World War IIWorld War II “Rise of Nazi Germany”“Rise of Nazi Germany”

Why would a cultured German people put people like Adolf Hitler and the Nazi’s into power?

Rise of the Nazis

…when there’s a crisis, people appear who claim to be the fount of all wisdom and that they can bring salvation to everyone. -Alois Pfaller

Treaty of Versailles

Treaty of Versailles

Treaty of Versailles

1. Surrender of all German colonies

2. Return of Alsace-Lorraine

3. Demilitarization of Germany

4. Occupation of the Rhineland by French troops.

5. German reparations of 6.6 billion pounds

6. Acceptance of German blame for causing the war

7. War trials for Kaiser and other German leaders

8. Limitation of German military

1. 100,000 men (no conscription)

2. No tanks, artillery, airplanes, airships, or poison gas.

3. No naval vessels over 100,000 tons and no submarines.

Meaning of “Reich”Meaning of “Reich”

Reich means “realm” or “nation”Reich means “realm” or “nation”

First Reich=Holy Roman Empire First Reich=Holy Roman Empire (Successful 476-1512 A.D.)(Successful 476-1512 A.D.)

2nd Reich=Germany from 1871 to 1919 2nd Reich=Germany from 1871 to 1919 (Failed)(Failed)

3rd Reich=1000 years of Nazi Rule 3rd Reich=1000 years of Nazi Rule (Failed 1933-1945)(Failed 1933-1945)

The Weimar RepublicThe Weimar Republic

►““Reich” means rich or realm.Reich” means rich or realm.►Reichstag modeled after the U.S. Reichstag modeled after the U.S.

Congress.Congress.►Tried to create a democracy overnight.Tried to create a democracy overnight.►Weak government unable to withstand Weak government unable to withstand

outside political groups such as the outside political groups such as the communists and Nazis. communists and Nazis.

Adolf HitlerAdolf Hitler

►Born in 1889Born in 1889►Became a school dropout at age 16Became a school dropout at age 16►Month-long visit to Vienna kindled an Month-long visit to Vienna kindled an

interest in architecture and art (1906).interest in architecture and art (1906).►Father died in 1905 and mother in 1907.Father died in 1905 and mother in 1907.►Moved back to Vienna and applied to Moved back to Vienna and applied to

the Academy of Architecture and was the Academy of Architecture and was rejected.rejected.

Adolf Hitler (2)Adolf Hitler (2)

►Hitler moved to successively worse Hitler moved to successively worse slums surrounding Vienna.slums surrounding Vienna.

►Sold painting and most of his clothes Sold painting and most of his clothes for money.for money.

►Eventually resorted to living in a Eventually resorted to living in a homeless shelter.homeless shelter.

►Like fellow bums, Hitler blamed his Like fellow bums, Hitler blamed his homelessness on the upper classes--homelessness on the upper classes--especially the Jews.especially the Jews.

Adolf Hitler (3)Adolf Hitler (3)

►Moved to Munich, Germany in 1913.Moved to Munich, Germany in 1913.►A placard that hung over Hitler’s bed A placard that hung over Hitler’s bed

upon leaving Vienna read:upon leaving Vienna read: We look free and openWe look free and open We look steadfastly, We look steadfastly, We look joyously acrossWe look joyously across To the German Fatherland!To the German Fatherland! Heil!Heil!

Adolf Hitler (4)Adolf Hitler (4)

► In January, 1914 Hitler was ordered to In January, 1914 Hitler was ordered to return to Austria-Hungary for military return to Austria-Hungary for military service or be arrested.service or be arrested.

►He was found unfit for military service.He was found unfit for military service.► June 28, 1914: The assassination of June 28, 1914: The assassination of

Archduke Ferdinand swept up Hitler in Archduke Ferdinand swept up Hitler in the euphoria. (Next picture)the euphoria. (Next picture)

Adolf Hitler (4)Adolf Hitler (4)

Hitler (5)Hitler (5)

►Hitler was accepted into the Germany Hitler was accepted into the Germany Army: First Bavarian Infantry RegimentArmy: First Bavarian Infantry Regiment

►His immediate problems were solved:His immediate problems were solved: FoodFood ClothingClothing ShelterShelter CompanionshipCompanionship Purpose in lifePurpose in life

Hitler (5)Hitler (5)

Hitler (6)Hitler (6)

► After the war, he returned to Munich After the war, he returned to Munich embittered at Germany’s loss and mired embittered at Germany’s loss and mired again in poverty.again in poverty.

