Weimar Germany1919-24:• Versailles’ punishments• Ruhr, hyperinflation & unemployment• National Socialism• Beer Hall Putsch

1924-29:• stability & prosperity• Nazis organize & plan

1929-33:• The Great Depression• Nazis come to power Hyperinflation in Germany

The GermanMark

1923 - Ruhr Valley Fiasco

Weimar Republic Politics

Unemployment during the Great Depression

The Great Depression

Nazis’ Rise to Power

1929: Great Depression• perfected electioneering• “brown shirts” helped• emphasized nationalism & traditional militarism• appealed to all segments of

society; fear of Communists!

1932: Nazis won 40% of seats

1933: under pressure, Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor• Reichstag Fire• Enabling Act• Night of the Long Knives

Nazi Parade c.1929

1933 Election Results

Mass assemblies are also necessary for the reason that, in attending them, the individual who felt himself formerly only on the point of joining the new movement, now begins to feel isolated and in fear of being left alone as he acquires for the first time the picture of a great community which has a strengthening and encouraging effect on most people. Brigaded in a company or battalion, surrounded by his companions, he will march with a lighter heart to the attack than if he had to march alone. In the crowd he feels himself in some way thus sheltered.

Adolf Hitler – Mein Kampf

Nazi GermanyEconomics:• deficit spending

Gender Roles:• League of German Maidens

Indoctrination:• Hitler Youth

Radical Anti-Semitism:• Nuremburg Laws