5 Reasons Why Adolf Hitler Gained Absolute Power | History Stories

Summary

Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany was facilitated by a combination of factors. Despite not securing an absolute majority in elections, Hitler was appointed Chancellor in 1933, a position he used to consolidate power. Conservative elites underestimated him, believing they could control him, but this miscalculation had dire consequences. Hitler capitalized on Germany's economic woes and the fear of losing gains post-World War I, using propaganda masterminded by Joseph Goebbels to build a cult of personality. The Nazis exploited the burning of the Reichstag to enact anti-terrorism laws, eliminate political opposition, and eventually establish a totalitarian regime. The summary of this video script provides a concise yet comprehensive insight into the complex and tragic circumstances that led to Hitler's ascent and the subsequent devastation of World War II.

Takeaways

• 🗺️ Adolf Hitler rose to power through a combination of brutal tactics and political maneuvering, despite not having the majority vote.
• 🎉 Hitler's appointment as Chancellor was met with widespread celebration, reflecting a significant portion of the population's support.
• 📉 Support for the Nazi party was actually declining before Hitler's rise to Chancellor, highlighting the role of political circumstances.
• 🤝 The Nazis formed a coalition and banned opposition parties to secure the majority needed for absolute power.
• 📜 The 'Enabling Act' effectively dismantled the parliamentary system and centralized power in the Nazi regime.
• 👓 Hitler was underestimated by conservative elites who believed they could control him, a grave miscalculation.
• 🔥 The Reichstag fire was used as a pretext to implement anti-terrorism laws and suppress political opposition.
• 💔 The rise of Hitler led to catastrophic global events, including World War II and the Holocaust.
• 🇩🇪 Economic hardship and the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles created a climate ripe for the rise of a strongman leader.
• 📻 Propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and building a cult of personality around Hitler.
• 📈 Joseph Goebbels' mastery of propaganda and control over mass media helped consolidate the Nazi regime's power.

Q & A

How did Adolf Hitler become the Chancellor of Germany?

Adolf Hitler was appointed as the German Chancellor on January 30th, 1933, through a constitutional process despite not having the majority of votes in the previous elections.

Why was there a decline in support for the Nazi party before Hitler became Chancellor?

Support for the Nazis was in decline due to their aggressive tactics and the perception of Hitler as power-hungry and tempestuous, which led to a decrease in votes compared to the previous election.

What was the significance of the new elections called by the Nazis on March 5th?

The new elections were an attempt by the Nazis to consolidate their power. Despite using intimidation tactics through their paramilitary troops, the SA, they still did not achieve an absolute majority.

How did the Nazis manage to seize absolute power?

The Nazis formed a coalition with the German National People's Party and banned the Communist Party, which allowed them to gain the majority needed. They then passed the 'Enabling Act' on March 23rd, which effectively made the parliament obsolete and granted dictatorial power to the Nazi government.

Why were conservative and nationalist elites in Germany initially supportive of Hitler?

Conservative and nationalist elites underestimated Hitler and believed they could use him to maintain their own power. They believed Hitler would be less dangerous in office and that they could control him.

What role did luck and ruthlessness play in Hitler's rise to power?

Luck played a part in the timing of events, such as the Reichstag fire, which the Nazis used as an excuse to pass new anti-terrorism laws and incarcerate political enemies. Hitler's ruthlessness in exploiting these events and consolidating power was also a key factor.

How did the Treaty of Versailles and the global economic crisis impact the political climate in Germany?

The Treaty of Versailles, with its heavy reparations, and the global economic crisis exacerbated Germany's economic woes, leading to high unemployment and social unrest. This created a desire for a strong leader and weakened the democratic government.

What was the role of propaganda in Hitler's rise to power?

Propaganda played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and building a personality cult around Hitler. Joseph Goebbels, as Minister for Propaganda, used radio, film, and mass events to control the narrative and present Hitler as the savior of Germany.

How did Hitler manage to appease the conservative nationalist elites?

