The story of why Hitler came to power is about the
reasons why the German people lost their senses and allowed a vicious madman to
come to power. What could have brought this about?
1. Long-term
bitterness
Deep anger about the First World War and the
Treaty of Versailles created an underlying bitterness to which Hitler’s
viciousness and expansionism appealed, so they gave him support.
2. Ineffective Constitution
Weaknesses in the Constitution crippled the
government. In
fact, there were many people in Germany who wanted a return to dictatorship. When the crisis came in 1929–1933 – there was
no one who was prepared or able to fight to stop Hitler.
3. Money
The financial support of wealthy businessmen
gave Hitler the money to run his propaganda and election campaigns.
4. Propaganda
Nazi propaganda persuaded the German masses to
believe that the Jews were to blame and that Hitler was their last hope.
5. Programme
Hitler promised everybody something, so they
supported him.
6. Attacks on other parties
The Stormtroopers attacked Jews and people who
opposed Hitler. Many
opponents kept quiet simply because they were scared of being murdered – and,
if they were, the judges simply let the Stormtroopers go free.
7.
Personal
Qualities
Hitler
was a brilliant speaker, and his eyes had a peculiar power over
people. He
was a good organiser and politician. He was a driven, unstable man, who believed
that he had been called by God to become dictator of Germany and rule the
world. This
kept him going when other people might have given up. His self-belief persuaded people to believe in
him.
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