Rise of Nazism in Germany: Key Problems and Policies
Key Problems of the Weimar Republic
Early Challenges
- Rebellions by radical social democrats
- Emergence of the Communist Party as an enemy
- Difficult economic situation leading to hyperinflation
- Failure to resolve economic issues through plans like the Dawes Plan
Rise of Nazism
The early 1920s saw the rise of the Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler. Hitler’s party was extremist, racist, and aggressive. He aimed to reach all social classes, advocating a form of socialism while rejecting class struggle. Key ideas included:
- Nationalist dictatorship
- Racial purity (targeting Jewish people)
- Unification of all Aryans
The 1923 hyperinflation and subsequent occupation of the Ruhr area by France fueled nationalist sentiment. A failed coup attempt led to Hitler’s imprisonment, but he used this time to reorganize the party.
The 1929 economic crisis further weakened the Weimar Republic, increasing support for the Nazis. By 1932, the Nazi Party had become the largest in Germany, and Hitler was appointed Chancellor.
Nazi Dictatorship (Third Reich)
Hitler’s rise to power was swift. The SS was created, and laws were enacted to suppress opposition. The Reichstag was dissolved, and through legal maneuvering, Hitler consolidated power by 1934. He sought the support of the military and big capitalists to achieve his goals.
Nazi Indoctrination and Propaganda
The Nazis implemented brutal ideological control. Nazification of the country was achieved through fear and repression, preventing any organized opposition. The regime also cultivated popular support, particularly among youth, through propaganda and the Hitler Youth. Total censorship and suppression of intellectual freedom were key elements of this control.
Antisemitism and Racism
The Nazis sought social cohesion by targeting minority groups, particularly Jewish people. A series of laws progressively stripped Jews of their rights and possessions. The violence escalated in 1938, culminating in the systematic extermination of over 5 million Jews in concentration camps starting in 1942.
Autarky and Rearmament
The Nazi regime implemented an interventionist economic policy. Trade union rights were suppressed, and workers were forced into Nazi-controlled unions. Economic policies focused on:
- Public works (1934-1936) to reduce unemployment and stimulate foreign trade
- Autarky (1936-1939) through import substitution and investment in heavy industry and arms production
While full employment was achieved, workers faced low wages and poor conditions. The middle class saw some improvement, and bankers and capitalists greatly benefited. By 1939, Germany had become the second largest industrial power globally, though production was unbalanced.
Territorial Expansion
The Nazis pursued aggressive territorial expansion, driven by a need for resources and Lebensraum (living space). Germany’s foreign policy aimed to build a Greater German Reich, incorporating German-speaking territories and expanding into Poland, Ukraine, and ultimately, Russia.