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End of World War I: Implementation of Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles imposed harsh terms on Germany that included the "War Guilt Clause"as well as paying massive reparations and losing territory.These harsh terms caused humiliation and resentment throughout the German population. Hitler used these national feelings to blame those who signed the Treaty "The November Criminals". Furthermore, the end of the war transitioned GM into a Weimar Republic, which was unstable and lacked support.This allowed Hitler to implant himself into the story. -
Hitlers Attendance at German Workers Party
While Hitler Attendance at the GWP may seem trivial it is a key step into his rise to power. By attending these meetings,Hitler was able to collaborate with people who felt similar to him.From there Hitler was able to form his agenda and begin his influence as both a public speaker and propagandist. Hitler also rebranded the party as the NSDAP, which gave him an avenue to consolidate his power and develop his leadership skills.Overtime, the NSDAP would grow substantially into a powerhouse party. -
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Munich Push (Beer Hall Putsch)
The Munich Push was The NSDAP attempt to seize power in Germany. While the Munich Push was unsuccessful in the short-term, over the long-term it would prove to be successful to consolidating Hitlers power. The Munich Push allowed the Nazi party to gain National Attention which broadcasted their ideologies all over Germany. Their failed attempt would teach Hitler new strategies to lead, strengthen the Nazi party, and exploit the economic and political instability occuring in Germany. -
Hitlers Time in Prison
After the Munich Push,Hitler was arrested and thrown into prison for nine months. During his time in prison Hitler wrote "Men Kampf" which is a book that outlines his political ideology and visions for Germany. His time in prison allowed for self-reflection and networking to be done. On the outside, the Nazi party was reorganizing and becoming stronger than they were before. Furthermore Hitlers time in prison garnered support in his favor as a "patriotic German." -
Hitler Establishment of the SS
The SS or Schutzstaffel played a crucial role in consolidating Hitlers power over the Nazi party and destroying all oppositions. The SS was incredibly loyal to Hitler and he has absolute authority amongst the party. The SS established organizations like the Gestapo (secret police) and SD, which monitored and suppressed individualistic expression.Due to the SS operating independently of Germanys military, Hitler was able to bypass oppositions from traditional units and enforce the Nazi Ideology. -
Widespread Economic Depression
The Great Depression hit Germany hard and by 1932 they had 30% unemployment. The economic despair made it easy for groups like the Nazis to rise into power. Many German citizens had lost their faith in the Weimar Republic, due to their inability to address the economic crisis. Hitler saw this as an opportunity to implement the Nazi party, as a strong group who can bring economic prosperity. Hitler blamed the Jews and November Criminals for these harships. Nazi has control of Reichstag by 1932. -
Hitlers Appointed Chancellor
Hitler recognized that he wasn't going to gain power from working around the government, so he needed to work within it. Once he was appointed as chancellor he quickly dismantled democratic institutions and established a totalitarian reign. Hitlers exploited the political instability of The Weimar Republic at the time and used violence a force to suppress the views of the opposition.He used strategic manipulation, propaganda and oppression of the opposition to come into complete and total power. -
The Reichstag Fire
Though there is speculation on how the fire started, the Nazi party instantly used this fire to solidify and consolidate their power.They blamed the communists for the start of the fire,claiming it was apart of a larger plan to overthrow the government. The fire then caused the "Reichstag Fire Decree"to be signed,which got rid of civil liberties of citizens and allowed for the Nazis to arrests thousands of oppositions,increasing their reign in Germany.These fires were the beginning of Nazi Rule. -
Passing the Enabling Act
The Reichstag fire directly led to the passing of the Enabling Act, which allowed Hitler to enact laws without Reichstag Approval. This effectively made Hitler a dictator and would be the beginning of his reign. The Enabling act dismantled democracy, centralized power into the hands of Hitler and the Nazi party, led to the persecution of opponents, and eliminated checks and balances in the government, so nobody could stop him. This allowed Hitler to govern unopposed until his defeat in 1945. -
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Nazi Leaders Eliminate Leadership of the SA (Night of the Long Knives)
This strand of days again allowed for Hitler to consolidate his power by eliminating any internal threats and gaining loyalty from some key institutions- army and conservative elite. The elimination of the SA was necessary because they had gained support that could have been a challenge to the Nazi party. The elimination of the SA strengthened the SS and increased Hitlers control, demonstrating his willingness to use violence to secure his position, even towards members of the Nazi party. -