Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany on the 30th of January, 1933. His rise to power was triggered by the German people’s discontent with their government in the aftermath of the Great Depression. This period was a difficult one for Germany and Hitler promised the people he would solve their problems if he was made Chancellor.
Hitler first came to prominence in 1920, when he became the leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazi Party. Under his leadership, the Nazi Party increased in popularity and support, thanks in part to his powerful oratory and extreme right-wing policies. By 1932, the Nazi Party was the largest political party in Germany, and Hitler was declared the leader of all German citizens.
In late January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. Afterward, he quickly sought to consolidate power by passing the “Enabling Act,” which gave him the authority to pass laws without parliamentary approval. After that, Hitler was de facto dictator of Germany.
Hitler’s first objective as Chancellor was to gain control of the German armed forces. He was successful in doing so and proceeded to create a police state and begin persecuting his political opponents. He also implemented a number of economic and social reforms, such as rearmament, public works programs, and racial laws.
Hitler’s policies had a powerful effect; within a few years, he had transformed Germany from a struggling nation to one of the most powerful nations in the world. He was widely admired for the nation’s rapid economic and military growth, and his popularity soared. In 1934, Hitler declared himself Fuhrer (leader) of Germany, a title he held until 1945.
The Fact of Increased Support
Hitler’s rise to power can be largely attributed to the increased support he received from the German people. In the elections of 1932, the Nazi Party received 37% of the vote and Hitler was appointed Chancellor. This victory did not come easily, however. Hitler was widely seen as a controversial candidate, and his controversial policies and extreme rhetoric were widely disliked.
Furthermore, the Nazi Party had to overcome a number of obstacles, such as the country’s constitutional arrangements, and the slow rate of economic recovery. Ultimately, however, it was his ability to speak to the needs of the people and promise a better future that allowed Hitler to gain majority support.
The Role of the Great Depression
The Great Depression, which started in 1929 and lasted until 1933, also played an important role in Hitler’s rise to power. The period of economic decline that followed caused widespread poverty and unemployment, leaving many Germans feeling desperate for change. Hitler used this desperation to capitalize on their fears and anxieties, promising them a better future if they supported him.
Furthermore, the Nazi Party was one of the few political parties that had solutions to the economic crisis. Their program of rearmament combined with social reforms to create a number of jobs, as well as policies to aid the elderly and disabled.
These policies were widely popular and were a major factor in Hitler’s successful rise to power.
The Impact of the Nazi Rule
Once in power, Hitler wasted no time in implementing his extreme policies – the first of which were aimed at suppressing dissent and political opposition. He created a police state, abolished freedom of speech, and persecuted anyone who spoke out against him.
Hitler’s regime quickly began to terrorize the German population, as well as target other minorities. This included Jews, religious and ethnic minorities, homosexuals, the disabled, and anyone else he deemed to be “unworthy of life.”
Hitler’s policies had a devastating effect on millions of innocent people and led to the death of millions of Jews, homosexuals, and other minorities. By the time the Second World War ended, Germany had been reduced to ruins, and the effects of the Nazi rule were felt far and wide.
The Power of Propaganda
Another important factor in Hitler’s rise to power was the Nazi Party’s use of propaganda. Hitler was a master of propaganda and used it to convince the German people of his ideals. His speeches were powerful, effective, and roused people to passionate frenzy.
Furthermore, the Nazi Party used a variety of techniques to spread their messages, such as posters, literature, and radio broadcasts. These techniques were highly effective and helped to increase Hitler’s popularity.
The power of propaganda was evident in the Nazi Party’s electoral success in 1932 and 1933, when it won a majority of the votes. This success was largely attributed to Hitler’s rhetoric and the Party’s propaganda, which convinced people that Hitler was the only one who could save Germany.
The International Perspectives
Hitler’s rise to power was viewed with dismay by the international community. The world was horrified by his extreme policies and the increasing persecution of the Jews.
In response, a number of countries, including the United States and Great Britain, passed economic sanctions and other measures against Germany in an effort to curb Hitler’s power. However, these measures failed to have any significant impact and Hitler continued to consolidate his power.
Similarly, the League of Nations, the predecessor to the United Nations, tried to intervene in 1933. However, due to a number of factors, such as the lack of military strength and political divisions within the organization, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
The Position of the Churches
The Churches had an ambivalent attitude towards Hitler’s regime and to his policies. Initially, they were supportive of his efforts to restore order to the country, and many viewed him as a protector of Christianity. However, as his extremist policies became more apparent, many Churches began to distance themselves from him.
The Catholic Church, in particular, condemned Hitler’s policies towards the Jews and was outspoken in its opposition to the Nazis. Furthermore, it played a key role in providing aid and relief to persecuted minorities, such as the Jews.
The Loss of Popularity
Hitler’s popularity among the German people soon began to decline as the Second World War dragged on and the war effort stalled. More and more, people began to question Hitler’s motivations and policies, and the overwhelming support he once enjoyed began to wane.
The German military eventually turned against him and overthrew the regime in 1945. Hitler took his own life shortly before Germany’s surrender, and the war officially ended in May 1945.
The Aftermath of The War
The aftermath of the war was devastating for Germany. The country was in ruins and millions of people had lost their lives. In addition, the country was divided and a new government had to be formed.
Furthermore, Germany had to come to terms with the atrocities committed under the Nazi regime. The war crimes committed were investigated, and many of the perpetrators were brought to justice. This process helped to ensure that those responsible for the horrors of the war were held accountable for their actions.
The Impact on The People
The impact of Hitler’s rule on the German people was immense. For many, it was a dark period that left deep psychological scars. The memories of the war and the atrocities that were committed still haunt many survivors today.
Many people were also deeply affected by the country’s postwar divisions, as well as the economic hardships that followed. It has only been in recent years that Germany has begun to fully recover from this dark period of its past.
The Legacy of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler’s legacy continues to be debated today. On the one hand, his extreme policies resulted in death and destruction on an unprecedented scale. On the other hand, his meteoric rise to power demonstrates the power of rhetoric and propaganda.
Hitler’s legacy will continue to be debated for years to come, but one thing remains certain: the Nazi regime and Hitler’s reign have left an indelible mark on the world and its history.
