Question

How did hitler rise to power? Explain any three points

Answer 1

The story of why Hitler came to power is about the reasons why the German people lost their senses and allowed a vicious madman to come to power.   What could have brought this about?

 

  

All the following were present from the 1920s:

1.       Long-term bitterness

Deep anger about the First World War and the Treaty of Versailles created an underlying bitterness to which Hitler’s viciousness and expansionism appealed, so they gave him support.

2.       Ineffective Constitution

Weaknesses in the Constitution crippled the government.   In fact, there were many people in Germany who wanted a return to dictatorship.   When the crisis came in 1929–1933 – there was no one who was prepared or able to fight to stop Hitler.  

3.       Money

The financial support of wealthy businessmen gave Hitler the money to run his propaganda and election campaigns.

4.       Propaganda

Nazi propaganda persuaded the German masses to believe that the Jews were to blame and that Hitler was their last hope.

5.       Programme

Hitler promised everybody something, so they supported him.

6.       Attacks on other parties

The Stormtroopers attacked Jews and people who opposed Hitler.   Many opponents kept quiet simply because they were scared of being murdered – and, if they were, the judges simply let the Stormtroopers go free (see point 2).

7.       Personal Qualities

Hitler was a brilliant speaker, and his eyes had a peculiar power over people.   He was a good organiser and politician.   He was a driven, unstable man, who believed that he had been called by God to become dictator of Germany and rule the world.   This kept him going when other people might have given up.   His self-belief persuaded people to believe in him.