Hitler's Rise To Power

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Hitler’s Rise to Power


“Instead of working to achieve power by armed coup, we shall hold our noses and enter the Reichstag against the opposition deputies. If outvoting them takes longer than out shooting them, at least the results will be guaranteed by their own constitution. Sooner or later we shall have a majority, and after that- Germany. (Heiden, 142)”

Adolf Hitler spoke these words in 1920, soon after becoming leader of the newly named National Socialist German Workers’ Party, commonly known as the Nazi Party. There are many contributing factors, which lead to Hitler’s gain in power over the next thirteen years. The recent history of post-war Germany, and the events that would follow were of perfect conditions for the rise of an extremist party such as the Nazis. World War One had left Germany in defeat. Germany was put under immense pressure by the treaty of Versailles, which contributed to the disastrous and politically unstable early twenties. Hitler was a strong and manipulating character, with extraordinary leadership skills and his party was very tactical. He was very much underestimated by opposing political parties. All of these factors lead to Hitler and his Nazis’ becoming the sole political party in the Reichstag in 1933.

The German Empire was formed in 1871 and soon became one of Europe’s most influential countries. It dominated in industrial and military power, and the German people were proud of their achievements. Up until the end of World War One, a Kaiser ruled Germany. From 1888 the Kaiser was Wilhelm II. He was very ambitious and militaristic and a threat to other countries. The German people were very accustomed to success, and when Germany was defeated in World War One, they were shocked and angry.

The Weimar Constitution was drawn up to help Germany bounce back. This constitution was genuinely democratic but had some weaknesses. A president ruled with a chancellor and pr...