► He became involved with a group of men: The He became involved with a group of men: The Deutsche Arbeiterpartei later renamed Deutsche Arbeiterpartei later renamed (NSDAP) or Nazis. (NSDAP) or Nazis.

► Hitler took the leadership role of the group Hitler took the leadership role of the group and increased the membership. and increased the membership.

► His first speech was given in the Hofbrauhaus His first speech was given in the Hofbrauhaus (a beer hall) on October 16, 1919. (a beer hall) on October 16, 1919.

NAZI adaptation of the NAZI adaptation of the SwastikaSwastika

►Madame Helena BlavatskyMadame Helena Blavatsky

Madame BlavatskyMadame Blavatsky

►Studied the seven esoteric symbols Studied the seven esoteric symbols from Tibet.from Tibet.

►The most potent symbol was believed The most potent symbol was believed to the Swastika. According to Tibetan to the Swastika. According to Tibetan mythology, it is the symbol of mythology, it is the symbol of sun/fire/creation. It is a symbol of sun/fire/creation. It is a symbol of good fortune. good fortune.

Madame BlavatskyMadame Blavatsky

►Studied the mythological 7 stages of Studied the mythological 7 stages of human evolution. Blavatsky referred to human evolution. Blavatsky referred to them as “root races.”them as “root races.”

►She believed the Aryan race’s symbol She believed the Aryan race’s symbol was the Swastika. The Aryans are a was the Swastika. The Aryans are a race of light, order, and spirit. race of light, order, and spirit.

►She stared a society in the United She stared a society in the United States, which then spread the ideology States, which then spread the ideology to Europe.to Europe.

NAZI adaptation of the NAZI adaptation of the SwastikaSwastika

►Guido von ListGuido von List►Specialized in Specialized in

Germanic runes Germanic runes and their meaning. and their meaning.

►Combined Madame Combined Madame Helena Blavatsky’s Helena Blavatsky’s ideas with his own. ideas with his own.

Nazi adaptation of the Nazi adaptation of the SwastikaSwastika

►Guido Von List helped bring about the Guido Von List helped bring about the romanticism of ancient German romanticism of ancient German paganism and polytheistic religions. paganism and polytheistic religions.

►He viewed the Catholic church as a He viewed the Catholic church as a semitic religion who continues the semitic religion who continues the Roman occupation of Pagan Germany. Roman occupation of Pagan Germany.

►He did not know any NAZI’s or Hitler, He did not know any NAZI’s or Hitler, but his ideas had a major impact on but his ideas had a major impact on them. them.

The Aryan State - von ListThe Aryan State - von List

►Strict hierarchyStrict hierarchy►PatriarchalPatriarchal►Citizenship reserved for only AryansCitizenship reserved for only Aryans►Laws passed to ensure the purity of Laws passed to ensure the purity of

the Aryan race. the Aryan race.

Germanic Rune Symbology in Germanic Rune Symbology in NazismNazism

The SS Runes (Siegel Rune)The SS Runes (Siegel Rune)

The “Sun” rune, or later, the “victory” rune.

NAZI Party SymbolsNAZI Party Symbols

Fascist Symbolism Used Fascist Symbolism Used TodayToday

Roman Fasces

The Thule SocietyThe Thule Society

►Made up of Made up of wealthy wealthy members: members: Doctors, Lawyers, Doctors, Lawyers, and Merchants.and Merchants.

►Each member had Each member had to prove Aryan to prove Aryan ancestry and ancestry and traits. traits.

Random Picture

The Ruhr Crisis 1923The Ruhr Crisis 1923

►Rich coal reserves--more than the rest Rich coal reserves--more than the rest of Europe put together.of Europe put together.

►France seized coal and iron industries France seized coal and iron industries because Germany was in default on because Germany was in default on reparation payments.reparation payments.

►Germany cancelled all reparations and Germany cancelled all reparations and Ruhr workers stopped working.Ruhr workers stopped working.

HyperinflationHyperinflation

► Government tried to print more and more Government tried to print more and more money driving up inflation.money driving up inflation.

