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The Rise of Adolf Hitler
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Hitler fights in First World War
Hitler was a daring soldier who often volunteered himself for dangerous and life-threatening assignments. He received the Iron Cross 1st Class for his leadership on the battlefield, and was sent back to the homefront in 1917. -
Germany Surrenders: Treaty of Versailles
The treaty had the effect of humiliating the German nation before the world. They were forced to pay war reparations to the Allied forces, putting the people of the country and the gov't in serious debt. This would lead to a passionate desire in many Germans, including Adolf Hitler, to see their nation throw off the "shackles" of the treaty and once again take its place in the world – the "rebirth" of Germany through a strong nationalist government. -
Nazi Party is Formed
The German Worker's Party, forerunner of the Nazi Party, exposed a right-wing ideology that promoted nationalism, military pride, committment to the Volk and a "pure" society. Hitler changed the name to the Nazi Party, and by the end of 1920 it had almost 3,000 members. -
Hitler becomes Leader of Nazi Party
After almost abandoning the Nazi Party, Hitler promised to return only if he was granted chairman and given dictator powers.The executive committee of the Nazi Party eventually backed down and Hitler's demands were put to a vote of the party members. Hitler received 543 votes for, and only one against. -
Beer Hall Putsch
In his attempts to overthrow the Weimer gov't, Hitler raided the beer hall filled with officials to get them to submerge to his Nazi regime. The attempt failed, and the gov't ordered the arrest of HItler and other Nazi leaders. -
Hitler tried for Treason
Hitler was tried for treason after Beer Hall Putsch. In the courtroom, Hitler used the case as his stage for propoganda, and was reprimanded for his courageous act. Hitler was only sentenced to five years in prison, and was released after only 8 months. -
Mein Kampf is Written
In his book, Hitler divides humans into categories based on physical appearance, establishing higher and lower orders, or types of humans. At the top, according to Hitler, is the Germanic man with his fair skin, blond hair and blue eyes. Hitler refers to this type of person as an Aryan. He asserts that the Aryan is the supreme form of human, or master race. -
Stock Market Crash
When the stock market crashed, the entire globe was effected. Times became hard for many people as they struggled to make ends meet. People became desperate for answers to a solution to their economic distress. -
Nazi Elected to Reichstag
At the Reichstag election the Nazis made a leap forward, polling 37.4% of the votes and becoming the largest party in the Reichstag by a wide margin. -
Hitler Voted Chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler emerged as the reigning political leader of the Nazi Party. He lead a cabinet that consisted of only three Nazis out of the 11 available posts. His vice-chancellor was Franz von Papen, who was expected to keep Hitler in line, and eventually lead him to crack after two months of chancellor. -
The Reichstag Building Burns
Hitler's plan was to establish a majority of elected Nazis in the Reichstag which would become a rubber stamp, passing whatever laws he desired while making it all perfectly legal. Nazi troops stormed the Reichstag and burned the building to protest against capitalism. -
Hitler becomes Dictator of Germany
Hitler promised to end unemployment and to promote peace with surrounding European nations. Communism was voted against Democracy, and Hitler began his reign over Germany.
