Conditions Leading to Hitler's Rise

Laws enacted in 1935 by the Nazi regime that stripped Jews of their citizenship, rights, and property, paving the way for violence against them.

A Nazi program established in 1936 to encourage SS members to father children, particularly with women considered racially pure, with the aim of increasing the Aryan population.

A Nazi slogan that promoted traditional gender roles for women, confining them to the home, children, and church, with the goal of creating a strong German population.

A system used in Nazi concentration camps where prisoners were identified and categorized by a colored triangle sewn onto their clothing, allowing guards to easily distinguish different groups.

Nazi policy of isolating Jews in overcrowded, segregated neighborhoods, cutting them off from the rest of society and preparing them for further persecution.

The belief that Germany's defeat in WWI was not due to military weakness, but was caused by a betrayal from within by left-wing politicians and army leaders. This resentment fueled nationalist sentiment and contributed to the rise of the Nazi party.

A harsh peace treaty imposed on Germany after WWI, which placed heavy financial burdens, territorial losses, and military restrictions on the nation. It was seen as deeply unfair by many Germans and contributed to the rise of discontent and extremism.

This article granted the German president the power to rule by decree in a national emergency. Though intended to provide stability, it became a tool for authoritarian rule and undermined democracy.

Due to the presence of numerous political parties, the Weimar government constantly formed and dissolved coalitions, leading to instability and difficulty in achieving long-term goals.

In the aftermath of WWI, there were several attempts by communists and socialists to seize control of Germany, though ultimately these efforts failed but resulted in continued social instability and fear of communist takeover.

The secret police of Nazi Germany, known for its brutality and intimidation tactics against civilians and political opponents. They operated without judicial oversight and were responsible for arresting, torturing, and eliminating enemies of the state.

The military branch of the SS, composed of approximately half a million men. They were directly involved in many atrocities of the Holocaust, including the extermination of Jews and other minorities.

The systematic use of media and communication tools by the Nazi regime to spread its ideology and gain popular support. This included controlling newspapers, radio broadcasts, and films to disseminate Nazi propaganda.

Massive political events held in Nuremberg, Germany, by the Nazi party. They were designed to showcase Nazi power and ideology, using spectacle, tradition, and theatrical elements to engage large audiences.

A youth organization established by the Nazi regime, aimed at indoctrinating young boys with Nazi ideology, racial theories, and obedience to the Fuhrer. Membership became compulsory after 1939.

A law passed by the German Reichstag in 1933, which granted Adolf Hitler dictatorial powers, effectively turning Germany into a one-party state.

An agreement signed by Germany and Japan in 1936, later joined by Italy in 1937, aimed at countering the spread of communism through the world.

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938, facilitated by the overwhelming support of Austrians in a plebiscite.

A region of Czechoslovakia with a large German population, annexed by Germany in 1938. This was facilitated by the Munich Agreement, where Britain, France, and Italy appeased Hitler.

Aimed at stimulating German industry, reducing unemployment, and promoting exports. Key elements included public works schemes, the National Labour Force (RAD), and boosting employment figures.

Focused on achieving self-sufficiency ('autarky') to make Germany less vulnerable to global economic fluctuations and prepare for a long war. This involved increased gun manufacturing, import controls, and developing domestic industries.

Involved coordinating industries and factories to maximize production for the war effort. Forced labor was widely used to achieve high output.

A Nazi policy that euthanized disabled people, deemed 'unworthy of life' based on their disabilities. The program was concealed as a 'mercy killing' initiative but was designed to eliminate 'inferior' individuals based on Nazi ideology.

A Nazi youth organization for girls, paralleling the Hitler Youth for boys. Girls in the BDM were indoctrinated with Nazi ideology, focusing on domestic roles, motherhood, and support for the Fuhrer.

The Weimar Republic's constitution granted the president the ability to rule by decree in a national emergency. This article, intended to provide stability, ultimately undermined democracy and allowed for authoritarian rule.

The Weimar Republic formed numerous coalition governments as it struggled to find stability and pass legislation. This constant shifting of power led to instability and difficulty in achieving long-term goals.

Following their defeat in WWI, many Germans felt humiliated and betrayed by their own government. This resentment, especially towards the left-wing government, helped fuel the 'stab in the back' myth.

France and Belgium invaded the Ruhr region of Germany in 1923 to force reparations payments.

Rapid and uncontrolled increase in prices, leading to a decrease in the value of money.

Gustav Stresemann, Chancellor of Germany, restarted reparations payments and ordered workers back to work in the Ruhr, leading to economic recovery.

A plan to reschedule German reparation payments, providing a loan from the USA and boosting Germany's economy.

The Great Depression hit Germany hard, causing unemployment, business closures, and bank collapses.

The Weimar Republic implemented protectionist policies, restricting foreign imports, which backfired and worsened unemployment.

The Nazi Party gained popularity during the Great Depression, appealing to those who blamed economic woes on communists and Jews.

The Nazi paramilitary force used to intimidate opponents, break up meetings, and create a climate of fear.

Hitler's failed attempt to seize power in Munich, resulting in imprisonment but gaining him notoriety.

Hitler's autobiography and manifesto, outlining his racist ideology and Nazi goals, written during his imprisonment.

The process of bringing all aspects of German society under Nazi control, including the government, media, education, and labor unions.

A purge within the Nazi movement where Hitler eliminated his rivals, particularly within the SA, cementing his power.

Hitler's private police force, used to terrorize and eliminate opposition, working outside the law.

Hitler maintained his power through a combination of force (SS), propaganda (Goebbels), and a cult of personality (charismatic leadership).