1. The Rise of Adolf HitlerThe Rise of Adolf Hitler

2. The Early YearsThe Early Years
 Born April 20Born April 20thth
, 1889 in Austria, 1889 in Austria
 ParentsParents
– Alois Hitler – fatherAlois Hitler – father
 Wanted Hitler to be a civil servantWanted Hitler to be a civil servant
– Hitler wanted to be an artistHitler wanted to be an artist
– Klara Polzl – motherKlara Polzl – mother
 Perhaps the only loving relationship Hitler hadPerhaps the only loving relationship Hitler had

3. Hitler’s EducationHitler’s Education
 Elementary = goodElementary = good
 High School = bad (no diploma)High School = bad (no diploma)
 Moved to Vienna after his father died toMoved to Vienna after his father died to
become an artistbecome an artist

4. Viennese Academy of Fine ArtsViennese Academy of Fine Arts
 Passes day 1 of entrance examPasses day 1 of entrance exam
 Fails day 2 – can’t draw humansFails day 2 – can’t draw humans
– Panel denied him acceptancePanel denied him acceptance
 Suggest architecture (no diploma)Suggest architecture (no diploma)
 Hitler felt it was a Jewish conspiracyHitler felt it was a Jewish conspiracy
– Majority of the panel was JewishMajority of the panel was Jewish

7. Death of KlaraDeath of Klara
 December 1907December 1907
 Some believe Hitler blamed the doctorSome believe Hitler blamed the doctor
– Doctor was JewishDoctor was Jewish
 Evidence shows Hitler was grateful for trying toEvidence shows Hitler was grateful for trying to
save hersave her
– Evidence suggest Klara and doctor wereEvidence suggest Klara and doctor were
friendsfriends

8. Increasing Anti-SemitismIncreasing Anti-Semitism
 After the death of Klara, Hitler returned toAfter the death of Klara, Hitler returned to
ViennaVienna
– In 2 years is brokeIn 2 years is broke
– Hitler would end up in a shelter for menHitler would end up in a shelter for men
 Would be introduced to new levels of Anti-Would be introduced to new levels of Anti-
SemitismSemitism

9. Forms of Anti-Semitism in GermanyForms of Anti-Semitism in Germany
 ReligiousReligious – Jews blamed for the death of– Jews blamed for the death of
JesusJesus
 EconomicEconomic – Jews took advantage of the– Jews took advantage of the
Catholic Church’s ban on usuryCatholic Church’s ban on usury
 RacialRacial – Jews were impurities in the– Jews were impurities in the
German populationGerman population
 PoliticalPolitical – Jews were able to infiltrate the– Jews were able to infiltrate the
governmentgovernment

10. Influences on HitlerInfluences on Hitler
 Lanz von LiebenfelsLanz von Liebenfels
– Wrote about the superiority of the Aryan raceWrote about the superiority of the Aryan race
– Detailed ways to eliminate Jews and otherDetailed ways to eliminate Jews and other
inferior racesinferior races
 Genetic selection, sterilization, deportation, forcedGenetic selection, sterilization, deportation, forced
labor, direct liquidationlabor, direct liquidation
 Richard WagnerRichard Wagner
– Wrote plays that portrayed the rise of theWrote plays that portrayed the rise of the
underdogunderdog
– This is where Hitler would adopt his speakingThis is where Hitler would adopt his speaking
stylestyle

11. Draft DodgerDraft Dodger
 To avoid Austrian draft, he moved toTo avoid Austrian draft, he moved to
MunichMunich
 Would be arrested and sent backWould be arrested and sent back
 Dismissed from Austrian military- tooDismissed from Austrian military- too
“sickly” looking“sickly” looking
 Moved back to Munich and sold paintingsMoved back to Munich and sold paintings
on the streeton the street

12. WWIWWI
 Hitler would sign up with the BavarianHitler would sign up with the Bavarian
Army during WWIArmy during WWI
– show the dominance of the Aryan raceshow the dominance of the Aryan race
 dispatch runner in the trenchesdispatch runner in the trenches
– Wounded many times and awarded the IronWounded many times and awarded the Iron
Cross First ClassCross First Class

13.  Nov. 11, 1918 - Germany surrendersNov. 11, 1918 - Germany surrenders
 Weimar Government = democratic govt.Weimar Government = democratic govt.
– Had replaced the KaiserHad replaced the Kaiser
 ““Stabbed in the Back” mythStabbed in the Back” myth
– Germany didn’t lose, they were betrayed byGermany didn’t lose, they were betrayed by
their governmenttheir government
– ““November CriminalsNovember Criminals ” - nickname given to” - nickname given to
members of the Weimar Governmentmembers of the Weimar Government