Hitler appeared as a harmless politician, using tactics such as changing his attire to a tailcoat and bowing to President Hindenburg at the Potsdam celebration, and combining nationalist myth-making with biblical metaphors to appeal to religious groups.

What was the reaction of the international community to Hitler's rise to power?

The international community watched events in Germany with a mix of dread and disregard. Most did not intervene or act to prevent the consolidation of Hitler's power.

What was the significance of President Hindenburg's death in 1934?

With the death of President Hindenburg on August 2nd, 1934, Hitler's office as Chancellor also became vacant and was passed to him, granting him totalitarian power in Germany for the next 11 years.

How did the Nazi party use intimidation and violence to suppress opposition?

The Nazi party used their paramilitary troops, the SA, to terrorize opponents, and after the Reichstag fire, they passed new anti-terrorism laws to incarcerate political enemies, effectively eliminating opposition and leaving only the Nazi party as the remaining political force by July 1933.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Rise of Hitler: Power Dynamics and Underestimation

This paragraph outlines the reasons behind Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany. It discusses how Hitler became Chancellor despite not having majority support, with the Nazis' support actually declining before his appointment. The Nazis used intimidation tactics and formed a coalition to gain the necessary majority to pass the 'Enabling Act,' which centralized power. The conservative elites underestimated Hitler, which proved to be a fatal miscalculation leading to World War II and the Holocaust. Hitler's ability to appear harmless and to appeal to various groups, including religious communities, played a significant role in his initial acceptance.

05:25

🔥 Luck, Ruthlessness, and the Nazi Consolidation of Power

The second paragraph delves into the role of luck and ruthlessness in Hitler's consolidation of power. It highlights the Reichstag fire, which the Nazis exploited to portray a communist uprising, leading to the arrest and persecution of many political adversaries. This event paved the way for the establishment of the first concentration camp, the banning of free trade unions, and the burning of intellectuals' books. By July 1933, the Nazi party was the sole political entity in Germany. The paragraph also touches on the precarious state of German democracy prior to Hitler's rise, with high unemployment and a demand for strong leadership, which the Nazis capitalized on. Lastly, it discusses the Nazi's propaganda machine, led by Joseph Goebbels, who used media to cultivate Hitler's image as a savior and to disseminate their message effectively.

10:30

🌐 International Perspectives and the Totalitarian Reign

The final paragraph presents an international perspective on Hitler's regime, with a speaker admiring the 'new vitality' in Germany under Hitler's leadership and praising the centralized government. It contrasts this admiration with the broader world's sentiment of dread and disregard towards the unfolding events in Germany. The paragraph concludes with the death of President Hindenburg, which led to Hitler assuming total power, marking the beginning of a period characterized by terror, murder, and war. It ends with a question to the audience, inviting them to share which aspect of Hitler's rise to power surprised them the most.

Keywords

💡Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler was the leader of the German Nazi Party and the Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945. His rise to power is the central theme of the video. Hitler's leadership led to World War II and the Holocaust, making him one of the most notorious figures in history. In the script, Hitler's appointment as Chancellor on January 30th, 1933, is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for the events discussed.

💡German National Movement

The German National Movement refers to the political and social forces in Germany that sought to unify the country and promote a strong national identity. In the context of the video, it is the backdrop against which Hitler rose to power, leveraging nationalist sentiments to gain support.

💡Chancellor

A Chancellor is a political leader, often the head of government in a country. In the video, Hitler's appointment as Chancellor is a key event that signifies his rise to power. The term is used to illustrate the official governmental position that allowed Hitler to consolidate his authority.

💡Nazis

The Nazis were the members of the National Socialist German Workers' Party, led by Adolf Hitler. The term is used throughout the video to refer to the political party that Hitler led to power. Their tactics, such as using the paramilitary SA to intimidate opponents, are highlighted as part of their strategy to gain and maintain power.

