About Nazism and the Rise of Hitler
During World War I, a corporal in the German army and born in Austria, namely Adolf Hitler took advantage of the resentment felt by most Germans. The Nazi Party platform formed by him during 1920 reflected the foundation of the Nazi ideology. The ideology strengthened the German race’s belief in science, race, and the “superior” Aryan race, also known as the “German blood”. The formation of Nazism and the rise of Hitler was a slow-cooked process but eventually, it turned the whole world around.
Beginning of a New Era
Hitler entered politics in the year 1919 and joined the German Workers’ Party. Soon he became the leader of the small party and by February 1920, he named it the National Socialist German Workers’ Party. In German, it is known as Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, or Nazi, in short. The superior Aryan race or the Nazis determined whether one was considered a citizen of Germany or not. Those who did not have the “German blood” running in their veins were not considered to be German citizens.
Basic Rights and Privileges
Citizens enjoyed certain rights and on the contrary, those who did not have “German blood” could not enjoy those rights. The citizens not only had the right to enjoy basic privileges such as voting or owning a newspaper, but they also had the guarantee of food, a job, and a place to live. Being born in the German race would automatically give a person all the basic rights as well as a job, food, and shelter. None of these rights was enjoyed by the supposedly, non-citizens. The National Socialist Party believed that the ones without German blood should be deprived of these rights and benefits.
In Munich, Hitler made an attempt to stage a coup called Beer Hall Putsch to dismantle the government of the state of Bavaria in November 1923. His intention to stage this coup was to cash in on the chaos that was caused by the runaway hyperinflation. The post-war resentment present in the native German citizens caused them to join the Nazis in the early 1920s under Hitler’s leadership. Therefore, the coup was arranged at a huge scale with Hitler and all his followers. In the end, the attempt failed and it was responsible for several deaths.
Let Us Explain the Rise of Hitler
Hitler and his followers got arrested following the attempt. Surprisingly, this incident made Hitler a national figure instead of diminishing his popularity. He went on to become a national figure based on his trial for treason and imprisonment. To explain the rise of Hitler, this incident could be a turning point in history.
During the trial, Hitler and his followers were found to be guilty and were sentenced to spend five years in prison. Hitler spent only nine months and the rest of his term period was suspended. During his time in prison, Hitler wrote the infamous Mein Kampf, which got published in the year 1925. His belief that the Aryan race was superior to all the others and it had the right to span over all of eastern Europe and become a new empire. In the eyes of Hitler, Jews and Communists both were enemies of the German people as considered by many conservative “citizens”. He mentioned in his book that the conflict arising between the races was a major catalyst of the war and history.
Hitler again took control of the Nazi Party after getting out of prison. Post-prison term, he relied on the rights guaranteed by the Weimar Constitution. This means he took the right to assemble, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press to take over Germany and the rest was history.
Solved Examples
Q1. What Was the Name of the Book that Hitler Wrote and Was Published in 1925?
Answer: Mein Kampf (My Struggle)
Q2. When Did the Great Depression Begin?
Answer: 1929
Q3. Name One of the Slogans by the Nazis During the Great Depression.
Answer: “Work, Freedom and Bread”.
Q4. Name Hitler’s Prime Opponent During the Presidential Elections?
Answer: Paul von Hindenburg
FAQs on Nazism and the Rise of Hitler
1. What were the main causes that led to the rise of Nazism in Germany?
The rise of Nazism in Germany was a result of multiple converging factors after World War I. The primary causes include:
- The Treaty of Versailles: The harsh terms of the treaty, including the 'War Guilt Clause' and heavy reparations, caused widespread resentment among Germans.
- Economic Crisis: The Great Depression of 1929 devastated the German economy, leading to mass unemployment and poverty, making people desperate for a strong leader who promised solutions.
- Political Instability: The Weimar Republic was politically weak, with frequent changes in government and an inability to handle the economic crisis effectively.
- Hitler's Leadership and Propaganda: Adolf Hitler was a charismatic speaker who skilfully used propaganda to promise a return to national glory, economic stability, and the creation of a 'strong' Germany.
