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Hitler fights in WWI
Hitler fights in WWI: 1914. Hitler enlisted in WWI in a Bavarian Regiment at age 25. He had a sloppy manner of fighting, but he was extremely brave and eager to please superiors and put himself in life threatening situations. He eventually worked his way up to being a corporal. He was then temporarily blinded by chlorine gas, and sent home and to a hospital. WWI gave Hitler his first real war experience, and experience being a leader. -
Nazi Party is Formed
After being severely punished by the Treaty of Versailles, German nationalists felt the need to recollect their country, so they formed the German Worker’s Party. It was made up of mainly demobilized soldiers with right-wing ideologies, so Hitler joined it and soon rose to the top of it. He changed its name to the National Socialist German Workers Party, or Nazi Party for short. -
Germany Surrenders: The Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was the peace agreement between The Central Powers and The Allies after World War I. The world mainly blamed Germany for it, seeing as Germany had been such an aggressor during and before the war. The outcome of the Treaty favored the side of the Allies, leaving Germany bitter and angry. They were not only angry at the outcome, but at their but at their weak politicians who signed the treaty, putting a giant burden on Germany. This set the stage for Hitler to step in. -
Hitler Becomes Leader of the Nazi Party
While Hitler was traveling Germany spreading the Nazi influence, other members of the Nazi party tried to limit his rapidly growing power. In response to this, Hitler resigned from the party entirely. The other members realized this would essentially kill the party, and asked him to rejoin. Hitler replied that he would only return if elected chairman of the party and be given dictatorial powers. Eventually, Hitler was elected Führer, 543 votes to 1. This put him in a position to have control. -
The Beer Hall Putsch
This was Hitler’s attempt to overthrow the Weimar government. The Republic had previously decided to be passive with France even after bitter post WWI feelings. This event symbolized an admittance of guilt for WWI in the eyes of the German people. One group that revolted for this reason was The Nazis, led by Hitler. He first attempted to overthrow the regional government, as a prelude to taking the national government, by violently interrupting a meeting held by the government. -
Hitler Tried for Treason
Hitler was tried and found guilty for treason against his country after trying to start a revolt, the Beer Hall Putsch. Hitler used this as a chance to spread Nazi belief to the entire country. He soon became a national figure. In his own defense, he attacked communists, socialists, Jews, and weak politicians who had signed the Treaty of Versailles. Treason was normally punishable by death, but because the court agreed with his views, he was only given a sentence of 5 years in Landsberg Prison. -
Mein Kampf is Written
Mein Kampf, or “My Struggle”, was published by Adolf Hitler. This was a book that was partly an autobiography of Hitler’s life, and also a look into his political ideology. He wrote this book during his time in Landsberg Prison after a failed revolt, The Beer Hall Putsch. He said that had he not been sent to jail, he would have never been able to write this book, which helped to spread Nazi beliefs and plans for the future to the people of Germany. -
Stock Market Crash
In the US, the stock market crashed. People invested greatly in the companies that were involved in stocks.When stocks fell, people spent less money on goods because they felt poorer as a result of the stocks dropping. Companies that relied on stocks then also became poorer. This ended up creating the Great Depression. The rest of the world also depended on the US to support their economies, so the world-wide economy crashed as well. Germany was one of the countries that was hit the hardest. Thi -
Hitler Voted as Chancellor of Germany
The democratic republic of Germany was dying, as a result of the Great Depression and post WWI reparations. Hitler had spent his career as a politician trying to destroy the republic, and now he was in charge of it. He swore to fix the problems of Germany and improve daily life. Although having only a few Nazi’s under Hitler’s cabinet control limited him, most of Germany actually underestimated him. His position as Chancellor gave him the opportunity to very soon become total dictator of Germany -
The Reichstag Building Burns
The Reichstag building was the location of the German Parliament. The burning was used by Nazi’s as evidence to prove that Communists were plotting against the government. Members of the parliament who were communists were removed from government, leaving empty seats which the Nazis filled. This event helped Nazis step up into power in terms of the government. -
Nazis Elected to Reichstag
Nazis elected to Reichstag: March 5, 1933. Nazis were elected to the Reichstag when members of the parliament who were communists were removed from government, leaving empty seats which the Nazis filled. This came as a result of the burning of the Reichstag, which Hitler blamed on the communists. This event helped Nazis step up into power in terms of the government, and allowed them to hold positions that would make important decisions for the country. -
Hitler Becomes Dictator of Germany
Once Hitler had control over the Reichstag by electing many Nazi members to power, he looked toward being dictator. To do this, he persuaded the Reichstag to pass the Enabling Act. This act would give Hitler constitutional power over the Reichstag and the power to make all important laws. After many speeches about fixing Germany, Hitler got the Enabling Act to pass. He effectively took away democracy. He was able to dispose legally of anyone who did not agree with him.