14. Post War DutiesPost War Duties
 Hitler would remain as one of the 100,000Hitler would remain as one of the 100,000
soldiers in the Germany militarysoldiers in the Germany military
– Information officerInformation officer
 Performed patriotic trainingPerformed patriotic training
 Covert spy to investigate political partiesCovert spy to investigate political parties

15. Introduction to PoliticsIntroduction to Politics
 September 12, 1919September 12, 1919
– Hitler would be at a beer hall investigating theHitler would be at a beer hall investigating the
DAPDAP (German Worker’s Party)(German Worker’s Party)
 Openly NationalistOpenly Nationalist
 Anti-SemiticAnti-Semitic
 Anti-WeimarAnti-Weimar
– Hitler resigns from the military to join the DAPHitler resigns from the military to join the DAP
 Military members can’t be in political partiesMilitary members can’t be in political parties

16. DAP MembershipDAP Membership
 Hitler became the propaganda officerHitler became the propaganda officer
– Organized meetingsOrganized meetings
– Recruit new membersRecruit new members

17. Hitler the OratorHitler the Orator
 February 25February 25thth
, 1920, 1920
 Hufbrauhaus Beer HallHufbrauhaus Beer Hall
– 2000 people in attendance2000 people in attendance
 Hitler is the primary speaker of theHitler is the primary speaker of the
meetingmeeting
– Intends to announce the “25 Point Platform”Intends to announce the “25 Point Platform”
 Co-written by Hitler and Anton DrexlerCo-written by Hitler and Anton Drexler

18. 25 Point Platform25 Point Platform
 Abolish the Treaty of VersaillesAbolish the Treaty of Versailles
 Only German blood people could beOnly German blood people could be
citizenscitizens
– Jews were specifically excluded fromJews were specifically excluded from
citizenshipcitizenship
 In support of other religions as long asIn support of other religions as long as
they don’t harm the statethey don’t harm the state
 Economy need resources to surviveEconomy need resources to survive
– LebensraumLebensraum – “living space”– “living space”

19. Changing NamesChanging Names
 DAP becomes the NSDAPDAP becomes the NSDAP
– National Socialist German Workers PartyNational Socialist German Workers Party
 Hitler eventually forces Drexler outHitler eventually forces Drexler out
 Hitler is now known as theHitler is now known as the FuhrerFuhrer

20. Organizing the PartyOrganizing the Party
 Hitler saw propaganda as a key to successHitler saw propaganda as a key to success
1.1. SwastikaSwastika
– official symbol of the partyofficial symbol of the party
1.1. Heil SaluteHeil Salute
– Out stretch arm that dates back to the RomansOut stretch arm that dates back to the Romans
1.1. ParadesParades
– Would be held before meetings – at least once aWould be held before meetings – at least once a
weekweek
– Hitler would often be keynote speakerHitler would often be keynote speaker

21. ParamilitaryParamilitary
 SA – “Storm Troopers” or “Brownshirts”SA – “Storm Troopers” or “Brownshirts”
– Paramilitary of the Nazi PartyParamilitary of the Nazi Party
– Former members of the German militaryFormer members of the German military
 By 1923 – 15,000 membersBy 1923 – 15,000 members

22. Ernst RohmErnst Rohm
 Active member of theActive member of the
German militaryGerman military
 Supported theSupported the
NSDAPNSDAP
 connection betweenconnection between
the SA and thethe SA and the
German militaryGerman military

23. Reasons for Early Growth of the PartyReasons for Early Growth of the Party
 People felt betrayed after WWIPeople felt betrayed after WWI
 Hitler fed off this angerHitler fed off this anger
– Never offered solutionsNever offered solutions
– Echoed problems and pointed fingersEchoed problems and pointed fingers

24. March on BerlinMarch on Berlin
Hitler will copy an idea fromHitler will copy an idea from
Mussolini and stage a march onMussolini and stage a march on
Berlin.Berlin.

25. Beer Hall Putsch – Nov. 8Beer Hall Putsch – Nov. 8thth
-9-9thth
19231923
 Hitler surrounds the beer hallHitler surrounds the beer hall
with 2000 SA troopswith 2000 SA troops
 Hitler and 50 troops enter theHitler and 50 troops enter the
beer hallbeer hall
 Hitler announces that theHitler announces that the
“National Revolution” has“National Revolution” has
begunbegun

26. BetrayedBetrayed
 Hitler begins the mini-march on MunichHitler begins the mini-march on Munich
 Supporters betray Hitler and create a trapSupporters betray Hitler and create a trap
– Hitler is supposedly shot, and later arrestedHitler is supposedly shot, and later arrested

27. The Trial of HitlerThe Trial of Hitler
Against all odds, Hitler uses hisAgainst all odds, Hitler uses his
own trial for his benefit.own trial for his benefit.

