Germany 1918-1933 Germany 1918-1933

Hitler and the Nazi's took advantage of several issues and events in Germany. He opportunistically exploited situations that were of great importance to the people of Germany. Germany still owed reparations to other nations due to WW1'S Treaty of Versailles, upsetting many German citizens. They were upset by the treaty , as it caused loss of land, jobs and money. Unemployment benefits were scarce and not enough to live on. The loss of money caused major economic crises in Germany. The Weimar Republic was in power when hyperinflation hit Germany. People thought that the Weimar Republic was to blame for hyperinflation, as they believed in maintaining and following through with the Treaty of Versailles. The Nazi's saw this as an opportunity for them, as people did not have faith that the Weimar Republic was helping Germany in a positive way. People thought that maybe a change in Government may help Germany. The Nazi's promises and propaganda led German citizens to believe that if the Nazi's were voted into power that things would change and Germany would be a better place. Hitler focused on the majority of German citizens, which were working class and unemployed. Farmers, miners, blacksmiths and factory workers were all promised better living conditions, including food and money, for them and their families. Unemployment benefits were touted to include more money and food. The combination of promises and propaganda led to an increase in Nazi party votes, putting them in close popularity to the Communist party in the year 1932 with 37% of the vote. As the Nazi's still had not won the majority, they desperately tried to find anyway possible to put the communists in a bad light. The Nazis published smear campaigns and provoked the Communists in every way possible. They blamed the Communists for bad events or choices. A prime example was the Reichstag Fire. The Nazi's led people to believe that the Communists were to blame and it was their wrong doing.

All the Nazi's work and propaganda paid off. Hitler was appointed Chancellor in 1933 and from there Hitler's popularity increased, therefore gaining Nazi votes. Following Paul von Hindenburg's death, Hitler became his successor as the of Head of State and the Head of Government. With his new position of power Hitler started changing Germany into his ideal vision which imposed anti-semitism on Germany. This delusion of righteousness led to the start of World War Two.