The Rise of Nazism: Hitler's Ascent to Power

The Rise of the Nazi Party and Hitler's Ascent to Power

3.1 The Nazi Party's Early Years

• 1920: The German National Socialist Workers' Party (Nazi Party) was founded, marking the emergence of the nationalist right. In its initial years, the party remained small and had limited impact on German society, despite receiving aid from large industrial and some military sources.
• Since 1921: Adolf Hitler assumed leadership of the party.
• 1923: A small group of soldiers, allied with the Nazis, attempted a coup against the Bavarian state government (the Beer Hall Putsch). The coup failed, resulting in Hitler being sentenced to five years in prison, though he served only nine months.
• During his imprisonment, Hitler wrote Mein Kampf, outlining his core ideologies:
  • Extreme nationalism
  • Abolition of the Treaty of Versailles
  • Racial purity and anti-Semitism
  • Expansionism (Lebensraum)
  • Rejection of liberalism, socialism, and communism
• 1929: The global economic crisis significantly boosted Nazi support. The most vulnerable segment of society, the middle class, was severely impacted. The Nazis exploited the widespread economic hardship and anti-left sentiments, appealing to those disillusioned by the existing political system.

3.2 Hitler Consolidates Power

• 1933:

  • January:

    Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of the Republic. His cabinet initially held only two other ministerial posts, but one was of crucial importance: the Ministry of the Interior.

  • Election Campaign:

    The Nazis launched an aggressive campaign against the Left Opposition. During this period, the Reichstag (Parliament) building was set on fire. The Nazis immediately accused a Dutch communist, Marinus van der Lubbe, of the arson, using the event to suppress opposition.

  • Conclusion:

    The campaign against opposition intensified, anti-communist parties were targeted, and many Communist militants were arrested.

  • February:

    The "Decree of the Reich President for the Protection of People and State" (Reichstag Fire Decree) was promulgated, granting the police extensive powers and effectively suspending civil liberties. This was the first legal step towards Hitler's dictatorship.

  • March:

    The elections resulted in a victory for the Nazis and their nationalist allies. Parliament then approved the Enabling Act, which granted Hitler total legislative power for four years. This act provided the second legal basis for his dictatorship. Subsequently, left-wing political parties were banned, followed by moderate parties. The Nazi Party became the only authorized political party.

  • The Next Step:

    To further consolidate power and appease conservative leaders and industrialists, Hitler eliminated key Nazi leaders, particularly those from the SA (Sturmabteilung), during the "Night of the Long Knives."

  • Conclusion:

    All internal dissent within the party was crushed.

• 1934:

  • August:

    Following the death of President Hindenburg, Hitler assumed both the functions of Chancellor and President, effectively merging the two offices. From this point, he held absolute control. Democracy in Germany was completely destroyed.