Adolf Hitler, one of the most notorious figures in history, rose to power in Germany during the early 1930s. His fascist ideology and aggressive foreign policies led to the devastation of World War II, the Holocaust, and the deaths of millions of people. But when did Hitler come to power? In this article, we'll explore the events that led to his rise and how he became the leader of Germany.

The Weimar Republic

After World War I, Germany became a republic known as the Weimar Republic. However, it faced many challenges, such as hyperinflation, political instability, and economic depression. The government struggled to maintain control and provide for its citizens. This led to widespread dissatisfaction and unrest among the German people.

The Rise of the Nazi Party

Amidst this turmoil, a new political party emerged - the National Socialist German Workers' Party, commonly known as the Nazi Party. Hitler, a former soldier and failed artist, joined the party in 1919 and quickly rose through the ranks. He became the leader of the party in 1921 and began to promote his fascist ideology, which included anti-Semitism, nationalism, and totalitarianism.

The Beer Hall Putsch

In 1923, Hitler attempted to overthrow the government in a failed coup d'??tat known as the Beer Hall Putsch. He was arrested and sentenced to five years in prison, during which time he wrote his infamous book "Mein Kampf". This book outlined his vision for Germany and his hatred for Jews, which would become the foundation of Nazi ideology.

The Great Depression

In 1929, the global economy collapsed, and the Great Depression began. Germany was hit hard, and unemployment soared. The government was unable to provide for its citizens, and many people turned to extremist political parties for solutions. The Nazi Party gained popularity during this time, promising to restore Germany to its former glory.

Election of 1932

In 1932, Hitler ran for president of Germany against the incumbent, Paul von Hindenburg. Although he lost the election, the Nazi Party became the largest party in the Reichstag, the German parliament. This gave Hitler considerable power and influence, and he was appointed chancellor in January 1933.

The Enabling Act

After becoming chancellor, Hitler used his position to consolidate power and undermine democracy. He passed the Enabling Act, which gave him the ability to pass laws without the approval of the Reichstag. He also purged his political opponents and established a police state, effectively eliminating any opposition to his rule.

The Night of the Long Knives

In 1934, Hitler ordered the execution of several members of the Nazi Party in a brutal purge known as the Night of the Long Knives. This solidified his control over the party and eliminated any potential threats to his power.

The Death of Hindenburg

Later that year, President Hindenburg died, and Hitler merged the offices of chancellor and president, becoming the absolute ruler of Germany. He established the Third Reich, a totalitarian state with himself as the supreme leader.

Conclusion

Hitler's rise to power was a result of the political, economic, and social turmoil in Germany during the early 20th century. The failure of the Weimar Republic, the Great Depression, and Hitler's own propaganda and charisma all contributed to his success. However, his leadership led to one of the darkest periods in human history, and his actions are still felt today. Understanding how Hitler came to power is crucial to preventing similar events from happening in the future.

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