► By 1929, a factor worker was making 30% By 1929, a factor worker was making 30% less than in 1913.less than in 1913.

► November 1923, one dollar=4.2 trillion marks.November 1923, one dollar=4.2 trillion marks.► Old rags were more valuable than paper Old rags were more valuable than paper

money.money.► Working and middle classes suffered most.Working and middle classes suffered most.► A select few benefited from hyperinflation.A select few benefited from hyperinflation.

The Role of the ArmyThe Role of the Army

►Treaty of Versailles limited Germany to Treaty of Versailles limited Germany to a 100,000 man army. a 100,000 man army.

►General Hans von Seeckt created an General Hans von Seeckt created an “army of leaders” instead.“army of leaders” instead.

►The army became a large military The army became a large military school.school.

►This was found to be very effective This was found to be very effective when WWII started. when WWII started.

The Beer Hall PutschThe Beer Hall Putsch

► The SA “Sturmabteiling” “Storm Troopers” The SA “Sturmabteiling” “Storm Troopers” “Brownshirts”“Brownshirts”

► The SA were paramilitary street thugs made up of The SA were paramilitary street thugs made up of impoverished youth. They grew up in violent impoverished youth. They grew up in violent families and were violent themselves.families and were violent themselves.

► November 8, 1923: Hitler arrives at the November 8, 1923: Hitler arrives at the Burgerbrauhaus, pulled out a pistol and fired it at Burgerbrauhaus, pulled out a pistol and fired it at the ceiling and exclaimed, “The national revolution the ceiling and exclaimed, “The national revolution has begun!” has begun!”

► 3,000 SA and Hitler marched to “Soldiers Hall” in 3,000 SA and Hitler marched to “Soldiers Hall” in Munich where they met police resistance. 14 SA Munich where they met police resistance. 14 SA were killed, more wounded, and Hitler fled the were killed, more wounded, and Hitler fled the scene. scene.

Hitler in JailHitler in Jail

►A few hours after the shooting, three A few hours after the shooting, three Munich police officers found Hitler Munich police officers found Hitler sitting in a room of the Hanfstangl sitting in a room of the Hanfstangl residence and arrested him.residence and arrested him.

►Hitler was sentenced to a year in Hitler was sentenced to a year in prison. prison.

►Landsberg Prison was a very Landsberg Prison was a very comfortable place. (pg. 107 for comfortable place. (pg. 107 for description)description)

Mein Kampf (My Struggle)Mein Kampf (My Struggle)

►Written while Hitler was in prison.Written while Hitler was in prison.►Mix of Nazi history, theoretical Mix of Nazi history, theoretical

doctrine, and street-smarts.doctrine, and street-smarts.►Blamed Jews for Germany’s problems.Blamed Jews for Germany’s problems.►German people need to re-establish German people need to re-establish

their supremacy.their supremacy.►They needed to acquire They needed to acquire lebensraumlebensraum

(living space) in the East.(living space) in the East.

After JailAfter Jail

►Hitler regains control of Nazi PartyHitler regains control of Nazi Party► Josef Goebbels joins Hitler’s teamJosef Goebbels joins Hitler’s team►Hitler rented or purchased a theatre in Hitler rented or purchased a theatre in

which to give political speeches.which to give political speeches.► Jail taught Hitler the virtue of patience.Jail taught Hitler the virtue of patience.

Josef GoebbelsJosef Goebbels

Hitler’s ProblemsHitler’s Problems

►The SA were evicted from Berlin after The SA were evicted from Berlin after attacking Nazi political opponents.attacking Nazi political opponents.

►The Nazi party was not succeeding in The Nazi party was not succeeding in gaining the support of businessmen, gaining the support of businessmen, workers, and professionals outside workers, and professionals outside Bavaria.Bavaria.

The Rise to PowerThe Rise to Power

►Hitler’s first success in gaining an Hitler’s first success in gaining an audience outside of Bavaria was the audience outside of Bavaria was the farmers of Schleswig-Holstein Farmers. farmers of Schleswig-Holstein Farmers.

►Nazi strategy was to now court rural Nazi strategy was to now court rural voters to gain seats in the Reichstag. voters to gain seats in the Reichstag.

For Freedom and BreadFor Freedom and Bread

►Stock Market collapse in the United Stock Market collapse in the United States made the rest of the difference States made the rest of the difference for Nazi gains.for Nazi gains.