2. How did the Treaty of Versailles contribute to Hitler's rise to power?
The Treaty of Versailles played a crucial role by creating a deep sense of national humiliation in Germany. The treaty forced Germany to accept full blame for the war (War Guilt Clause), give up significant territories, drastically reduce its military, and pay enormous financial reparations. Hitler and the Nazi Party exploited this widespread anger, portraying the treaty as a betrayal. They promised to defy its terms and restore Germany's honour and strength, a message that resonated strongly with millions of Germans and became a central part of their political platform.
3. Why was the Weimar Republic so unpopular with the German people?
The Weimar Republic's unpopularity stemmed from several key issues. Firstly, it was associated with Germany's defeat in World War I and the signing of the humiliating Treaty of Versailles, earning its politicians the nickname 'November criminals'. Secondly, its system of proportional representation often led to weak and unstable coalition governments that could not make decisive decisions. Finally, when the Great Depression hit, the Republic's inability to solve the massive unemployment and economic chaos made many Germans lose faith in democracy and look towards extremist parties like the Nazis for strong leadership.
4. What are the core principles of the Nazi ideology?
The Nazi ideology, or Nazism, was built on several core principles designed to establish a totalitarian state. The main features were:
- Racial Hierarchy: A belief in a 'master race' of Nordic German Aryans and the inferiority of other races, particularly Jews, who were considered the greatest threat.
- Führerprinzip (Leader Principle): The concept of one undisputed leader, Adolf Hitler, with absolute power and authority.
- Lebensraum (Living Space): The idea that Germany needed to expand its territory, especially into Eastern Europe, to accommodate its growing population and secure resources.
- Anti-Democracy and Anti-Communism: A total rejection of democratic principles, individual freedoms, and parliamentary government, along with a violent opposition to Marxism and Communism.
5. What was the Enabling Act of 1933, and how did it destroy democracy in Germany?
The Enabling Act, passed on 23 March 1933, was a critical law that effectively gave Adolf Hitler dictatorial powers. It allowed his government to pass laws without the involvement of the Reichstag (the German parliament) for four years. This act destroyed democracy by dismantling the system of checks and balances. Using this power, Hitler immediately banned all other political parties and trade unions, silenced opposition, and took control of the press, turning Germany into a one-party totalitarian state under his complete control.
6. How did the Nazis use propaganda and media to control the German population?
The Nazis masterfully used propaganda to shape public opinion and maintain power. Under the direction of Joseph Goebbels, they controlled all forms of media, including newspapers, radio, and films. Propaganda was used to create a 'cult of personality' around Hitler, portraying him as Germany's saviour. Simultaneously, it spread hatred by relentlessly demonising Jews, Communists, and other groups, blaming them for Germany's problems. Films, posters, and rallies were carefully crafted to project an image of Nazi strength and national unity, ensuring widespread support and conformity.
7. What role did schools and youth organisations play in Nazi Germany?
Schools and youth organisations were essential tools for indoctrinating the younger generation in Nazi ideology. The curriculum was rewritten to glorify Germany's past, promote racial science, and instil loyalty to Hitler. Teachers who were not loyal to the regime were dismissed. Outside of school, all other youth groups were banned, and children were encouraged to join the 'Hitler Youth'. Here, boys were trained for aggression and war, while girls were taught to be good mothers who would raise pure-blooded Aryan children, ensuring the long-term survival of the Nazi worldview.
8. What is the significance of studying Nazism and the Holocaust today?
Studying Nazism and the Holocaust is of immense importance today because it provides crucial lessons about humanity and society. It shows how easily a democracy can be dismantled when people are silent and how propaganda can fuel prejudice and hatred. Understanding this period teaches us to be vigilant against the dangers of unchecked state power, racial discrimination, and intolerance. It serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect human rights and to think critically to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.
9. What was the Nazi concept of Lebensraum or 'living space'?
The concept of Lebensraum, or 'living space', was a central foreign policy goal of the Nazi party. It was the belief that the German 'master race' was entitled to more territory to live and thrive. This ideology drove the Nazi plan for territorial expansion, primarily targeting Eastern Europe. The plan involved conquering these lands, removing or eliminating the existing populations (like the Slavic peoples), and resettling the area with Germans to secure resources and build a vast German empire.
