Rise of Nazism: From Weimar Republic to Totalitarian Regime
The Origins of Nazism
The Weak Weimar Republic
After Germany’s defeat in World War I, the provisional government repressed the Spartacist Revolt, led by revolutionaries seeking to establish a communist regime in Germany. Subsequent elections led to the creation of a constitution in Weimar, establishing Germany as a democratic republic. However, the extreme left considered the regime too moderate, while the extreme right believed the new regime betrayed Germany by accepting the Treaty of Versailles.
Hitler and the Nazi Party
Hitler joined the DAP (a political party that became the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, or Nazi Party). He created a parliamentary group called the Assault Division (SA) to maintain order at party events. After a failed coup attempt (the Beer Hall Putsch), Hitler was imprisoned. There, he wrote Mein Kampf, outlining the core ideas of Nazism. His ideas included:
- Fascism (rejection of democracy, devotion to the leader, glorification of violence, importance of symbols and parades).
- Racism and Anti-Semitism (hatred of Jews).
- Claims of superiority of the Aryan race (Hitler believed inferior people must be dominated by this race).
- Living space (Lebensraum): Hitler believed territories must be conquered for Aryan governance.
Hitler’s Rise to Power
The difficult economic situation increased social tension. High taxes, imposed to pay war reparations, caused hyperinflation and a decline in the middle class’s standard of living. Although the economy improved in 1924 under the Social Democrats, the crash of 1929 severely affected Germany. Unemployment increased drastically, leading to renewed social tension, and the middle class began supporting the Communist and National Socialist Parties.
Financiers, fearing a revolution, supported the Nazi Party. In the 1932 election, the Nazi and Socialist parties were the most voted. Pressured by businessmen, President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor.
Nazi Germany: A Totalitarian Regime
The Consolidation of Nazi Power
Hitler took the following measures to consolidate his power:
- The Reichstag was set on fire, and the Nazis blamed the Communists, leading to their persecution.
- Political parties were outlawed.
- During the Night of the Long Knives, many SA members were assassinated (Hitler also eliminated potential rivals within his own party).
When Hindenburg died, Hitler became President of the Republic, holding all three powers: Head of State, Head of Government, and president of the only legal party. This marked the beginning of Hitler’s dictatorship, known as the Third Reich.
Obsessed with racial purity, Hitler implemented an anti-Semitic policy. Jews were banned from numerous professions. The Nuremberg Laws prohibited marriage between Aryans and Jews. During the Night of Broken Glass, Jews were killed, and their properties were expropriated.
The Nazi Economy
The Nazis focused on economic initiatives:
- They created the “Beauty of Work” initiative, abolishing strikes and trade unions.
- There was an unsuccessful policy of autarky.
- A massive program of public works was implemented.
- Military rearmament and the growth of heavy industry helped achieve full employment by 1939.