Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

After WWI a group of political extremists led by Adolf Hitler formed the National Socialists, or Nazi party.

The Nazi's belittled the German people by offering simple solutions for complex problems.

The Rise of Fascism in Germany

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

Facism appears in Germany: The Nazi Party

Economic Distress: Hyperinflation(1923)Worldwide Depression (1929)Unemployment in Germany = 6 million (1932)

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

Fear of Communism

Many Germans, driven by economic distress, supported the German Communist Party… why?

The Nazis, like the Fascists in Italy, gained the support of property holders, bankers and industrialists…why?

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

Appeal to Nationalism

German patriots were unable to deal with the loss of WWI. The Nazi's exploited such nationalist feeling.

They:pledged to tear up the Treaty of Versailles anddenounce the war-guilt clause

Demanded the return of Germany's colonies & European territories

Defended Germany's right to rearm

Claimed that the German armies had been "stabbed in the back," mainly by the Jews andCommunists, not defeated by the Allies.

Nazi chauvinism (extreme nationalism) won the support of students, veterans, and army officers.

Hitler also believed that Germans were destined to rule since they were the one true Aryan Race.

No science supports this theory

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

Anti-Semitism: Attack on Jews

Hitler personally hated Jews, blamed them for Germany's ills, and pledged to drive them from German life. Hitler's anti-Semitic policies won wide support.

Prejudice against the Jews had always been strong in Germany.

Many Germans readily accepted Nazi propaganda making Jews scapegoats for Germany's troubles.

If Jews are to blame for Germany's military defeat and economic woes, then the German people were not

responsible.

Unprincipled people looked forward to looting and seizing Jewish business and homes.

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Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

reaction to anti-semitism

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012

Weakness of the Weimar Government

Lack of Democratic Tradition

Remember, the main heritage of the German people is not democracy, but autocracy. Under Bismarck and the Kaiser, Germany had achieved unification, economic growth,and world power. In contrast under the Weimar Republic, Germany had accepted the Treaty of Versailles and fallen into economic distress.

Many Germans were willing to exchange their freedom for Nazi promises of economic security and nationalist glory.

Fascism in Germany April 12, 2012