Rise of the Nazi PowerRise of the Nazi Power

Hitler and Totalitarian Germany

Rise of Hitler

A. Early Hitler Years1. Background

a. Artist- Rejected by Vienna Academy of Fine Arts

b. WWI Soldier (wounded severely)c. Began to resent Jews during the German

economic downfall of the 20s.d. Extreme nationaliste. Joins National Socialists in 1921 (Nazis)

Rise of Hitler

2. Overconfident in his new leadership within the party, Hitler staged a government takeover in 1923.

a. Beer Hall Putsch- Munich1. Quickly crushed and Hitler

was thrown in jail… 2. It was in jail Hitler would

formulate his “master plan” and publish his most famous work:

Mein Kampf (My Struggle)

Rise of Hitler

3. In this work:Racism, Nationalism, and

anti- Communism are all connected with Darwin’s theory of evolution and “survival of the fittest.”- Hitler justified needing

“living space” for Germany because they were the greatest racial nation.

- Therefore, they had a right to space over inferior races.

Rise of Hitler

3. Due to his arrest, Hitler realized the Nazis had to gain power legally… not like Mussolini in Italy!

a. Bolstered by war anger, and a dilapidated economy, by 1929, the Nazi party had 800,000 members.

b. Hitler promised to:Restore honor, military power,

the economy, and national pride.

Rise of Hitler

4. Hitler as a political leadera. Like Mussolini, Hitler played on

fears of Communist revolt.1. Upper and Middle class

Germans, fearing communist revolt, threw their support behind the Nazis.

2. Other Germans, swayed by talk of pride and honor, followed as

well.

Rise of Hitler

B. Hitler Takes Over1. 1933- President Hindenberg names Hitler the Chancellor of Germany (head of Parliament)

a. Enabling Act- Passed by German parliament in 1933, this suspended the constitution for 4 years!

b. Gave Hitler unlimited power to establish his totalitarian state.

Rise of HitlerHITLERBECAMECHANCELLOR

THE REICHSTAGFIRE

THEENABLING

ACT

THE NIGHTOF THELONG

KNIVES

DEATH OFPRESIDENT

HINDENBURG

OATH OFLOYALTY

TOHITLER

The Furher