28. Trial of HitlerTrial of Hitler
 Feb. and Mar. of 1924Feb. and Mar. of 1924
 Hitler is tried for treasonHitler is tried for treason
 Hitler justified his actionsHitler justified his actions
– Was working for the German peopleWas working for the German people
– He was a German patriotHe was a German patriot
– Opposing the Weimar RepublicOpposing the Weimar Republic
 Verdict = GuiltyVerdict = Guilty
– 5 years in prison with possibility of parole5 years in prison with possibility of parole

29. Period of WaitingPeriod of Waiting
 Name used by historians to describeName used by historians to describe
Hitler’s time in prison.Hitler’s time in prison.
 Hitler served 9 months at a minimumHitler served 9 months at a minimum
security prisonsecurity prison

30. Three Lessons Learned in PrisonThree Lessons Learned in Prison
 If Nazis were to come to power, he aloneIf Nazis were to come to power, he alone
would have to lead themwould have to lead them
 Would have to create an alliance with theWould have to create an alliance with the
German armyGerman army
 If he was to come to power, he wouldIf he was to come to power, he would
have to do it legally.have to do it legally.

31. Mein Kampf – “My Struggle”Mein Kampf – “My Struggle”
 Book that Hitler wrote inBook that Hitler wrote in
prisonprison
 Outlined three main pointsOutlined three main points
1.1. The right of the strong inThe right of the strong in
racial conflictracial conflict
2.2. Right of superior nations toRight of superior nations to
gaingain lebensraumlebensraum
3.3. Right of superior individualsRight of superior individuals
to establish authoritarianto establish authoritarian
leadership over the massesleadership over the masses

32. Hitler Reclaims PowerHitler Reclaims Power
 Upon release Hitler quickly reclaims powerUpon release Hitler quickly reclaims power
of the Nazi partyof the Nazi party
– Had left it in the hands of a lesser individualHad left it in the hands of a lesser individual
so that it would not grow without Hitlerso that it would not grow without Hitler

33. Political OpponentsPolitical Opponents
 Gregor StrassorGregor Strassor
– Member of the NSDAP since 1921Member of the NSDAP since 1921
– Leader of the “National Socialist WorkingLeader of the “National Socialist Working
Assc.”Assc.”
 Assisted by Joseph GoebbelsAssisted by Joseph Goebbels
 Bamberg ConferenceBamberg Conference – 1926– 1926
– Strassor = 45 minutesStrassor = 45 minutes
– Hitler = 5 hours and emerges victoriousHitler = 5 hours and emerges victorious
 Goebbels would join HitlerGoebbels would join Hitler

34. Depression and PoliticalDepression and Political
ConsequencesConsequences

35. Dawes PlanDawes Plan
 Fall of 1923Fall of 1923
 Charles DawesCharles Dawes
– plan to extend reparation payments and lowerplan to extend reparation payments and lower
the payment amountthe payment amount
– Would also start massive loans by US banksWould also start massive loans by US banks
– When Great Depression hits US recalls loansWhen Great Depression hits US recalls loans
 Germany dives into a depression tooGermany dives into a depression too

36. Unemployment in GermanyUnemployment in Germany
 1928 – 1.8 million unemployed1928 – 1.8 million unemployed
 1932 – 6 million unemployed1932 – 6 million unemployed
– Lower class is affected the mostLower class is affected the most
– Causes people to polarizeCauses people to polarize

37. Article 48Article 48
 Section of Weimar ConstitutionSection of Weimar Constitution
– In times of “national emergency” the presidentIn times of “national emergency” the president
would turn legislative power over to thewould turn legislative power over to the
chancellor until there are new electionschancellor until there are new elections
– Idea = get new blood in governmentIdea = get new blood in government
 ChancellorChancellor = leader of Reichstag= leader of Reichstag
 ReichstagReichstag = German parliament= German parliament

38. ReichstagReichstag
 Total of 595 seats at the timeTotal of 595 seats at the time
 By 1930, Nazis held 107 of the seatsBy 1930, Nazis held 107 of the seats
– Didn’t hold a majorityDidn’t hold a majority
– Acted as obstructionistsActed as obstructionists
 GOAL = get as many seats as possible in theGOAL = get as many seats as possible in the
new electionsnew elections

