Adolf HitlerWorld History Notes

I. Adolf HitlerA. 1919 joined German Worker’s PartyB. 1921 became the leader of the party

because of his oratorical skills, 1. Demagogue: a person who gains power and

popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people.

C. 1921 changed the name to the National Socialist German Worker’s Party (NSDAP) Nazi Party

D. 1923 Nazis failed to overthrow the government, Hitler thrown in jail for 8 months

1. Mein Kampf (1923)- My Struggle

a. Written in prison

b. Germans were the “master race” (Aryans)

c. His views of Jews made very clear

i. Compared to animals: wolves, beasts, horses, rats, apes

ii. Made statements that Jews would destroy the Aryan people and culture and/or take it over and make them

slaves

iii. “If the Jews were alone in this world, they would stifle in filth and offal; they would try to get ahead of one another in hate-filled struggle and exterminate one another”

iv. “wherever he [a Jew] appears, the host people dies out after a shorter or longer period.”

II. Nazi platformA. Racism: a belief that one’s own racial or national

group is superior to others1. Hitler and the Nazis believed Arayns were biologically superior

B. Nationalism: the belief that your national culture and interests are superior to any other 

C. lebensraum: living space for the superior Aryan race, the right to take land from others to create that living space

D. Totalitarianism: one absolute leader of Germany (Hitler called der fuhrer)

E. Antisemitism: discrimination against or prejudice or hostility toward Jews

III. Rise in Power

A. 1929-1933 Nazis use propaganda and Hitler’s oration ability to rise in power, appeal to the common people and gain popularity

B. 1932 Hitler runs for president

C. 1933 Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany

D. Terror, Legislation, and Propaganda1. people were afraid to go against the Nazis and were punished if they did2. legislation: laws

a. laws were enacted to make Jews not citizens and to give the Nazi officers the power to punish people3. propaganda: information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

a. Hitler’s youth programsb. posters and speechesc. censorship