In order to explain the rise of National Socialism in interwar Germany, historians have proceeded from various assumptions. Their theories have ranged from the notion of an evil disposition inherent in the German character to the very differing one of the Germans as victims of the malefactor Hitler and his system. For a serious investigation about the origins of the Nazi movement, however, these two extreme standpoints have to be relocated. Both presumptions tend to consider National Socialism as an incident that erupted suddenly and without any relation to historical circumstances. Yet, Fischer points out that “human events in time and place are not inexplicable occurrences, wholly unexpected and unconnected to past forms of behaviour”.
Consequently, we have to consider the roots of the ideology “National Socialism” (section II). In section III, I will try to comprehend the evolution of “National Socialism” as a political movement. Section IV reveals the link between those two aspects in the person of Adolf Hitler and the way he promoted both. Finally, the contribution of the German population to the rise of the NSDAP will be investigated (section V).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Contemporary currents: nationalism, imperialism, racism
- III. The rise of the National Socialist Party
- IV. The figure of Adolf Hitler (1889-1945)
- V. Co-operation or resistance?
- VI. Summary
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explain the rise of National Socialism in interwar Germany, moving beyond simplistic explanations of inherent evil or victimhood. It investigates the historical context and ideological roots of the Nazi movement, analyzing its evolution as a political force and the role of Adolf Hitler in its development. The analysis considers the contribution of the German population to the NSDAP's ascent.
- The historical context of the rise of Nazism in Germany.
- The role of nationalism, imperialism, and racism in shaping the political landscape.
- The evolution of the National Socialist Party as a political movement.
- Adolf Hitler's contribution to the rise of the NSDAP.
- The German population's involvement in the rise of the NSDAP.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the scope of the work, rejecting simplistic explanations for the rise of Nazism—either attributing it to inherent flaws in the German character or solely to Hitler's actions. Instead, it emphasizes the need to understand the historical context and ideological roots of the movement, arguing that National Socialism's emergence was not a sudden, isolated event but rather the culmination of various long-term factors. The author outlines the structure of the work, promising to examine the ideology of National Socialism, its evolution as a political movement, Hitler's role, and the German population's contribution to its success.
II. Contemporary currents: nationalism, imperialism, racism: This chapter examines three significant trends in late 19th and early 20th-century Germany—nationalism, imperialism, and racism—that paved the way for the rise of Nazism. It argues that nationalism transformed from a cultural pride into a quasi-religious movement, intensified by Germany's late unification and the subsequent social divisions. The chapter links this intensified nationalism with Germany's imperial ambitions, highlighting how the "spirit of community" legitimized expansion and conquests, fueling feelings of ethnic superiority and readiness for conflict, both domestically and internationally. Finally, the chapter explores the role of biological racism and Social Darwinism, which contributed to the persecution of Jews and other minority groups.
III. The rise of the National Socialist Party: This chapter traces the development of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) from its origins in the conspiratorial Thule Society to its transformation under Hitler's leadership. It highlights the rejection of perceived enemies (Jews, foreigners, pacifists, and the Bavarian Socialist government) and the party's initial focus on defending the working class against Communism. The chapter details Hitler's role in reorganizing the party, his failed Beer Hall Putsch, and the writing of Mein Kampf during his imprisonment. It concludes by underscoring the party's initially marginal role in German politics before its eventual rise to power.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
National Socialism, Nazism, Germany, interwar period, nationalism, imperialism, racism, Adolf Hitler, NSDAP, ideology, political movement, historical context, social Darwinism, antisemitism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main focus of this academic preview?
This preview provides a comprehensive overview of a work analyzing the rise of National Socialism in interwar Germany. It goes beyond simplistic explanations, exploring the historical context, ideological roots, and the role of key figures and the German population in the NSDAP's ascent.
What topics are covered in the preview?
The preview includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It covers the historical context of Nazism's rise, the influence of nationalism, imperialism, and racism, the evolution of the NSDAP, Adolf Hitler's role, and the German population's involvement.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
Key themes include the historical context of Nazism's rise in Germany, the interplay of nationalism, imperialism, and racism in shaping the political landscape, the development of the NSDAP as a political movement, Adolf Hitler's contribution to the party's success, and the German population's participation in the rise of the NSDAP. The text avoids simplistic explanations focusing on inherent evil or victimhood.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each chapter's content. They highlight the key arguments and findings of each section, giving the reader a clear understanding of the work's structure and progression of ideas.
What is the introductory chapter's main argument?
The introduction rejects simplistic explanations for the rise of Nazism, emphasizing the need to understand the historical context and ideological roots. It sets the stage for a nuanced analysis, arguing that the rise of National Socialism was a culmination of various long-term factors, not a sudden or isolated event.
What role do nationalism, imperialism, and racism play in the text?
The text examines how nationalism, imperialism, and racism significantly contributed to the rise of Nazism. It shows how nationalism evolved into a quasi-religious movement, fueling imperial ambitions and justifying persecution of minority groups through a framework of biological racism and Social Darwinism.
How does the text describe the rise of the National Socialist Party (NSDAP)?
The text traces the NSDAP's development from its origins to its rise to power, highlighting its rejection of perceived enemies, its initial focus on the working class, Hitler's role in its reorganization, and its eventual dominance in German politics.
What is Adolf Hitler's role in the text?
The text explores Adolf Hitler's significant contribution to the rise of the NSDAP, analyzing his leadership, his role in reorganizing the party, his failed Beer Hall Putsch, and the impact of *Mein Kampf*. However, the text avoids solely attributing the rise of Nazism to his actions.
What is the significance of the German population in the text's analysis?
The text investigates the German population's involvement in the NSDAP's ascent, moving beyond simplistic explanations that solely blame Hitler or the German people. It aims to understand the complex factors that contributed to the party's success.
What are the key words associated with this work?
Key words include: National Socialism, Nazism, Germany, interwar period, nationalism, imperialism, racism, Adolf Hitler, NSDAP, ideology, political movement, historical context, Social Darwinism, antisemitism.
- Quote paper
- Marion Luger (Author), 2001, Why Did the National Socialist Party in Germany Come Into Power?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/135087
