Rise of Hitler-

Hitler was a soldier in German army. The German defeat in First World War horrified him and the Versailles Treaty made him furious. In 1919 he joined German Workers’ party which was later renamed as National Socialist German Workers’ Party. This party came to be known as the Nazi Party.

The crisis in the economy, polity and society formed the background to Hitler’s rise to power. During Great Depression Nazism became a mass movement. After 1929 banks collapsed and business shut down, workers lost their jobs and the middle class were threatened with destitution. In such situation Nazi propaganda stirred hope of a better future. In 1928 the Nazi Party got no more than 2.6 percent votes in Reichstag- the German Parliament; however by 1932 it had become the largest party with 37 percent votes.

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Nazi Art of Propaganda-

Hitler was a powerful speaker. In his speeches he promised to build a strong nation, undo the injustice of the Versailles Treaty and restore the dignity of the German people, employment for unemployed and a secure future for the youth.

Hitler devised a new style of politics. He understood the significance of rituals and spectacle in mass mobilisation. Nazis held massive rallies and public meetings to demonstrate the support for Hitler and instill a sense of unity among the people. The Red Banner with the Swastika, the Nazi salute and the ritualised rounds of applause after the speeches were all part of this spectacle of power.

Nazi propaganda skillfully projected Hitler as a messiah, a saviour, as someone who had arrived to relieve people from their distress. It is an image that captured the imagination of a people whose sense of dignity and pride had been shattered, and who were living in a time of acute economic and political crisis.

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Destruction of Democracy-

On 30th January 1933, President Hindenburg offered the Chancellorship, the highest position in the cabinet of ministers, to Hitler. By now the Nazis had managed to rally the conservatives to their cause. Having acquired power, Hitler set out to dismantle the structure of democratic rule. The Fire decree of 28th Feb. 1933 indefinitely suspended civic rights like freedom of speech, press and assembly. On 3rd March 1933 the Enabling Act was passed which gave Hitler all the powers to sideline Parliament and rule by decree. All the political parties and trade unions were banned except for the Nazi Party and its affiliations. The state established complete control over the economy, media, army and Judiciary.

Ques 1. What were the causes for the rise of Hitler?

Answer. Following were the reasons for the rise of Hitler

1. Due to the economic crisis of Germany, the situation there had become very bad and in such a situation, Hitler showed the German citizens the dream of making Germany an economic power again.

2. After the First World War, the humiliating Treaty of Versailles had caused great shock to the people of Germany, with the aim of ending this humiliating treaty, Hitler brought a ray of hope to Germany.

3. The Weimar Republic did not have much popularity in Germany which played an important role in the rise of Hitler in Germany.

4. Hitler also became very popular in Germany due to his speech and personality.

Ques 2. What promises were put by the Hitler to the people of Germany?

Ans. Answer. Hitler made the following promises to the German people

1. Hitler had promised the German people that he would turn Germany into a powerful nation again.

2. Hitler promised the people of Germany that he would avenge the humiliating Treaty of Versailles and terminate this treaty.

3. Hitler also assured the people of Germany that he would bring back Germany's lost prestige and honour.

4. Hitler also promised that he would create new employment opportunities in Germany and end unemployment.

5. Hitler also promised the youth of Germany that he would make their future very beautiful and golden.

Ques 3. Which steps were taken by the Hitler to control the nation?

Answer. Hitler took the following steps to establish complete control in Germany

1. As soon as Hitler became Chancellor, by issuing a fire ordinance, civil rights such as freedom of expression, press and assembly were suspended indefinitely.

2. Hitler dissolved the popular parliament through the Enabling Act 1933 and gained autocratic power.

3. Through this enabling act, Hitler established complete control of the state over the judiciary, economy, media, army, etc.

4. Hitler banned all political parties and trade unions except the Nazi Party and its affiliated organizations.

Ques 4. Do you also influence by the ideas and things publicised in media? Give any one example from your own experience.

Answer. The things and ideas propagated on the media affect us because we become aware and familiar with the events of the country through these media. For example, it is only through the media that we get to know what kind of rules or restrictions have been imposed in which place and through this information we are able to decide our schedule.