GCSE History: Nazi Germany 1918-1939 Guide

The Weimar Republic

After Germany's defeat in World War One, the Weimar Republic was established but faced major problems from the start, including the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, political extremism, and hyperinflation in 1923 that wiped out savings and trust in the government.

The rise of the Nazi Party

The Wall Street Crash of 1929 caused mass unemployment in Germany, and support for extreme parties, including the Nazis, grew rapidly. Hitler used propaganda and the appeal of strong leadership to gain support during this instability.

Hitler becomes Chancellor

Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933. Following the Reichstag Fire, he used the resulting Enabling Act to give himself the power to pass laws without the Reichstag's approval, effectively ending democracy in Germany.

Consolidating power

Hitler eliminated rivals, including in the Night of the Long Knives (1934), and after President Hindenburg's death, combined the roles of Chancellor and President to become Führer, requiring the army to swear an oath of personal loyalty to him.

Common mistakes

• Assuming Hitler seized power entirely illegally — he was legally appointed Chancellor, then used legal and other means to dismantle democracy.
• Forgetting the role of economic crises (hyperinflation, then the Great Depression) in Nazi support.
• Mixing up the Reichstag Fire (used as a pretext) with the Enabling Act (which gave Hitler power to rule by decree).