💡Enabling Act

The Enabling Act was a law passed by the German parliament in 1933 that allowed Hitler's government to bypass the parliament and enact laws without its approval. This act is a significant keyword as it effectively gave Hitler dictatorial powers, illustrating a major step in the consolidation of his authority.

💡Underestimation

The concept of underestimation refers to the failure to accurately assess someone's abilities or intentions. In the video, it is mentioned that conservative and nationalist elites underestimated Hitler, which contributed to his rise to power and the subsequent global catastrophes of World War II and the Holocaust.

💡Reichstag Fire

The Reichstag Fire was a pivotal event in 1933 where the German parliament building was set on fire. The Nazis used this incident to accuse the communists of plotting against the government, leading to the passage of anti-terrorism laws and the suppression of political opposition. This event is a key example of the ruthless tactics used by Hitler and the Nazis to consolidate power.

💡Concentration Camp

A concentration camp is a place where people are imprisoned, often in terrible conditions and without trial, due to their political or social status. The opening of the first concentration camp in Dachau is mentioned in the video as a part of the Nazis' campaign of intimidation and control.

💡Propaganda

Propaganda refers to information, often biased or misleading, used to promote a political cause or regime. In the video, the Nazis' use of propaganda, particularly through radio and film, is highlighted as a key strategy in shaping public opinion and consolidating power. Joseph Goebbels, the Minister for Propaganda, is noted for his mastery of this technique.

💡Totalitarian Power

Totalitarian power is a form of government where the state holds total authority over the society and is typically characterized by strict control and censorship. The video discusses how Hitler achieved totalitarian power in Germany, which allowed him to rule with absolute authority and suppress dissent.

💡Holocaust

The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million Jews and millions of others by the Nazi regime during World War II. The term is used in the video to illustrate the horrific consequences of Hitler's rise to power and the underestimation of his intentions.

Highlights

Adolf Hitler's rise to power was facilitated by a brutal minority and he was appointed German Chancellor on January 30th, 1933.

Despite being seen as power-hungry, Hitler was considered less dangerous in office than leading his Stormtroopers in the streets.

Hitler came to power constitutionally, though the majority of Germans did not vote for him in the 1932 elections.

Support for the Nazis was in decline before Hitler became Chancellor, showing his rise was unexpected.

The Nazis sought to consolidate power through new elections and intimidation tactics by the SA.

A coalition with the German National People's Party and the banning of the Communist Party gave the Nazis the majority they needed.

The 'Enabling Act' passed on March 23rd rendered the parliament obsolete and granted the Nazi government dictatorial power.

Conservative and nationalist elites underestimated Hitler, which led to disastrous consequences including World War II and the Holocaust.

Hitler's ability to appear as a harmless politician was key to gaining the trust of conservative nationalist elites.

Luck and ruthlessness played a role in Hitler's rise, including the Reichstag fire which was used as a pretext to suppress political enemies.

Democracy in Germany was already fragile due to economic hardship and the aftermath of World War I.

The Nazis capitalized on the public's desire for a strong leader amidst civil unrest and economic turmoil.

Propaganda was a powerful tool used by the Nazis, with Joseph Goebbels masterminding the creation of a personality cult around Hitler.

The Hitler salute and the Swastika became mandatory and official symbols in the new totalitarian Nazi Germany.

An American visitor's radio address from Germany praised Hitler's centralized government, reflecting the propaganda's influence on perception.

The world watched Hitler's rise with a mix of dread and disregard, not fully grasping the severity of the situation.

Upon President Hindenburg's death, Hitler assumed total power, marking the beginning of 11 years of terror, murder, and war.

Transcripts

5 reasons why Adolf Hitler rose to power.

1: Brutal minority.

Adolf Hitler leader of the German national movement is made chancellor of

Germany and Berlin goes wild in celebration of his victory even though

Chancellor Hitler is often considered by some to be power hungry and tempestuous

some German Watchers believe he will be less dangerous in government office than

he is in the street commanding his Stormtroopers

On January 30th 1933, Adolf Hitler is

appointed German Chancellor. He comes to power constitutionally but

the majority of Germans did not vote for him in the previous elections in 1932.

