the international economy.

3 of 6

german gov unstable for years due to lack of experience parties had of democracy
great lack of respect for democracy since people and politicians wanted strong leader
different parties disagreed and coalitions fell apart
gave appearance of weak government
did not gain loyalty or support from german people
president directly elected by people, could suspend constitution in emergency and rule by decree under article 48
Weimar Rebuplic weak because faced threats from both left and right wing groups and politicians changed so frequently that ordinary Germans sough authority
Proportional representation led to weak coalition governments
Divisions among those groups/individuals who purported to be supporters of the new form of government eg the socialists.

4 of 6

weimar politicians believed they could control Hitler but by 1923 Nazis greatest party in Reich
Hitler rejected offer of Vice Chancellorship
Schliecher and Von Papen manipulating Hindenburg for years, convincing him to offer chancellorship Hitler and Vice chancellorship to Papen
Result of wear politicians, left wing divided, unable to to cooperate and stop (united and strong) red wing
Coalition after coalition led to the belief in Germany that democracy was weak and unstable
Nazis exploited this to promise a strong gov

5 of 6

Nazis only party who had realised the persuasive power of the cinema
Nazis gained support from every sector of society, rich/poor, old/young, male/female whereas other parties focused on particular groups
Prop. short, simple messages where Hitler portrayed being above all party-politiking and figure for national focus and loyalty, most obvious choice for Germans
offered jobs for workers, fairer share of national wealth
buisness men lured by promise of destruction of communism and curbs on workers power
important because Nazi party seemed more appealing to German people wanting change
destroying jewish banks, appealed to middle classes
Hitler's alliance with Hindenburg (cinema owner)
Brown shirts protected Nazi rallies, caused instability and violence-effective bc Hitler promised to end when in power
Hitler's public speaker
last "free" election, Nazis won 196 seats-33% of vote-shows despite everything Nazis still not appealing to majoirty of electerate
The SA was used to break up opponents’ meetings and give the appearance of discipline and order.

6 of 6