Nazism and Hitler

Introduction to Nazism● Started in the 1920s and ended up until the end of WWII, 1945● Developed by “passionate” nationalist who only cared about

Germans/German speaking people.● One of their concerns was the restoration of the German economic and

military supremacy● This radical ideology was based that the “aryan race’ ( A.K.A. German people)

were the best out of all the races and had the best ability to survive.● Set of political beliefs associated with the Nazi party/ far-right groups of

Germany● Nazism is also known as national socialist● Is a form of fascism which includes scientific racism and anti semitism● It supports the ideas of racial hierarchy and social darwinism

Mein Kampf● Its an autobiography of Adolf Hitler, can be translated to “My Struggle”● Volume 1, called Eine Abrechnung (The reckoning), was published in 1925 ● Volume 2, called Die Nationalsozialistische (The National Socialist Movement)in

1926● Adolf Hitler's political ideology and plans for Germany are stated● The main thesis was that there was a Jewish conspiracy for them to take over and

gain leadership● The book explains how Hitler became anti semitic and militaristic● It says how hitler first dismissed anti semitic views and deemed them unworthy to

be taken seriously● But later says he came to accept the views in Vienna because it essential became

a crucial part of his program to reconstruct Germany● Aso states that the world's two evils are Judaism and communism

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Basically Hitler was denouncing Jews in his autobiography. He said that they were the destroyers of the world and must be removed. Also mentioned the Superiority of the German People and how is their right to rule the world. His books includes how he wants to go about it to be able to accomplish this. It states all of Hitler's political ideas and plans for Germany and makes it seem that he developed political views early in his life. Some critics view this book as a form of propaganda and others believe it’s an important work where Hitler states his goals which he later pursues when he comes to power.

How did the Nazi party help Hitler rise to power?● Founders, Anton Drexler and journalist Karl Harrer. The party promoted German nationalism and anti-Semitism, and

felt that the Treaty of Versailles was extremely unjust to Germany by burdening it with reparations it could never pay.● The mood in Germany was grim. The worldwide economic depression had hit the country e hard, and millions of

people were out of work. Germans lacked confidence in their weak government, known as the Weimar Republic.● Due to this, people were willing to support him and the party. ● The people supported his views and were extremely loyal. ● Hitler soon emerged as a charismatic public speaker and began attracting new members with speeches blaming

Jews and Marxists for Germany’s problems and showing extreme nationalism and the concept of an Aryan “master race.” Pretty much he used the Party to gain supporters and later on became the face of the party.

● In July 1921, he assumed leadership of the party.

Nazi party from 1919 to 1933 1919- The German Workers' Party had a right-wing ideology (nationalistic and anti-Semitic ideology). Hitler joined this small political party in 1919 and rose to leadership through his emotional and captivating speeches. He encouraged national pride, militarism, and a commitment to the people and a racially "pure" Germany. He changed the name of the party to the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NAZI). By the end of 1920, the Nazi Party had about 3,000 members.

1923- Adolf Hitler's attempt at an armed overthrow of local authorities in Munich, known as the Beer Hall Putsch , failed miserably. The Nazi Party seemed doomed to fail and its leaders, including Hitler, were subsequently jailed and charged with high treason. However, Hitler used the courtroom at his public trial as a propaganda platform, ranting for hours against the Weimar government. By the end of the 24-day trial Hitler had actually gained support.

1925- Mein Kampf-detailed Hitler's radical ideas of German nationalism, antisemitism, and anti-Bolshevism. Hitler's book became the ideological base for the Nazi Party's racist beliefs and murderous practices.Hitler skillfully maneuvered through Nazi Party politics and emerged as the sole leader. The Führerprinzip, or leader principle, established Hitler as the one and only to whom Party members swore loyalty to.

Continued1932- In the 1932 elections, the Nazis won 33 percent of the votes, more than any other party (captured 230 out of 608 seats in the “Reichstag,” or German parliament).

1933- Pretty much when the party came to power

January 1933- Hitler was appointed German chancellor and his Nazi government soon came to control every aspect of German life.All other political parties were banned. Also, opened their first concentration camp, in Dachau, Germany, to house political prisoners.

“There is no coherent ideology underpinning Nazism”● Prior to Hitler’s composition of Mein Kampf, there were beliefs about an Aryan

race● The desire for redemption and the rise of anger in Germany led to the jews

being used as a scapegoat● People began to believe that everything truly was the Jews’ fault, as well as

the previous Weimar government● The hate for jews, communism, and the current German state effectively

created Nazism● Despite its clear origins, Nazism lacks any clear “theory”, and thus does not

have a “coherent ideology” supporting it

“How important was Nazism to the appeal of Hitler”● As stated before, many Germans were angry with the current state of their

country and wanted to rise above what they were now● Giving people something they could rally behind was extremely effective● With Nazism, Hitler could win over the people, and he did● Using all others except Germans as a scapegoat, Hitler pinned all of

Germany’s problems on them, and said he would make things better, making germany “great again”