Hitler and the Nazi Party Made Their First Attempt at Seizing the Government
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Fascist Germany Known as the “Weimar Republic”. Democratic in nature. Faced with huge political, economic and social challenges that stemmed from the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. Having to do with government and the authority that it held. Extremist groups such as the communists and the fascists (Nazis) used the terms of the T.of V. to their advantage. Most upsetting for Germans was the War Guilt Clause – Clause 231! There was a belief among many Germans that the army had not been defeated but rather betrayed by the government officials who signed it – the same officials now made up the Weimar government. Communist Rising - Spartacist Uprising – took place in January of 1919. The government, with the help of a right – wing paramilitary group known as the Freikorps, were able to put down this revolt. This took place in Berlin, the capital at the time. Following this the government was moved to the town of Weimar. Kapp Putsch – challenge from the right. Took place in March of 1920. Leaders of the Freikorps ,the same group that helped the government put down the communist uprising, led a revolt against the Weimar government. Munich Beer Hall Putsch – Nov. of 1923. Attempt by Hitler and the Nazis to overthrow the government by force. Took place in Munich – Nazi party had tremendous support in this part of Germany. It failed and Hitler was sent to prison. Political assassinations were a problem as well. Over 350 political murders took place between 1919 and 1922. The most famous murder was that of Walter Rathenau, Germany's Foreign Minister. He was associated with the Versailles Treaty. The four men who murdered him were sentenced to an average of four years in prison. Having to do with money and includes things such as trade and industry. What aspects of the Treaty of Versailles would cause economic problems for Germany and the Weimar government? 1) Reparations – price tag for the war was set at $6, 600,000,000 British pounds. Unreasonable due to the fact that the Treaty had deprived Germany of its ability to do so (ex. Loss of the Saar Basin and its coal reserves). 2)Inflation and Hyperinflation – Handout! Due to reparations payments the government was running out of money – solution was to print more money. This led to inflation and ultimately hyperinflation. Compare to a checking account! Ruhr Crisis of 1922- 23 led to hyperinflation. What is inflation? . a sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time. It means that the currency is worth less. Social Problems – things affecting people’s ordinary lives and the way different groups interacted with each other. A) Social Divisions – German society became polarized. ▪ Left – people who supported the communists – power to the workers (proletariat). ▪ Right – people who supported a strong government (fascism) that could stand up to communism (wealthy and the military). B) Social Effects of Inflation / Hyperinflation . Hit the middle class the hardest . Life savings were now worthless . Unemployment increased . Government tax revenues decreased . Increase in level of homeless people . Social programs were cut ▪ Healthcare, education, old age pensions, transportation Explain the impact the Treaty of Versailles had upon German stability during the post- war period (Outcome 1.3.6 – Unit One). Problems faced by the Weimar Republic which contributed to Hitler's rise to power (Outcome 2.2.4 – Unit Two). Against the backdrop of these problems Hitler and the Nazi party made their first attempt at seizing the government. Austrian by birth Troubled childhood – alcoholic and abusive father School drop-out Wanted to become an artist – moved to Germany to pursue this goal – failed Became a drifter working menial jobs WWI started and Hitler joined the German army – gave his life purpose Question – How did it impact a young Adolf Hitler? Answer – Took away his one source of pride and direction. Returned him to a life of poverty and obscurity. He once again became a drifter with no direction in life. This changed in 1919 when he attended a political rally for a small right-wing party known as the German Workers Party. 1919 – Hitler joined the party 1921 – became the leader and membership increased from 25 to over 3000. His speeches attracting audiences in the thousands . Due mainly to the message(very nationalistic and pro-military) and his speaking style. 1923 – party membership reached 55,000 and gave Hitler and the Nazis the courage to act. They made their first attempt at taking control of the government – Munich Beer Hall Putsch. Took place in Munich and was violent in nature. It failed and Hitler was sent to jail for treason. Served 5 years with a reduction in time for good behaviour. Wrote Mein Kampf – formed the basis of Nazi ideology https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C9iUaP 51CI Golden Age of The Weimar Republic Dawes Plan (American Financial Aid Package) allowed the German government to get back on its feet. Allowed Germany to make reparations payments and start to invest money in the Germany economy. Economic and Social conditions improved. Level of satisfaction with the government increased. People turned away from the extreme ends of the political spectrum – Communism and Fascism. Bad news for Hitler and the Nazis After the failure of the Munich Putsch, Hitler decided that he would have to get power by being elected, rather than by rebellion. Results were not good . Election Results ▪ May of 1924 – 32 seats / 472 ▪ Dec. of 1924 – 14 seats / 493 ▪ May of 1928 – 12 seats / 491 Support for the Nazi Party had grown due to the country's problems of hyperinflation and the French invasion of the Ruhr. By 1928 Nazism appeared to be a dying cause. Now that Germany's outlook was suddenly bright, the Nazi Party was rapidly withering away. One scarcely heard of Hitler or the Nazis except as a joke. William Shirer, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich (1959) 1924 – Hitler sent to jail 1925 – Hitler re-launches the party – focus is now on winning power through the democratic process (elections) 1926 – established Nazi organizations to appeal to certain groups . Nazi Student League – universities . Nazi Teachers League . Nazi Women's League 1927 – Hitler re-organized the party to make it more efficient . National Headquarters established in Munich . Control over finances and membership . Established branches (offices) all over the country in order to give the party a national presence From 1924-1929 the Nazi party did not fair well in the national elections. ▪ May of 1924 – 32 seats / 472 ▪ Dec. of 1924 – 14 seats / 493 ▪ May of 1928 – 12 seats / 491 This changes in 1929 with the start of the Great Depression – Why? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYLKg5l 1QJg .