Nazism
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Nazism Ð- the dominant force in Germany
In the 1930s, Nazism became the dominant force in Germany. Adolf Hitler fought for Germany during World War One. Afterwards he became the instrumental piece in the formation and growth of the National Socialist German Workers Party (NSDAP/ Nazi Party).With help and taking advantage from various key factors, Hitler and the NSDAP rose into power. He expressed his hatred towards the defeat of World War One, and played on grievances from the Great Depression. Key factors such as the responses to signing the Treaty of Versailles, and the instability of the German democracy, supported him. As there was more negativity to the German economy, the more appealing were the NSDAP and their promises for a Greater Germany.
By 1918, Germany was being defeated in most areas of the war. The German economy was in ruins (i.e. starvation at home, and mutiny in the navy). Thus, the German generals requested armistice negotiations with the Allies in November. Adolf Hitler had supported World War One, “I fell down on my knees and thanked Heaven from an over flowing heart” [Early Days Article, p1]. In response, to Germanys defeat, Mein Kampf, relates to how his “head became afire with rage and shame” [Early Days Article, p2]. To Hitler, and many others, the German politicians who signed the armistice, in the 18th of November 1918, were traitors to the country. This being the betrayal of two million Germans. This Ðback-stabbed theory had become quite popular amongst the majority of Germans, amongst those who found it impossible to admit defeat. During the war, Hitler became obsessed with this idea. He especially blamed the Jews and Marxists for undermining the war effort. Months later, Germany was to sign the Treaty of Versailles, accepting the blame for starting the war (Article 231 of the treaty).
On June 28 1919, the German foreign minister, Hermann MДјller, and the minister of transport, Johannes Bell agreed to sign the Treaty of Versailles. In doing so, Germany lost land and territories (i.e. Australia was given control of Papua New Guinea). Germany was also forbidden to have submarines or an air force. She could only have a navy of six battleships, and an army of just 100,000 men. In addition, some conditions of the treaty required Germany to deliver reparations to the French Government: 500 stallions; 30,000 fillies, and mares; 2,000 bulls; 90 milch cows; 1,000 rams; 100,000 sheep; and 10,000 goats. By the 1920s, Germany had paid very little of the reparations, and was still to pay massive war reparations to Allies. Hyper-inflation became the result of the political and economic instability of the Weimar Republic.
Homelessness, poverty, and general despair characterized throughout the years of the Great Depression. It was a period where economic activity was stagnant and idle frequently in a significant number of countries. It had sent financial markets into a tumble causing tragic effects worldwide. Adolf Hitler took advantage of this opportunity by using his political skills. His view of propaganda was that it had to be simple, visual, and emotive in order for Ðsimple-minded people to understand. “Hitler clearly played on all these grievances and fears, knowing that the road to power lay in winning as many votes as possible”, from Simon Williams book, The Rise and Fall of Hitlers Germany [Manual, p32]. There were various methods for the use of propaganda by the NSDAP. Information and instructions were sent out, posters on brick walls, and leaflets hand out. The use of modern technology was exploited by Hitler, however, the mastery of propaganda, lied in the massive rallies. With simple slogans such as ÐEin Volk, ein Reich, ein Fuhrer (one society, one nation, one leader), the Nazi propaganda became effective, and consequently helped the NSDAP win votes. In 1929, Hitler made a deal with wealthy businessmen, including media owner Alfred Hugenburg, which later lead to an increase in membership and support.
The NSDAP gained most of their support from upper, and middle classes. Majority of votes came from farmers (42%), (39%) from workers, and (19%) from domestic servants. Hitler reassured farmers with promises to preserve their lifestyle. The middle class were promised with a better future by the removal of Jews, and business tycoons. As