Key facts and dates

The Treaty of Versailles left Germany in economic ruin after the First World War, creating conditions that allowed Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to gain support, leading to the outbreak of the Second World War.

Timeline of key events

• 1889 – Adolf Hitler born in Austria.
• 1921 – Hitler becomes leader of the Nazi Party.
• 1923 – Munich Beer Hall Putsch fails; Hitler imprisoned.
• 1924 – While imprisoned, Hitler writes Mein Kampf.
• 1929 – Wall Street Crash triggers Great Depression in Germany.
• 1932 – Nazis become largest party in Reichstag with 230 seats.
• 1933 – Hitler appointed Chancellor and establishes dictatorship via Enabling Act.
• 1935-1939 – Hitler rebuilds military, unites with Austria, and invades Poland.
• 1939 – Start of the Second World War.

Economic impact of the Treaty of Versailles on Germany

After the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles devastated Germany's economy and created widespread hardship. This led to instability that persisted into the 1920s.

Key economic effects in the early 1920s

• Hyperinflation crisis - Massive printing of money made the German Mark worthless; people carried wheelbarrows of notes to buy basic items like bread, and some even burnt money for heat as it was cheaper than firewood.
• Loss of savings and jobs - Many Germans lost their savings and their jobs.
• Brief recovery and renewed crisis - Germany stabilised in the mid-1920s, but the 1929 Great Depression caused serious economic problems once again, reigniting desperation.

This economic turmoil made Germans eager for a leader who could restore stability, setting the stage for political change.

Hitler's early life and the formation of the Nazi Party

Timeline of Hitler's early life and party development

Hitler's promises and rise to power in the 1930s

As economic conditions worsened, Hitler positioned himself as Germany's saviour by making bold promises that appealed to the desperate population. His charisma and the Nazi Party's growing electoral success propelled him to leadership.

Hitler's key promises to the German people

• Economic recovery - Pledged to reduce unemployment, end the crisis, and provide jobs and food.
• Reversing the Treaty of Versailles - Vowed to reverse the Treaty of Versailles and rebuild Germany, restoring national pride.
• Targeting perceived enemies - Promised to eliminate groups he blamed for Germany's problems, such as Jews, Romani people (often called Gypsies), communists, and others.

Path to becoming Chancellor

• Electoral gains - In 1924, Nazis won 32 seats in the Reichstag (German parliament); by 1932, they secured 230 seats, becoming the largest party.
• Appointment as Chancellor - In 1933, Hitler became Chancellor, and within months, he consolidated power into a dictatorship.
• Popular appeal - Hitler's offers of stability, pride, and scapegoats resonated with people weary from war and economic failure, despite his extreme views.

Debate over whether Hitler rose to power democratically

Historians debate if Hitler's ascent was truly democratic, as he gained power through elections but used undemocratic tactics to maintain it. Once Chancellor, he dismantled democratic institutions, becoming a dictator who ruled without the Reichstag.

Arguments for a democratic rise

• Electoral success - The Nazis won seats fairly in democratic elections, becoming the largest party in 1932 due to Germany's proportional representation system, which allowed small parties to grow.
• Legal consolidation - In 1933, Hitler passed the Enabling Act through the Reichstag, legally granting him power to make laws without parliamentary approval.

Arguments against a democratic rise

• Intimidation tactics - The SA (Hitler's private army) threatened voters and disrupted opposition, creating an atmosphere of fear during elections.
• Suppression of opponents - Nazis banned rival meetings, assaulted politicians, and arrested communists after blaming them for the 1933 Reichstag fire (likely started by Nazis themselves).
• Media control - Once in power, Nazis dominated newspapers and radio, silencing opposition voices and shaping public opinion.

Hitler's expansion of German territory and military

Determined to make Germany a dominant power, Hitler pursued aggressive policies that violated the Treaty of Versailles. Many supported these moves, viewing the treaty as unfair, while international responses like British appeasement allowed his actions to proceed unchecked.

Key expansion policies and their support

• Concept of Lebensraum - Hitler sought 'living space' for Germans by expanding territory, an idea supported by many Germans.
• Military rebuilding - From 1935 to 1939, he rebuilt the army, produced tanks and planes, united with Austria, and invaded Poland, directly defying the treaty.
• Domestic benefits - These actions created jobs, stabilised the economy, and restored pride, gaining Hitler widespread backing despite his anti-Semitic policies.

International response and appeasement

• Lack of opposition - Many in Germany and abroad saw overturning Versailles as justified, so initial expansions faced little resistance.
• British policy of appeasement - Britain, under Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, preferred negotiation over confrontation; in 1938, Chamberlain signed an agreement allowing Germany to take part of Czechoslovakia, declaring it brought "peace in our time."
• Path to war - These expansions escalated tensions, leading to the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the start of the Second World War, with atrocities like the Holocaust following.