The Rise of Adolf Hitler
Adolf Hitler rose to power in 1930’s Germany to become the leader of the Nazi party and Chancellor of Germany. His rise to power had ramifications that resound through the world to this day. Hitler was born in 1889 in Austria. Growing up, Hitler was mostly a solitary figure and was influenced by a father whom he greatly respected. He dropped out of school at sixteen and sought a career in art, but his efforts were not recognized. He moved to Germany in 1913 and applied for citizenship, which was granted in 1932. In his early life, he was an avid reader, and was particularly interested in topics about politics, militarism, and race.
How Did Hitler Get Into Power?
Hitler joined the German Workers’ Party (DAP) in 1919. The DAP was one of many nationalist and anti-Semitic parties in Germany in the early 1920s. With the help of Swiss businessman Ernst Hanfstaengel, Hitler began to raise funds for the DAP and soon became the central figure of the party. Shortly after, the DAP changed its name to the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP). Hitler developed a powerful oratorical style, which gave him an advantage over other political figures, as he was able to use his words to appeal to the emotions of the public.
The Effects of the Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles, which was signed after World War I, placed harsh restrictions on Germany, including militarization and reparations. This caused an immense amount of economic and social instability in the country. Through the early 1920s, Germany entered a period of hyperinflation and political unrest. These developments provided Hitler with a perfect opportunity to take advantage of people’s insecurity and rise to power. By 1932, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, and he used his power to quickly gain control of the government.
Hitler’s Manipulation of the German People
Hitler was able to manipulate the German people by using propaganda and public rallies. After gaining control of the government, Hitler was able to pass numerous laws that allowed him to strengthen his power, including eliminating trade unions and abolishing democracy. He was able to control the media, and spread his message of intolerance and hatred.
The Emergence of Nazi Germany
In March of 1933, Hitler exercised his power to pass the Enabling Act, giving himself authority to enact laws without the consent of the Reichstag. This provided the Nazi party with absolute power, and Germany became a dictatorship. In the following months, Hitler passed countless laws that stamped out civil liberties, established concentration camps, and restricted Jewish people from holding public office or marrying non-Jews. Nazi Germany was formally established with Hitler as its leader.
The Impact of Hitler’s Takeover on Germany
Hitler’s takeover had a devastating and long-lasting impact on Germany, both politically and socially. Hitler’s racial policies resulted in the death of millions of people, primarily Jews and other persecuted groups. His pursuit of war resulted in massive destruction of property and infrastructure and the deaths of millions of German citizens. The political system in Germany was changed from a representative democracy to a totalitarian dictatorship in which civil liberties were suppressed and those deemed ethnic or political undesirables were persecuted.
The End of Hitler’s Rule
In 1945, the Allied forces defeated Hitler and Nazi Germany. After the end of the war, Germany was divided into four occupation zones and any surviving members of the Nazi regime were prosecuted in the Nuremberg Trials. Germany was also forced to pay reparations to the Allied Powers, a process that took over two decades. To this day, the legacy of Hitler and Nazi Germany continue to haunt the German people and the world.
World War II and Its Significance Today
World War II was a conflict that engulfed the entire world and lasted from 1939 to 1945. Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, and subsequent drive for world domination, was one of the causes of the war. Today, the war is remembered for its immense destruction, death toll, and as a reminder of the consequences of fascism. The war was responsible for the deaths of an estimated 60 million people and its legacy still haunts the world.
Lessons Learned From World War II
World War II provides numerous lessons that are still relevant today. The importance of protecting civil liberties is one such lesson. Hitler was able to gain power through manipulating the German people and using their fears to his advantage. It is important for citizens of democracies to remember that civil liberties must be continually defended in order to prevent the emergence of totalitarian regimes. Moreover, it is important to recognize the danger of prejudice and intolerance towards those who are different from ourselves. These lessons should be held close by people of all nations as a reminder of the terrible consequences of fascism.
Conclusion of Hitler’s Role in Germany’s History
Adolf Hitler’s rise to power caused widespread devastation and suffering in Germany and across Europe. His rule drastically altered the course of German history and the world. Germany has long since sought to atone for the horrors of the Nazi era, and the country has undergone a lengthy process of coming to terms with its past. The take over of Germany by Adolf Hitler serves as an important reminder of what can happen when civil liberties are not protected and when prejudice and intolerance are allowed to spread unchecked.