►Germany was the hardest hit Germany was the hardest hit economically.economically.

►High unemployment was rampant.High unemployment was rampant.►New Nazi slogan: For Freedom and New Nazi slogan: For Freedom and

BreadBread

Reichstag ElectionsReichstag Elections

►1931 elections: Nazis gained 18.3% of 1931 elections: Nazis gained 18.3% of seats in Reichstag. (2nd largest seats in Reichstag. (2nd largest majority)majority)

►This proved the Nazis were no longer This proved the Nazis were no longer just a country party.just a country party.

Nazi Wars: The Nazi Wars: The Stormtroopers RebelStormtroopers Rebel

► The stormtroopers came to resent the lavish The stormtroopers came to resent the lavish lifestyle of many Nazi leaders. (Hitler lived lifestyle of many Nazi leaders. (Hitler lived modestly though)modestly though)

► Hitler reassigned Ernst Rohm to take over Hitler reassigned Ernst Rohm to take over the SA.the SA.

► After Nazis became a legitimate political After Nazis became a legitimate political party, Hitler ordered the SA to stand down party, Hitler ordered the SA to stand down their violent tactics.their violent tactics.

► Many of the SA then converted to the Many of the SA then converted to the Communist Party.Communist Party.

Nazi Wars: The Nazi Wars: The Stormtroopers Rebel (2)Stormtroopers Rebel (2)

►Herman Goring purged SA dissidents.Herman Goring purged SA dissidents.►Hitler temporarily dissolved the SAHitler temporarily dissolved the SA►He cut the budget and refused new He cut the budget and refused new

recruitment.recruitment.►He replaced the SA with the SS He replaced the SA with the SS

(Schutzstaffel) or (Defense Echelon)(Schutzstaffel) or (Defense Echelon)►Heinrich Himmler was placed in charge Heinrich Himmler was placed in charge

of the SS. of the SS.

Heinrich HimmlerHeinrich Himmler

Reichstag Elections (2)Reichstag Elections (2)

► July 1932-Nazis have more Reichstag seats July 1932-Nazis have more Reichstag seats than any other party. (37.1%)than any other party. (37.1%)

► Hitler offered vice-chancellorship but Hitler offered vice-chancellorship but refuses.refuses.

► No coalition govt. could form so new No coalition govt. could form so new elections were held Nov. 1932. Nazis lost elections were held Nov. 1932. Nazis lost seats (33.1%)seats (33.1%)

► Disturbing: Nazis lost 2 million votes; Disturbing: Nazis lost 2 million votes; Communists gained 6 million votes. Communists gained 6 million votes.

Industrialists Save The DayIndustrialists Save The Day

►Big were alarmed at Communism’s Big were alarmed at Communism’s popularity.popularity.

►They wanted to crush the Unions and They wanted to crush the Unions and believed Hitler could do it.believed Hitler could do it.

►President Hindenburg was forced to President Hindenburg was forced to appoint Hitler as Chancellor of appoint Hitler as Chancellor of Germany. (Jan 30, 1933)Germany. (Jan 30, 1933)

Immediate Abuse of PowerImmediate Abuse of Power

► Hitler got Hindenburg to call for new Hitler got Hindenburg to call for new elections on March 5, 1933.elections on March 5, 1933.

► Before elections: Hitler suppressed Before elections: Hitler suppressed communist press and meetings.communist press and meetings.

► The Reichstag just happened to catch fire.The Reichstag just happened to catch fire.► Hitler blamed the communists and spread Hitler blamed the communists and spread

fear about communist threat.fear about communist threat.► March 5, 1933 elections: Nazis have 44% of March 5, 1933 elections: Nazis have 44% of

seats in Reichstag. seats in Reichstag.

Reichstag FireReichstag Fire

Immediate Abuse of Power Immediate Abuse of Power (2)(2)

►After winning the majority of the seats, After winning the majority of the seats, Hitler started throwing communists Hitler started throwing communists and social democrats in jail. and social democrats in jail.

►Remaining members of Reichstag Remaining members of Reichstag voted for the “Enabling Bill” turning all voted for the “Enabling Bill” turning all Reichstag functions over to Hitler. Reichstag functions over to Hitler.