Introduction – The Aftermath of World War I

• World War I (1914–1918) ended with Germany’s defeat.
• The Treaty of Versailles (1919) punished Germany by:
  • Taking away its territories.
  • Limiting its army to 100,000 soldiers.
  • Forcing it to pay heavy war reparations.
• This treaty humiliated Germany, making its economy weak and people angry.

The Weimar Republic and Its Struggles (1919–1933)

• After World War I, Germany became a democratic republic (Weimar Republic).
• The Weimar government was weak and faced many problems:

Problems of the Weimar Republic

• Blamed for signing the Treaty of Versailles.
• Economic crisis due to war debts and hyperinflation (1923).
• Political instability with frequent government changes.
• Great Depression (1929) worsened unemployment and poverty.

The Rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party

• Adolf Hitler joined the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in 1920 and became its leader.
• He promised to:
  • Reject the Treaty of Versailles.
  • Restore Germany’s lost pride and military strength.
  • Provide jobs and economic recovery.
  • Create a strong nationalist government.

How Hitler Gained Popularity

• Propaganda – Used newspapers, radio, and speeches to spread Nazi ideas.
• Mass Rallies – Organized grand rallies to inspire the youth.
• Use of Violence – The Nazi paramilitary (SA & SS) attacked opponents.

Hitler Becomes the Dictator (1933–1945)

• In 1933, Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany.
• In 1934, he declared himself Führer (Supreme Leader), ending democracy.

Steps Taken by Hitler to Establish Dictatorship

• The Reichstag Fire (1933) – Blamed Communists and banned opposition parties.
• The Enabling Act (1933) – Gave Hitler complete power to rule without Parliament.
• Banned Trade Unions and Opponents – Imprisoned or executed political rivals.
• Controlled Media and Education – Spread Nazi ideology in schools and newspapers.

Nazi Ideology – The Core Beliefs of Hitler’s Rule

• Nazism was based on extreme nationalism, racism, and militarism.
• Key ideas of Nazi ideology:
  • Belief in Aryan Superiority – Germans (Aryans) were the “master race”.
  • Hatred for Jews – Blamed them for Germany’s problems (Anti-Semitism).
  • Militarism – Wanted to expand Germany’s territory.
  • One-party rule – No opposition to Nazi policies.

Hitler’s Foreign Policy and World War II (1939–1945)

Hitler followed an aggressive expansion policy to rebuild Germany’s power.

Hitler’s Expansionist Moves

• Rearmed Germany (1935) – Secretly rebuilt the army, violating the Treaty of Versailles.
• Occupied Rhineland (1936) – Sent troops into a demilitarized zone.
• Annexed Austria (1938) – Merged Austria into Germany (Anschluss).
• Invaded Czechoslovakia (1939) – Took over the Sudetenland region.

The Start of World War II

• On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland.
• Britain and France declared war on Germany, starting World War II.
• Germany captured most of Europe by 1940.
• In 1941, Hitler attacked the Soviet Union, leading to his downfall.
• In 1945, Germany was defeated, and Hitler committed suicide.

The Holocaust – The Nazi Persecution of Jews

• The Nazis carried out the Holocaust, one of history’s worst genocides.
• Jews, Communists, and others were sent to concentration camps (like Auschwitz).
• Millions were murdered in gas chambers, starved, or forced into labor.

Nuremberg Laws (1935)

• Banned marriages between Jews and Germans.
• Took away Jewish citizenship rights.

The Fall of Hitler and the End of Nazi Germany (1945)

• The Soviet Army captured Berlin in April 1945.
• Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945.
• Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945, ending World War II in Europe.

The Impact of Nazism and World War II

Conclusion

• The Treaty of Versailles (1919) humiliated Germany and led to Hitler’s rise.
• The Weimar Republic was weak, and the economic crisis made Germans support Hitler.
• Hitler became the dictator in 1933, establishing a totalitarian Nazi rule.
• Nazism promoted Aryan superiority, anti-Semitism, and militarism.
• Hitler’s expansionist policies led to World War II (1939–1945).
• The Holocaust was a genocide where millions of Jews and minorities were killed.
• Germany was defeated in 1945, ending Nazi rule.