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The Rise of Hitler - Circumstances in Germany

The document explores the factors contributing to Adolf Hitler's rise to power, particularly focusing on the weaknesses of the Weimar government, hyperinflation, and the Great Depression. It discusses the political instability in post-WWI Germany, including opposition from both the political left and right and the impact of significant events like the Spartacist Rebellion and the Kapp Putsch. Additionally, it highlights the social and economic crises that eroded public confidence in the Weimar regime, leading to increased support for extremist parties like the Nazis.

Education◦
The Rise of Hitler
Primary Objective WHO (or WHAT) was responsible for the rise of Hitler?
Chapter Overview Favourable Circumstances in Germany vs. Hitler’s ability
Video Introduction to Germany after WWI…
Background: TOV & LON In threes or fours, number yourselves 1 to 3 (or 1 to 4) • Person 1: How did the TOV affect Germany’s military? • Person 2: How did the TOV affect Germany’s territory? • Person 3: How did the TOV affect Germany’s prestige? • Person 4: What was Germany’s involvement in the LON?
Background: The Weimar Govt The Weimar Government • Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated at the end of WWI • New government known as the Weimar Government took over • Leaders of the Weimar Government signed TOV
Favourable Circumstances in Germany 1. Weaknesses of the Weimar Government 2. Hyperinflation 3. The Great Depression
Weaknesses of Weimar Govt Sub-factors (for elaboration) • Lack of public support • Opposition from the Political ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ • Structural weaknesses
Weaknesses of Weimar Govt Lack of public support • Weimar Government were seen as traitors – ‘The November criminals’ • German military accused them of a ‘stab in the back’* *Because Germany was never invaded during WWI, the army felt that the politicians had betrayed Germany by surrendering
Weaknesses of Weimar Govt Opposition from the Political ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ (1) The ‘Left’ • Pro-Communist • Influenced by the Russian Bolsheviks • Demanded for workers’ rights • Example: Spartacist Rebellion* The ‘Right’ • FASCISTS • Desired military rule • Wanted strong dictatorial rule • Demanded the restoration of German power • Example: Kapp Putsch* Weimar Government • Democracy and open elections • Balance between rights and national stability *for further details, see pages 68-69
Weaknesses of Weimar Govt Opposition from the Political ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ Left-wing Rebellions The Spartacist Rebellion in 1919 • Communist group called Spartacists tried to seize control of Berlin • Weimar Govt could not control the rebellion on their own • Asked the Freikorps (a right-wing group) to crush the rebellion Other examples of left-wing rebellion include the creation of the ‘People’s Government’ in Bavaria, and the Red Army rebellion in 1920
Weaknesses of Weimar Govt Opposition from the Political ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ Right-wing Rebellion The Kapp Putsch in 1920 • Former army officers (led by Kapp) successfully overthrow the government • Weimar Govt has to flee • Putsch only ends when factory workers (supported by the Communists) go on strike, stop the country’s economy and force Kapp to step down
Weaknesses of Weimar Govt Structural weaknesses 1. Proportional representation • Places in parliament given based on percentage of vote, rather than simple majority • Result: Many small parties, no majority party 2. Coalition government • Small parties had to come together to form a government • Difficult for parties to come to a consensus (agreement) 3. Article 48 • President allowed to dissolve parliament in an ‘emergency’ • Basic rights (e.g. personal freedom, free opinion) could be suspended
Favourable Circumstances in Germany 1. Weaknesses of the Weimar Government 2. Hyperinflation 3. The Great Depression
Hyperinflation
Hyperinflation • Germany often didn’t have enough money to pay its reparations in 1923 ‘Not enough money? Just print more!’ What’s the problem? • German government printed more money • Value of the German currency (the mark) collapsed (For examples, see table on p.70) • This caused hyperinflation (i.e. money has no value)
Hyperinflation Effect: • Value of the German mark collapsed (see p.70) • Poor people suffered terribly • Savings and pensions of the middle class were wiped out  Weimar government lost the confidence & support of the middle class
Favourable Circumstances in Germany 1. Weaknesses of the Weimar Government 2. Hyperinflation 3. The Great Depression
The Great Depression
The Great Depression What was the Great Depression? In 1929, the American economy collapsed when the stock market crashed. Why did this affect Germany? To rebuild itself after WWI, Germany took many loans from America. In 1929, America wanted Germany to repay all its loans immediately. What happened next? The German government went bankrupt. Millions lost their jobs. The entire country went into crisis.
The Great Depression Effect: • The coalition govt could not decide what to do • President Hindenburg refused to use Article 48 • People wanted more decisive action Decline in support for moderate parties Rise in support for extreme parties like the Communists & Nazis
Favourable Circumstances in Germany 1. Weaknesses of the Weimar Government 2. Hyperinflation 3. The Great Depression
Erm… so what? Now you know the details…but how did this help Hitler? (in Mr Cheong’s words: EXPLAIN EXPLAIN EXPLAIN!)
What does this source tell you about how the Nazis came to power? Nazi swastika German words: ‘Versailles’, ‘War Guilt’, ‘inflation’, ‘Communism’, etc. Name of the Nazi Party (NSDAP)
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