The Rise of Hitler
Document #1: Read and answer the questions.
1919-1929: The Rise of Adolf Hitler
Hitler’s rise to power cannot be attributed to one event. There were multiple causes for Hitler’s rise to power including events happening throughout the world and events happening within Germany. Hitler was able to exploit these events and in 1933 he legitimately gained power to become chancellor through the support of conservative politicians.
Hitler’s Early Life
In 1919, Hitler joined the German Workers Party, a right-wing extreme nationalist party in Munich. This party focused on creating a scapegoat for the outbreak of the war and Germany's defeat. Hitler unfairly blamed, or scapegoated the Jews for the problems Germany was experiencing following World War I. Communists and politicians across the party spectrum were also blamed. He quickly moved up the ranks in this organization and grew into an effective speaker and delivered speeches in front of large crowds in Munich. His speeches spoke against the Treaty of Versailles, Marxists and Jewish people. His speeches brought large crowds because of the economic crisis and the continued anger over the World War I defeat and the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. In July 1921, Hitler was introduced as Führer and Hitler changed the name of the party to the National Socialist German Workers Party, or Nazi party for short.
What type of political group did Hitler join when the war ended? Why?
Hitler began delivering speeches with his political organization. What was the topic of his speeches? Why did this draw in crowds?
Document #2: Read and answer the questions.
The Beer Hall Putsch and Hitler’s Incarceration
By 1923, the Nazi party had 55,000 members and was stronger than ever. Still angered by the economic and political problems of inflation and poor leadership, Hitler decided to take matters into his own hands. From November 8 to November 9, 1923, Hitler and his followers staged the Beer Hall Putsch in Munich, a failed takeover of the government in Bavaria, a state in southern Germany. The Nazi party was banned, and Hitler was prevented from speaking in public until 1927 because his speeches were considered too inflammatory and agitating. In April 1924, he was sentenced to 5 years in jail for treason. While the takeover was unsuccessful, the attempt brought Hitler and the Nazis national attention.
While incarcerated, Hitler wrote a manifesto [a public declaration of policy and ideas] entitled Mein Kampf (“My Struggle”). This text outlined the ideas that inspired his millions of followers. The manifesto illustrates his strong and extreme German nationalism, his violent anti-semitism [hostility to or prejudice against Jews] and his anti communism.
What was the Beer Hall Putsch? Why did Hitler do this?
What was the impact of the Beer Hall Putsch?
Why was Hitler banned from public speeches until 1927?
What did Hitler write during his incarceration?
Document #3: Some of the ideas from Mein Kampf
Anti-Semitism | Racial Purity | “Undesirables” |
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Document #3: Answer based on the previous slide.
According to Mein Kampf, what were Hitler’s views on Jewish people?
According to Mein Kampf, what were Hitler’s views on “racial purity”?
According to Mein Kampf, what were Hitler’s views on “undesirables”?
How did Hitler imagine the future of Germany?
1932 Propaganda�Document #4
Who is he targeting?
What is the message?
Who is he targeting?
What is the message?
Who is he targeting?
What is the message?
Who is he targeting?
What is the message?
In the July 1932 elections, the Nazis won 33 percent of the votes, more than any other party. In the Reichstag (German parliament) elections of November 1932, the Nazis lost almost two million votes from the previous elections of July. Because Hitler did not think that they would gain a majority in democratic elections, he agreed to a coalition with conservatives. After months of negotiations, the president of Germany, Paul von Hindenburg, decided to appoint Hitler as the chancellor of Germany.
As soon a Hitler became chancellor on January 30, 1933, he immediately ended democracy and created a totalitarian state. He sought to stamp out opposition and worked tirelessly to establish total control of Germany. In the March 1933 federal elections, the Nazi party did not obtain the absolute majority of votes for control of the parliament. To gain absolute power, Hitler passed the Enabling Act which made Hitler dictator of Germany. This act left the Reichstag or parliament powerless. In a few short months, the Nazis banned all other parties and dissolved the parliament. The parliament was replaced by a parliament with only Nazi party representatives.
What sticks out to you from the propaganda video?
How does this demonstrate a “cult of personality”?
How did Hitler rise to power? What tactics did he use?
Would you have supported Hitler (NOT knowing what you know now) ? Why or why not? Explain.