National Socialist Germany
Overview
The rise of Nazi Germany, from 1933 to 1939 explains much about the philosophies and people behind the Third Reich, an administration that is often dismissed at first glance as a simple killing machine. However, to truly understand the Nazi party and Adolph Hitler, one must study the people and events involved in their creation.
The Economic Recovery of Germany post WWI was brought about by Hitler’s administration, and was the key to Hitler’s power. Although many Germans did not like Hitler’s radical opinions and policies, they endured because of the economic prosperity he fostered post World War I. The previous government, the Weimar Republic, had attempted economic recovery, and had only succeeded for a short time. However, Hitler’s plans brought them what seemed lasting prosperity.
One of the plans which allowed for economic recovery under Hitler was the plan for German Rearmament because the rearmament provided jobs on a mass scale. Hitler announced this plan in 1936 and promised that by 1940 Germany would sport a modern army that would terrify the world at large. He stuck to his promise, and it took the Allies a while to catch up to the formidable army Hitler created.
However, while Hitler was building this army, he needed to make sure he had a network of alliances to keep him out of war until he decided it would begin. In fulfillment of this endeavor, Hitler created an alliance with Italy, Russia, Britain and Japan.
To attain the power which allowed him to direct the course of Germany, Hitler used the burning down of the Reichstag to declare a national emergency, and the Enabling Act.
Once in power, Hitler needed the army to secure his power. However, the army refused to submit to civilian control as long as the S.A. existed. Hitler satisfied the Army’s demand in 1934 when he ordered the S.S. to murder all members of the S.A.
Hitler is famous for his persecution of the Jews. He began this active persecution in the form of the Nuremberg Laws, which suspended their civil liberties in 1935.
Hitler also made good on his verbal promises in 1936 with his invasion of the Rhineland. The invasion involved no fighting, and at the Munich Conference in 1938 the allied powers agreed to enact a policy of appeasement, allowing Hitler to retake all of the territories denied him in the Versailles Treaty.
Weimar Germany and Rise of Nazis Powerpoint
Brought to you by,
Sarah Burns
Jeannie Brossoit
Ana Spaethe
Students from Silva’s AP/IB Government and Economics