Nationalism played a key role in Hitler's rise to power in Germany and the start of WWII. The Great Depression led to the collapse of the German government, allowing Hitler and the Nazis to gain control. Through propaganda, the Nazis promoted German nationalism, which increased their support among voters. With Hitler as Chancellor and then Fuhrer, he strengthened German nationalism and anti-Semitism through laws discriminating against Jews. Germany's increasing nationalism empowered Hitler to invade countries and disregard opposition to his policies within Germany.

1. Nationalism Cause of WWII: 1929-1939 Kirsten Holte

2. 1929 Rise of the Nazi The German Nazi’s offered power. They were racist and nationalist and that was exactly what people wanted. Less people of other religions or races were taking up more jobs and opportunities. Nationalism Impacts The collapse of the government left a hole for Hitler and his Nazi’s to jump through, I believe the non-existant democracy was the initial reason Hitler came into power. He could completely destroy Communism with the whole nation behind him. The Great Depression The democratic government was unable to cope with unemployment rates. It led to an overall collapse of German politics.

3. 1930 Wilhelm Frick The first Nazi to become a minister in a state government. Nationalism Impacts The Nazis took full advantage of Germany’s failing government. They used propaganda to show off their beliefs, because the economy was weak, and everyone needed to believe in something. The Nazis gave them exactly that. Reichstag is dissolved The Nazi party won 107 seats at an election, the president was unable to pass bills having a minority government. Hitler was now the leader of the second largest party.

4. 1931 Nazi Brown House The official Nazi headquarters was finally opened in Munich Nationalism Impacts With small businesses shutting down and the Nazis building up, Hitler had a greater influence. He had something stable, that people could believe in with less fear. He blamed the depression on the Treaty of Versailles. This stability brought people together again. Banks closed Due to the Great Depression, many banks were closed, small businesses failing, and people becoming homeless. They were fearful because the economy was going downhill, fast.

5. 1932 Hindenburg This man was the glue holding the failing democracy together. According to law, and election was to be held, but he was getting too old and was not interested in running again. He was finally convinced, but did nothing to promote himself. Nationalism Impacts Due to Hindenburg putting essentially no effort into elections and the Nazis doing everything they could, many people took their side. It seemed as though the Nazis really cared about their needs with saying like “Freedom and Bread.” They made the people feel cared for and for the nation. Elections An election was held and the Nazis went on a propaganda rampage. Hitler made many speeches a day, millions of pamphlets handed out, and posters plastered everywhere. Nazi support went up by the millions.

6. 1933 More power Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany. Nationalism Impacts The fact that Hitler was now the chancellor of Germany gave him tremendous power. When the enabling act came along people were forced to come together under a ruler once again, and obey. Dachau The first concentration camp is opened by Munich.

7. 1934 Hindenburg dies August 2nd, von dies and Hitler becomes the Fuhrer. Nationalism Impacts Now that Hitler was Fuhrer, almost everyone began to trust him. The laws that took rights away from Jews were not thought badly because he was their leader. Jew rights taken away Jews are banned from the German labor front, getting legal qualifications, and national health insurance.

8. 1935 More Jewish Laws Jews are banned from serving the military, Nuremberg Race Laws against Jews decreed, and abortions are allowed to be forced. Nationalism Impacts The German nation was coming together more than ever, most people trusted their new leader in all of his decisions. This gave him room to do whatever he pleased, even if it was discriminating against an entire race of people, and his people would still follow. Hitler becomes daring Hitler notices that his amount of followers is rapidly increasing, and becomes more daring in his decisions and laws.

9. 1936 Nationalism Impacts The Nazis refrained from introducing many laws to the Jews to make themselves look good in the eyes of other countries during the Olympics. This was also a refresher for everyone else, and they were able to believe that the Nazis were not only there for destruction. Invasion Nazis occupy the Rhineland Olympics The Olympics begin in Berlin. Hitler gains legitimacy through favorable public opinion by foreign visitors. They temporarily refrain from attacking the Jews.

10. 1937 Nationalism Impacts Everything revolved around the well-being of Germany. The entire nation felt like they were joining for a greater cause. The Jews were beginning to be viewed, slowly, as the enemy. The reason for all the destruction. ‘Eternal Jew’ This travelling exhibition was opened in Munich, accusing Jews of dishonesty, betrayal, etc. Hossbach Conference & Alliance Hitler met with his foreign policy staff to discuss how to up the German economy. He decided to have a series of small wars. Also, he met with Japanese and British leaders to make alliances.

11. 1938 Kristallnacht; “The Night of Broken Glass A 17 year old Jew had killed a German ambassador, and in retaliation the Nazis launched a massive attack. Burning of homes, churches and murders of Jewish families went on into the morning. Many men were put in concentration camps. To Germans this wasn’t a big deal. Nationalism Impacts Hitler had the hearts of all German citizens. When he decided to brutally attack Jewish citizens, his nation followed him. Many outside countries recognized the brutality of these attacks and wondered why nothing was happening to stop it. Germany was such a strong nation that even something so inhumane was not considered bad if Hitler led them to it. Takedown of Austria The Nazis entered Austria, with a population of 200 000 Jewish citizens. Hitler announced Anschluss union with Austria.

12. 1939 Jewish Rights Hitler made many laws in 1939, removing almost every right the Jewish people had. These included; holding government jobs, owning silver and gold, being outside after 8, owning radios, and being forced to wear yellow stars. Nationalism Impacts Hitler had so much control over the minds of German people, and over different countries. His tactics proved to be successful in gaining everyone's trust. Poland Invaded The Nazis invaded Poland, which had the largest Jewish population in Europe; 3.35 million. This was the beginning of SS activity there.