The Nazi Seizure of Power

I. Weimar Crises.

A. Versailles Treaty.
B. Intense class and political conflict 1918-23.
C. Hyperinflation 1923.
D. Interim of political stability and economic recovery 1924-28.
E. Great Depression from late 1929 onward.

II. The crises intensified by:

A. Structural economic problems.
B. Fragmented society and political system.
C. Economic and political policies of Chancellor Heinrich Brüning 1930-32.

1. Germany governed by emergency decree.
2. Brüning seeking an authoritarian transformation--to overthrow the Republic from within.

III. The rise of the Nazis.

A. A minority party of no great significance 1924-29.
B. But in this period, a disciplined party forged.
C. Great opportunity with onset of the Depression.

1. "Niche marketing" of Nazis--tailor their messages to particular occupation groups.
2. Seek to make Germany ungovernable by obstructionist tactics in legislatures and by street fighting. Deliberately create sense of insecurity.

D. Electoral developments.

1. Popular breakthrough in Reichstag elections 1930.
2. Highest vote ever in summer 1932--37.4%.
3. Decline in autumn elections.

E. But Nazi Party saved by the machinations of a small, powerful elite around President Paul von Hindenburg, who names Hitler chancellor on January 30, 1933.

IV. Explaining the Nazi rise to power.

A. Long term factors--the deficit in democratic commitments resulting from the authoritarian formation of the nation-state.
B. Medium term factors--the series of crises beginning with World War I.
C. Short term factors--economic depression and political paralysis, coupled with the machinations of a powerful elite.