Short essay on the rise of Hitler (German Nazi dictator)

The Weimar Republic of Germany was born of military defeat and revolution at the end of the World War I. The Weimar Republic, launched with so much hope, however, soon found itself sailing in heavy seas.

a. Introduction:

The Weimar Republic of Germany was born of military defeat and revolution at the end of the World War I. The Weimar Republic, launched with so much hope, however, soon found itself sailing in heavy seas.

The Republic was in a deep economic crisis. Physical violence could not be stopped and there was political instability. It was in this background that a small political party known as the German Workers’ Party (DAP) gained prominence.

Hitler joined this party in September 1919. The DAP was extended to the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). This is abbreviated to ‘Nazi Party’.

b. Hitler’s Tactics:

Hitler as the head of the Nazis radically altered the policy and programme of the party. He blamed all of Germany’s problems on the victorious Allies (who defeated Germany in the World War I), the Jews and the Communists.

The policy that he formulated was a blend of nationalism and socialism which appeared to be popular. His policy in any case appealed to the middle class, demobilized and unemployed soldiers as also to those who lost all hopes in the War.

He organised the Nazis into uniformed bands called Storm troopers (SA). Also he developed his personal bodyguard, the SS that later on became a private army.

The Nazis’ opportunity came in 1923 when France occupied the Ruhr industrial area. At this hour national crisis the Nazis carried out a putsch (= organized raid) in Munich. But this ended in a failure. Hitler was booked and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

c. Seizure of Power:

While in prison Hitler wrote his semi- autobiography Mein kempf in which he drew up a programme of action. Also he set out a philosophy to revive and reorganize the Nazis. After his release from the prison Hitler planned to grab power by participating in the Reichstag (German Parliament) election. In April, 1932 Hitler stood for the election of Presidentship against Hindenburg But Hitler was defeated.

But in the Reichstag election held shortly the Nazis became the largest party wining 230 sea though did not obtain an overall majority. Within a few months another election was held in Germany in which the Nazis’ seats were reduced to 196. Yet by an arrangement with the Nationalists under Von Papen Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany on 30 January, 1933.

It was now a matter of time for the Weimar Republic to come to an end. Hitler persuaded President Hindenburg to call yet another election. Immediate before the election the Nazis carried on unrestrained violence against all the opponents including the Communists. Despite all this the Nazis could not secure majority seats.

Yet Hitler manipulated the politics to obtain two-third majority in the Reichstag and became the Chancellor. Hitler as the Chancellor passed the Enabling Law that gave him the dictatorial power. Thus Hitler became the Fuehrer or leader of Germany in 1934. The above is the story how Hitler seized power.