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Start and beliefs of the National Socialist Worker’s Party (NSDAP/Nazis)
Multiple political parties fighting to get elected. The party was pushed. -
Hitler control of the Nazis
Hitler is head of party (fuhrer), believes his orders should be followed strictly, creates group of thugs to beat up Nazis enemies (SA/Stormtroopers) -
Nazis gain support with various groups
Hitler's party NSDAP gain support from farmers, popular small business owners and other middle class -
Great Depression and Impact for Nazis
The Great Depression led many German voters to look to more radical parties, such as Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. -
The Chancellor Deal
Hitler continued to pick up support for himself and his party. Still, President Paul von Hindenburg held firm, refusing to appoint the “ridiculous Austrian corporal” to the chancellorship. Instead he offered it to defense minister Kurt von Schleicher. -
Reichstag Fire and Aftermath
Hitler's grip on power was still weak. Hindenburg, the President, had the authority to replace Hitler at any time. And while Hitler had powerful supporters in the military, the media and big business, he also had many critics. -
The Enabling Act
Four weeks later, on March 23rd, 1933, the Nazis introduced the Enabling Act into the Reichstag. The Enabling Act allowed Hitler to govern without reference to the Reichstag. The chancellor and his ministers could rule by decree, bypass the constitution, initiate taxes and spending and determine foreign policy, all without legislation or Reichstag approval. -
Concentration Camps Opening
Hitler authorized the construction of concentration camps. These camps were conceived as secure holding facilities for political prisoners who disagreed with Nazi policies and ideas. -
Hindenburg’s Death and the Aftermath
Then, on August 2nd, 1934, President Hindenburg died and Hitler assumed control of the government. The new leader would be titled as the fuhrer and would act as head of state, government, and armed forces. Hitler convened a large-public vote to seek public endorsement of this constitutional change. -
Rearmament
Hitler reintroduced the draft. The following year Hitler unveiled his Four-Year Plan, a schedule to prepare the nation’s military for war. By the start of 1939 Germany’s armed forces boasted more than 900,000 soldiers, 8,000 aircraft and 95 warships. -
The Rhineland
Hitler ordered German troops back into the Rhineland, in defiance of the treaty. France and Britain did nothing. -
New Foreign Policy
Hitler proposed a military solution: expansion into Eastern Europe so Germany could access land and raw materials there.