39. Joseph GoebbelsJoseph Goebbels
“Minister of Propaganda”“Minister of Propaganda”
1.1. Monthly DirectivesMonthly Directives
– Identifiable themes and slogansIdentifiable themes and slogans
1.1. Nazi Speaker SchoolNazi Speaker School
– train people how to give speechestrain people how to give speeches
1.1. Saturation AdvertisingSaturation Advertising
– massive increase in campaigning beforemassive increase in campaigning before
electionselections

40. Hitler and the Nazis onHitler and the Nazis on
the Eve of Powerthe Eve of Power

41. Presidential Elections of 1932Presidential Elections of 1932
 Paul von Hindenburg –Paul von Hindenburg –
84 years old84 years old
– president since 1925 andpresident since 1925 and
wants to retirewants to retire
 Hitler runs against himHitler runs against him

42. First Ballot – April 11First Ballot – April 11thth
19321932
 Hindenburg receives 49.45% of the voteHindenburg receives 49.45% of the vote
– Not a majority so there is a run off among theNot a majority so there is a run off among the
top three candidatestop three candidates
 Hindenburg – no party (military officer)Hindenburg – no party (military officer)
 Hitler – NSDAP (Nazis)Hitler – NSDAP (Nazis)
 Thaelman – KPD (Communist)Thaelman – KPD (Communist)

43. Second BallotSecond Ballot
 Hindenburg – 53%Hindenburg – 53%
 Hitler – 37%Hitler – 37%
 Thaelman – 10%Thaelman – 10%
 Hindenburg is upset about runoffHindenburg is upset about runoff

44. New Chancellor and New ElectionsNew Chancellor and New Elections
 Reichstag Elections of 1932Reichstag Elections of 1932
– Nazis won 37.3% of the seatsNazis won 37.3% of the seats
– Since they are the largest party, Hitler believes he should be theSince they are the largest party, Hitler believes he should be the
ChancellorChancellor
 Hindenburg refusesHindenburg refuses
– Hindenburg offers Hitler the chance to be Vice-Hindenburg offers Hitler the chance to be Vice-
ChancellorChancellor
 Hitler refusesHitler refuses
 Chancellor Von Papen dissolves the Reichstag and holds newChancellor Von Papen dissolves the Reichstag and holds new
electionselections
– Believes the Nazis are worn outBelieves the Nazis are worn out
 Nazis go from 37.3% to 33.1%Nazis go from 37.3% to 33.1%

45. Hitler as ChancellorHitler as Chancellor
 Von Papen proves ineffectiveVon Papen proves ineffective
– Hindenburg is persuaded to give Hitler a chanceHindenburg is persuaded to give Hitler a chance
 Hitler became Chancellor because of ineffectiveness ofHitler became Chancellor because of ineffectiveness of
the previous Chancellorsthe previous Chancellors
 January 30, 1933– Hitler dissolves the Reichstag andJanuary 30, 1933– Hitler dissolves the Reichstag and
calls for new electionscalls for new elections
– Wanted a majority in the ReichstagWanted a majority in the Reichstag
– Wanted to make sure that nothing would get done soWanted to make sure that nothing would get done so
that Article 48 would be decreedthat Article 48 would be decreed

46. Burning of the ReichstagBurning of the Reichstag
 Feb. 28Feb. 28thth
1933 – the Reichstag is set on1933 – the Reichstag is set on
firefire
– Marinus von der Lubbe is blamed for the fireMarinus von der Lubbe is blamed for the fire
 Dutch CommunistDutch Communist
 Tried and executed in 2 daysTried and executed in 2 days
– Communists are now seen as a threatCommunists are now seen as a threat
 Election in March now increase NaziElection in March now increase Nazi
power from 33.1% to 43.9%power from 33.1% to 43.9%

47. Enabling ActEnabling Act
 would give Hitler complete dictatorialwould give Hitler complete dictatorial
power for 4 yearspower for 4 years
– Would no longer need the ReichstagWould no longer need the Reichstag
– Would be able to pass what ever legislativeWould be able to pass what ever legislative
acts he wantedacts he wanted

48. Enabling ActEnabling Act
 Hitler wanted this act passed in order to getHitler wanted this act passed in order to get
more powermore power
 Need support from the DNVP and the ZentrumNeed support from the DNVP and the Zentrum
(Catholics)(Catholics)
– DNVP support was guaranteedDNVP support was guaranteed
– Zentrum agreed under 2 termsZentrum agreed under 2 terms
1.1. Catholic Church would not be touchedCatholic Church would not be touched
2.2. Zentrum would still be allowed to participate in govt.Zentrum would still be allowed to participate in govt.
 Enabling Act passes 444-94Enabling Act passes 444-94
– Within 3 months all political parties except the NazisWithin 3 months all political parties except the Nazis
are outlawedare outlawed

