Hitler’s Legal Rise to Power

Hitler’s Legal Rise to Power

After Hitler’s release from prison in 1924, he now understands that he will have to come to power legally and he cannot afford to be jailed again
By 1924 conditions in Germany have improved. More Germans are working and industries are producing goods for Germany, not other countries
Generally most economies in Europe and in North America had improved by 1924 – 1925
To help Germany recover their debt was scaled down so that reasonable payments could be made (The Dawes Plan)
Germany would also be granted loans from the United States to help them pay down their debt
Hitler was surprised with this quick recovery but believed that Germany could do much better if the Weimar Government and Versailles Treaty were cancelled all together
Hitler’s extreme views on Jews and communists were making some of his followers nervous
In elections held in December 1926, the Nazi Party only won 3% of the popular vote

Hitler and the Nazi Party – 1920 – 1925

After the war is over in 1919, Hitler will stay in the army and work as an intelligent officer, spying on political groups especially communists
One political group called the “National Socialist German Worker’s Party” interested Hitler with their ideas and theories on Germany. Instead of spying on them he decided to join them and left his job
He would soon become their chief spokesman and will change the name to the Nazi Party
Hitler begins campaigning on behalf of the party and himself early in 1920. He will speak to thousands of curious Germans in the state of Bavaria in Southern Germany.
Hitler’s speeches are able to bring out emotions from his audience
He knows that simple Germans desire peace, order and security
He promises that if he is elected to office he will restore Germany honour and dignity
In order to improve the standard of living for regular Germans, Hitler knows that people need work to help them feel secure about their families and their future
Hitler quickly identifies the trouble spots such :

He promises to rid Germany of all the above problems
Hitler’s popularity with the people in Southern Germany increases quickly
On November 8, 1923, Hitler along with other Nazi leaders and ex-servicemen attempted to illegally overthrow the provincial government of Bavaria in the city of Munich
Hitler was caught and arrested by the Munich police and put on trial for treason. He was sentenced to five years in prison but only served eight months, released on good behaviour
While under house arrest, Hitler writes a book call Mein Kamp – my struggle. This book was published throughout Germany, and became the handbook for the Nazi Party. The book outlines Hitler’s, hopes, fears and hatreds for Germany
Hitler would remain as leader but realized that he would have to make the Nazi Party more appealing to the working class and to German Industrialists
In 1924 the Locarno Treaty was signed - Germany, France, Belgium and Poland
Germany accepted the new borders releasing tension between these countries and their borders
Hitler’s social and economic policies would have to be changed and simplified for the common worker to understand and appreciate
The popularity of the party would continue to decline. Hitler would now accept advice from German business men and middle class workers in an attempt to win their support in future elections
The death of President Ebert in 1925 brings old war hero Hindenburg to power. Hitler hopes this will help him come to power