The Rise of The Nazi’s

1. The Rise of The Nazi’s

2. Political Scheming • 1928-1933 there was much political scheming. • Germany ruled by 4 coalitions governments • March 1930 elections, coalitions still had majority of seats • The socialists didn’t agree with the left wing policies • Chancellor Bruning didn’t have enough support to be able to pass laws in the Reichstag, so instead of resigning, he asked Hindenburg to rule by decree • Hindenburg could pass laws with consulting the Reichstag. • In 1932 Bruning resigned because he was unable to end unemployment • Hindenburg chose Von Papen as his replacement

3. Political Scheming • In 1932 there was another election in which the Nazis won 320 seats, making them the largest party in the Reichstag. • Hitler demanded to be made Chancellor, but Hindenburg did not trust him and instead chose Von Papen • There was another election in 1932 to try to make Von Papen more popular, but failed. • He was replaced by Von Schleicher • He was only Chancellor for 57 days, and he could not get enough support for his policies and ruled by presidential decree • Hindenburg realised this could not go on, and made Hitler Chancellor on the 30th January 1933. • Hindenburg and Von Papen believed they could still dominate Hitler.

4. The Depression • The depression was a time in which Germany was going through an economic downfall • People turned to the extreme parties in those extreme times. • The Weimar Government could not solve the crisis, and the Nazis offered simple solutions. • They promised a decrease in unemployment, and as it rose, so did the Nazis fame and power

5. Propaganda • The Nazis used many different forms on propaganda to aid them in getting more votes • They used radio, posters, leaflets and newspapers • Hitler also went around Germany making speeches at rallies to try to impress the people

9. Nazi Appeal • The Nazis appealed to almost everyone • The promised to end the Depression, and end the hated Treaty of Versailles • They offered prosperity and hope to the German people • They offered a scapegoat • All corners of German society were appealed to: The Working Class – decent wages and working conditions The Middle Class – the destruction of communism • The farmers were also promised good prices for produce, and the women were promised support for family values

10. Violence • The Nazis used the SA to disrupt meetings of other parties • Scare tactics • Aimed to Socialists and the Communists • Used the HJ to attract adolescents to the party and Nazi ideologies

11. Banking • The Nazis needed money to fund their campaigns • Tried to get the support of wealthy businessmen • Promises to destroy trade unions and keep wages down • Supported by Alfred Hugenburg who owned 500 newspapers and cinemas, aiding the propaganda needed for a successful election

12. Hitler Himself • Hitler was a very charismatic speaker, who had the power to indoctrinate people • Was portrayed as the strong leader the German public needed • His popularity was shown in 1932 election against Hindenburg - 13,000,000 for Hitler, 19,000,000 for Hindenburg

13. Weimar Weaknesses • They signed the Treaty of Versailles and earned themselves the ‘November Criminals’ nickname • ‘The Stab in the Back Theory’ • Increased taxes, cut benefit, lowered wages. • Unemployment rose