Hitler rose to power in Germany by exploiting the economic hardship and national humiliation following World War I. He spoke convincingly in beer halls about restoring German pride and pinning blame for the war on others. An influential playwright mentored Hitler and introduced him to wealthy donors, furthering his political career. Though his 1923 Beer Hall Putsch coup failed, the subsequent trial gave Hitler national publicity and time to develop his fascist Nazi ideology in prison, inspiring devoted followers and establishing his reputation as a leader willing to sacrifice for Germany.

1. Hitler`s rise to
power
~BY SHABD GAUR

2. Adolf Hitler
 Adolf Hitler was an extraordinary speaker and had the ability
to convince people that he could bring them out of their
misery. 1920s was a period of extreme economic hardship for
Germany and they could believe anyone who could be that
convincing. The German people were disoriented by the
World War - I as they could never imagine Germany losing.
They badly sought answers for the defeat and one young lad
convinced them that he had the answers.

3. Stage 1: World War I
 Hitler had built up a status of "war hero" with an "Iron Cross" from his achievements
in World War I. His rank was low, but his relative achievements were high. Thus, he
reaped benefits from the war, unlike the higher level officers who got the blame for
losing the war. Hitler got himself into a sweet spot and viewed favorably by the
public.
 Following the War, Hitler went on speaking in beer halls. The drunk were his first
audience. This is where he built his experience as a speaker. Put yourself in German
shoes. You are hurt and ashamed by the first major defeat to your nation in over a
century. You are hurt economically and psychologically. You are looking for answers.

4. Stage 2: Beer Hall speeches
 Following the War, Hitler went on speaking in beer halls. The drunk
were his first audience. This is where he built his experience as a
speaker. Put yourself in German shoes. You are hurt and ashamed by
the first major defeat to your nation in over a century. You are hurt
economically and psychologically. You are looking for answers.
 There is this young lad, who did "heroic" things in the war and who
has the answers. He talks of German pride and honor. He talks about
whom to blame. And you are drunk. Would you believe in Hitler? Not
unsurprisingly, Hitler got standing ovation.

5. Stage 3: Mentoring and connections of
Dietrich Eckart
 Eckart was a famous German playwright who built up a German workers'
party (later became the Nazi party). He was quite influential and
connected. Eckart was also a member of an occult society that believed in
the oncoming of a "German messiah" who will deliver.
 When he heard a beer hall speech by Hitler, Eckart was so mesmerized
that he believed Hitler was "the one". Sort of like the Matrix movie. Since
then, he offered all the connections, mentoring and organizational
support Hitler wanted. Hitler got further coached in public speaking and
received money from wealthy donors.

6. Stage 4: Beer Hall Putsch - the failed coup
and national publicity
 With his strong reputation of public speaking, Hitler attracted a mass of people.
And he attempted a coup in 1923. It was just a stupid thing where Hitler just
marched into the Munich city hall and captured it. German police quickly hit back
expectedly. The coup failed badly and he got thrown in the prison.
 The publicity of the long trial, gave Hitler a nationwide recognition. During his time
in jail, Hitler got the time to build his Nazi ideas and built a strong following.
People started to believe in him and he got the reputation of a person who could
make great sacrifice for Germany. This is where he wrote his influential
autobiography - Mein Kampf . Although it was not that well read, it "inspired" the
few Germans who read.

7. This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

8. Adolf Hitler
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC