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Beginning of National Socialist Worker's Party (NSDAP/Nazis)
The National Socialist Worker's Party, or the NSDAP, was a group in Germany for workers and supporters of the nation to join. The NSDAP was also known as the Nazi Party, and aimed to be a new political party for the impoverished and desperate German people. They promoted racial purity, Social Darwinism, an authoritarian ruler, and aggressive nationalism. At this time, Hitler kept the Nazi Party relatively small and quiet. -
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Hitler is arrested and the Nazis gain support from other groups
Adolf Hitler was arrested in September of 1921 after disturbing a rival political group's meeting. He served a month in prison. In 1923, Hitler and the NSDAP attempt to take over the Bavarian government, which fails. Hitler is arrested again and tried for treason, and sentenced to another five years in prison. He ends up being released after only one year, and the Nazis get elected to the German parliament. -
Hitler takes full control of the Nazis
Adolf Hitler was elected leader of the NSDAP after its old leader, Anton Drexler, resigns. He does this just 14 days after leaving the NSDAP in favor of another party. -
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The Great Depression's effect on the Nazis
Austria's main bank collapses, causing economic struggle in Germany. This financial crisis leads many people in many countries to support the NSDAP, with over 17,000 Germans attending meetings and groups for German youth forming. The NSDAP becomes the largest party in Prussia, and Hitler meets with the German president. -
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Dealing with Protesters and Presidents
In early 1933, Hitler had begun to initiate concentration camps, where Jews and enemies of the state were held prisoners and worked to death, starved, and murdered. In mid-1934, Hitler gained even more support by killing members of an unpredictable army, the SA. On August second, 1934, the German president Hindenburg died, and Hitler took full control of Germany. He held an election to become Führer, which was surrounded by speculation of being rigged in his favor. -
The Chancellor Deal
Adolf Hitler is appointed German Chancellor. After deciding he wouldn't have anyone but himself as chancellor, Hitler's appointment was a victory for him. -
Riechstag Fire
A fire destroys part of the German government building, or the Reichstag. Hitler, who had become chancellor under a month previous to this fire, blamed communists. The Reichstag fire boosted Hitler's support in the country, and convinced many Germans to follow his leadership. -
The Enabling Act
The Enabling Act is introduced and passed, allowing Hitler to create and enforce laws without the permission of parliament. The Nazi part intimidated those who opposed to this act, and it was accepted a month after the Reichstag Fire. -
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Rearmament
Hitler reenacted the draft for WWII in 1935, and the following year he reveled his four-year plan for Germany. His plan intended to prepare the German military for war, including increasing numbers of soldiers, ships, and air forces. -
Rhineland
Germany was prohibited from stationing any military on the land surrounding the Rhine River because of the Treaty of Versailles. In March of 1936, Hitler sent German soldiers onto this land, disregarding the Treaty. No actions were taken against him. -
New Foreign Policy
Hitler proposed a new foreign policy of military expansion into Europe in order to have access to the resources there. He did so after telling the German people about his concerns about economic self-sufficiency. He said they needed to become more self-sufficient in producing goods as well as having raw materials so they didn't have to rely on other countries. -
Anschluss
Austria had its own Nazi group my the mid-1930's. In March 1938, the Austrian chancellor held a vote on whether or not Austria should be independent. Hitler told him the vote was rigged, and to let the Austrian Nazis take over. The chancellor asked France and Britain to help him resist Germany, but neither country sent aid. Germany took over, and Hitler joined the Austrian government. -
Czechoslovakia and the Munich Agreement
After taking Austria, Hitler plotted to take part of Czechoslovakia, claiming that Germans in the area were being persecuted. The British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, intervened to stop Hitler. The following series of meetings led to the Munich Agreement, which approved the Nazi takeover of that Czechoslovakian region.