49. Possible ThreatsPossible Threats
1.1. Paul von HindenburgPaul von Hindenburg
– Had power to remove ChancellorHad power to remove Chancellor
– However, pleased with Hitler’s performanceHowever, pleased with Hitler’s performance
1.1. German MilitaryGerman Military
– Conflicted with SA over who was more importantConflicted with SA over who was more important
1.1. SA – leader Ernst RohmSA – leader Ernst Rohm
– Advocated a second revolutionAdvocated a second revolution
– Possible removal of HitlerPossible removal of Hitler

50. Concerns About the SA and RohmConcerns About the SA and Rohm
 Were the SA loyal to Rohm or Hitler?Were the SA loyal to Rohm or Hitler?
 Were the leaders of the SA necessary forWere the leaders of the SA necessary for
the success of the Nazis?the success of the Nazis?
 Rohm was openly homosexual – was thisRohm was openly homosexual – was this
an image the Nazis wanted?an image the Nazis wanted?

51. Fake RevolutionFake Revolution
 Heinrich HimmlerHeinrich Himmler
– Leader of the SSLeader of the SS
– Considered to be a more elite military forceConsidered to be a more elite military force
 However, still considered a subordinate forceHowever, still considered a subordinate force
under the SAunder the SA
 Himmler and Goebbels created a fakeHimmler and Goebbels created a fake
plan that said Rohm was planning a coupplan that said Rohm was planning a coup
– Hitler agreed regardless of informationHitler agreed regardless of information
against itagainst it

52. Night of the Long KnivesNight of the Long Knives
Blood Purge of the SA - Rohm PurgeBlood Purge of the SA - Rohm Purge
 SA leaders are sent on a vacationSA leaders are sent on a vacation
togethertogether
 Hitler has the leaders arrested and sent toHitler has the leaders arrested and sent to
a prisona prison
 Many leaders would then be killedMany leaders would then be killed
 Rohm, Strassor, and von Kahr are allRohm, Strassor, and von Kahr are all
killedkilled
– Hundreds more as wellHundreds more as well
– Seen as traitors or threatsSeen as traitors or threats

53. Supporters of the Purge and WhySupporters of the Purge and Why
 HindenburgHindenburg
– Brought radicals under controlBrought radicals under control
 Germany MilitaryGermany Military
– SA no longer demanded a take over of theSA no longer demanded a take over of the
militarymilitary
 Himmler and SSHimmler and SS
– SS becomes an independent organizationSS becomes an independent organization

54. Nuremburg Rallies of Sep. 1934Nuremburg Rallies of Sep. 1934
 Explained the reasons for the purgeExplained the reasons for the purge
– SA leaders were corrupt and had to beSA leaders were corrupt and had to be
removedremoved
 Maintained the support of the SAMaintained the support of the SA
– Overall goal was to maintain a unifiedOverall goal was to maintain a unified
GermanyGermany

56. Hitler Become Fuhrer of GermanyHitler Become Fuhrer of Germany
 Paul von Hindenburg dies on August 2Paul von Hindenburg dies on August 2ndnd
19341934
 Hitler gives public speeches recognizing theHitler gives public speeches recognizing the
greatness of Hindenburggreatness of Hindenburg
– The people loved HindenburgThe people loved Hindenburg
 announces that he will merge offices ofannounces that he will merge offices of
President and ChancellorPresident and Chancellor
– Enabling ActEnabling Act
 Referendum is supported by the peopleReferendum is supported by the people
– Hitler wanted to make sure that it was legalHitler wanted to make sure that it was legal

57.  People had lost faith in democracyPeople had lost faith in democracy
 Nazis were willing to use force when necessaryNazis were willing to use force when necessary
 Momentum – people liked being on the winning side –Momentum – people liked being on the winning side –
“band wagon effect”“band wagon effect”
 Hitler had been promising a national RegenerationHitler had been promising a national Regeneration
 Role of Hitler himselfRole of Hitler himself
– Very clever and ruthlessVery clever and ruthless
– Used the fact that most people believed he could be controlledUsed the fact that most people believed he could be controlled
against themagainst them
Reasons for SuccessReasons for Success

58. Hitler is Supreme RulerHitler is Supreme Ruler
 Because of Hitler creativeness,Because of Hitler creativeness,
determination, ruthless, and cunning he isdetermination, ruthless, and cunning he is
able to become the supreme leader ofable to become the supreme leader of
Germany and the German MilitaryGermany and the German Military
 The stage is set for WWIIThe stage is set for WWII