The Genesis of Nazism: From Weimar's Weakness to Hitler's Chancellorship

The Weimar Republic's Fragility

Early Challenges and Opposition

The provisional government repressed the Spartacist Revolt in 1919, led by Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg, which aimed to impose a communist regime. A constituent assembly then passed a constitution in the city of Weimar, establishing Germany as a democratic republic. This new democracy faced significant opposition from extremist groups:

• The extreme left believed the regime was too moderate.
• The extreme right believed the new regime had betrayed Germany by accepting the Treaty of Versailles.

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party

Party Formation and Early Actions

Adolf Hitler joined the German Workers' Party (DAP), which later became the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP). He reformed the party and created a paramilitary group, the Assault Division (SA), to maintain order. In 1923, Hitler led a failed coup attempt known as the Beer Hall Putsch. While imprisoned, he wrote Mein Kampf, which laid out the core principles of Nazism.

Core Nazi Ideology from Mein Kampf

• Rejection of democracy
• Devotion to a supreme leader
• Primacy of the state
• Glorification of violence, war, and youth
• Importance of symbols and parades
• Racism and hatred towards Jews
• Claim of superiority of the Aryan race
• Concept of Lebensraum (living space), implying the conquest of new territory

Hitler's Ascent to Power

Economic Turmoil and Social Unrest

A difficult economic situation led to severe social tensions. To pay war reparations, Germany resorted to hyperinflation, which caused a sharp decline in living standards. In 1924, a new government formed by Social Democrats managed to improve the economy. However, Field Marshal Hindenburg's election as President of the Republic in 1925 caused further political tensions. The Crash of 1929 severely affected Germany:

• Unemployment increased dramatically.
• Austerity measures worsened the situation.
• Social tensions escalated once more.

The working and middle classes began to support both the Communist Party and the National Socialist Party. Fearing a revolution, industrialists and financiers supported the Nazi Party, considering it the only force capable of restoring order and protecting their interests. In 1932, the National Socialists and Social Democrats were the most voted parties, but neither could govern alone. Pressured by businessmen and Germany's more conservative groups, Hindenburg named Hitler Chancellor in January 1933.