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The Start and Beliefs of the NSDAP/Nazis
It began in 1920 with multiple political parties fighting to get elected. The National Socialist German Workers’ Party was a minor political party. They wanted nationalism and used anti-Semitic ideas. -
Hitler Assumes Control of the Nazis
Hitler is head of the party (fuhrer), believes his orders should be followed strictly, creates a group of thugs to beat up Nazi enemies (SA/Stormtroopers). -
Hitler is Arrested and the Nazis Gain Support With Various Groups
Nazis were small until they tried to overthrow the government. Hitler's trial gave the Nazis much publicity. Hitler was arrested but released in 1924. Hitler pledged to make the Nazis into a legitimate party. He wanted to destroy democracy. By 1928, the Nazis were liked by farmers, small business owners, and others who felt ignored by the government. The group still couldn't grow its representation. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression made the Nazis and Hitler look more rational. The Weimar government couldn't respond effectively to the Great Depression. In July 1932, elections were held and the Nazis won 230 seats. That number was the highest of any during the Weimar period. -
The Chancellor Deal
Hitler continued to pick up support. President Paul von Hindenburg would still refuse to make him chancellor. It was offered to Kurt von Schleicher. Hitler did not accept anyone as chancellor except himself. Franz Von Papen was a supporter of Hitler. On January 20th, 1933, Hitler was given chancellorship by Hindenburg. -
The Reichstag Fire
Hitler still didn't have much power but got a boost from The Reichstag Fire on February 27, 1933. Hitler declared a state of emergency and asked Hindenburg to invoke article 48. Articles 114, 115, 117, 118, 123, 124 and 153 of the Constitution of the German Reich were suspended until further notice. The decree that was written was so broad that it allowed for Nazis to define their own legal limits. -
The Enabling Act
The Enabling Act was introduced into the Reichstag. The chancellor and his ministers could rule by decree, bypass the constitution, initiate taxes, spending, and determine foreign policy, all without legislation or Reichstag approval. The Nazis rigged the vote by arresting dozens of members of other parties. More than 24 representatives did not show. -
Dealing With Protestors and Presidents
In 1933, Hitler authorized the creation of concentration camps. On June 30th, 1934, Hitler gained the support of the German army by killing off several leaders of the uncontrollable SA, his former Nazi enforcers. On August 2nd, Hindenburg died and Hitler took leadership. Hitler would be named fuehrer and would act as head of state, government, and armed forces. A vote was taken and it could've been rigged. -
Rearament
Hiter reintroduced the draft in 1935. Hitler revealed his Four-Year Plan which prepares the nation's military for war. By the start of 1939, Germany boasted more than 900,000 soldiers, 8,000 aircraft, and 95 warships. -
The Rhineland
In March 1936 Hitler ordered German troops back into the Rhineland, defying the Treaty of Versaille. France and Britain did nothing. -
New Foreign Policy
Hitler proposed a military solution that stated that they expand into Eastern Europe so Germany could access land and raw materials to help their economy. -
Anschluss
In March 1938 Austria held a vote on Austrian independence. Hitler claimed the voting was rigged and told Austria that it had to relinquish power or face invasion. The chancellor of Austria resigned and Austria joined Germany under one government. -
Czechoslovakia and the Munich Agreement
The British Prime Minister met Hitler for three meetings in September 1938. On the 15th, the minister agreed to Hitler's demands. At the second Hitler demanded troops be granted immediate access to the Sudeten Region. On the 29th Hitler, Mussolini, and Daladier met in Munich to resolve this crisis. They signed an agreement approving the Nazi control over Sudetenland, as long as Hitler did go further into Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain returned to Britain and said peace was made.They go further in.