That is still the largest share of the vote among the 12 parties in the high

stock, but two million votes less than in the previous election.

Support for the Nazis is actually in decline before Hitler is unexpectedly made Chancellor.

After coming to power, the Nazis want to consolidate it and call for new elections on March 5th.

The party's paramilitary troops, the SA,

terrorize their opponents. But the Nazis still cannot achieve the

absolute majority.

They need a two-thirds majority to seize absolute power.

So they form a coalition with the German

National People's Party and ban the Communist Party, giving them the majority they need.

On March 23rd they pass the "Enabling Act"

which makes parliament obsolete and gives dictatorial power to the Nazi government.

2. Hitler is underestimated.

Conservative and nationalist elites in Germany tried to use Adolf Hitler to

stay in power themselves.

But their underestimation of Adolf Hitler will lead to World War II in which some 70 million people are killed.

And to the Holocaust in which six million Jewish people are murdered, along

with hundreds of thousands of Sinti and Roma, homosexuals, people with disabilities and other victims.

Even though the Nazis made their plans of dictatorship clear from the start,

part of Hitler's success lies in his ability to appear to be a harmless politician.

That's how he appeases the conservative nationalist elites whom he

needs to push through his plans for his "Enabling Act" later that year.

A perfect example of Hitler's duplicity is at the Potsdam celebration,

where he trades his uniform for a tailcoat and bows to President Hindenburg.

Hitler also tries to appeal to religious groups combining his nationalist

myth-making with biblical metaphors.

The masses want to believe his false promises.

3. Sheer luck and ruthlessness.

But they fear that everything might be taken away from them again.

Then, on the night of February 27th, the Reichtag burns.

A 24 year-old Dutch communist named Marinus van der Lubbe is arrested in the

Reichstag, which the Nazis take as proof of a communist putsch attempt.

Rapidly, they pass new anti-terrorism laws to incarcerate many of their

political enemies. Communists and social democrats are deported or killed.

The first concentration camp opens - in Dachau in Bavaria.

Free trade unions are forbidden.

Books by intellectuals are burned.

And Jews are harassed and their possessions seized.

By July 1933 there is only one political party left: the Nazi party.

4: Democracy in Germany is already under threat.

The Treaty of Versailles with its reparation payments after World War I,

amounts to billions of marks. The global economic crisis makes things worse.

Unemployment in Germany hits a new high

of nearly 30 percent in 1932.

Back the, democracy in Germany is relatively new and not very popular. Nazis and communists fight in the streets of Berlin.

Civil War seems imminent and people are

calling for a strong leader. The Nazis use all of this to promote their cause.

5: Propaganda.

The Nazis use radio and film to reach the masses.

Especially Joseph Goebbels, who masters the art of propaganda.

Goebbels controls the images people get

to see. He has the torchlight march of January 30th reenacted because there

were too many casual passers-by on the actual day Hitler was appointed chancellor.

Goebbels is a huge fan of orchestrated mass events.

He tells the story that he wants people to believe.

As Minister for Propaganda, Goebbels builds up a personality cult around Hitler as the saviour of the Germans.

In the summer of 1933, the Hitler salute becomes mandatory in new totalitarian Nazi Germany.

And the Swastika the official symbol.

Oh yes I'm an old visitor of Germany and I have come here so as to talk over the

radio from Germany to America that the two facts may be given to the American

people so that they will have the story of today and what's going on here.

I find that there's a new Fresh Vitality here in Germany under your great leader

and Chancellor Adolf Hitler whom I'm a great admirer the new Germany will live

for you have the best centralized government in the world today.

Most of the world watches events unfold in Germany with a mix of dread and disregard.

When President Hindenburg dies on August 2nd ,1934 his office also passes to Adolf Hitler.

Hitler now has totalitarian power in Germany for the next 11 dreadful years of terror, murder and war.

Which of the reasons for Hitler's ascent surprised you the most?

Tell us in the comments.