The Nazi party was founded in 1919 and soon became the largest political party in the Reichstag. It’s rise can be attributed to a variety of factors. The aftermath of WW1 and the subsequent demands of the TOV made it difficult for the Weimar government to rule during the 1920s.The failure to meet the terms of the treaty essentially led to a French invasion, collapse of the German economy and consequently, the growing discontent amongst the people. Moreover, the spread of communism created fear amongst the middle and upper class and within this period, many extremist groups attempted to seize power in violent “putsches”. These included the spartacist uprising 1919, the Kapp putsch 1920 and the communist uprising in the Ruhr 1920. Along with the weaknesses and opposition to the Weimar government, at the heart of attack against it was the Nazi party. It’s broad appeal to numerous classes as well as its ability to exploit crises that befell the republic, led to its quick rise in popularity.
After years of political instability, Adolf Hitler, the leader of the Nazi party became chancellor in 1933. Hitler’s Nazi party formed a coalition with the Nationalist party after only securing 44% of votes in the March election and was in control of the majority of government seats. His control soon became absolute with the implementation of the “enabling act” which inherently gave him dictatorial powers. Hitler desired to create a superior and racially pure Germany and began consolidating his power. Thus, he enforced the process of ‘Gleichshcaltung” which was the consolidation of Nazi society and the rearmament and conscription of the German army.
With the outbreak of war in 1939, Germany experienced initial success on the battlefield and by 1942, Germany was at the peak of it’s power. They were in control of Western soviet union to the Atlantic ocean and from the Arctic circle to Northern Africa. However, at the expense of such large territory were strict labour...