History of Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Timeline
Adolf Hitler's ascent to power commenced in 1919 within the nascent Weimar Republic when he joined the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (DAP). His oratory skills quickly distinguished him, propelling his rise within the party ranks. His influence grew, and he was eventually appointed party leader, a position secured after he threatened to leave if not given control. This marked a pivotal point in history, setting the stage for Hitler's tyrannical reign and the horrors of World War II.
August 1914: Hitler Enlists in the German Army
In August 1914, despite being Austrian-born, Hitler enlisted in the Bavarian regiment of the German Army after getting permission from King Ludwig III of Bavaria.
November 1918: World War I Ends, Hitler Discharged
After over 4 years of fighting, World War I ended in November 1918. Hitler was discharged from the army on November 19.
January 1919: Hitler's Post-War Activities
In January 1919, after his discharge, Hitler was assigned to a prisoner-of-war camp in Traunstein as a guard until it closed. He then returned to Munich.
January 1919: Formation of the German Workers' Party
On 5 January 1919, the German Workers' Party (DAP) was formed in Munich by Anton Drexler and others. The party laid the foundation for Hitler's future political career as he later joined and transformed it into the Nazi Party.
February 1919: Political Assassinations and Unrest in Munich
Political tensions were high in Munich during February 1919. Notable figures like socialist Kurt Eisner were assassinated, leading to further unrest and violence.
April 1919: Hitler's Role as Military Liaison
Amidst the political turmoil in April 1919, Hitler was elected as the liaison of his military battalion. He advocated for neutrality and urged his unit to avoid taking sides in the conflict.
May 1919: Karl Mayr's Role in Munich
In May 1919, Karl Mayr became the head of the 'Education and Propaganda Department' in Munich, which played a pivotal role in shaping military personnel's ideologies. This move later influenced his decision to recruit Adolf Hitler as an intelligence agent, setting the stage for Hitler's future political path.
May 1919: Bavarian Soviet Republic Crushed, Hitler's Anti-Communist Stance
May 1919 marked the suppression of the Bavarian Soviet Republic. Hitler's strong anti-communist stance during this time, including his denouncement of a fellow liaison, solidified his position within the military, allowing him to avoid discharge.
June 1919: Hitler Recruited as Undercover Agent
In June 1919, Adolf Hitler was recruited by Karl Mayr to serve as an undercover agent for the German military. During this period, Hitler attended 'national thinking' courses, which led to his involvement in anti-Bolshevik activities as an instructor. This marked an early stage of his political engagement and influence.
July 1919: Hitler Appointed Intelligence Agent
In July 1919, Adolf Hitler was appointed as an intelligence agent tasked with influencing soldiers and infiltrating the German Workers' Party (DAP). This role exposed him to nationalist and antisemitic ideologies, significantly impacting his political development.
September 1919: Hitler Joins the DAP
In September 1919, Adolf Hitler joined the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (DAP), marking the beginning of his ascent to power. His impactful speeches quickly gained him recognition within the party.
September 1919: Hitler's First Political Speech
On 12 September 1919, Adolf Hitler attended a meeting where he passionately opposed a suggestion for Bavarian independence, asserting his nationalist beliefs. This incident marked one of his first public political speeches, showcasing his oratory skills.
February 1920: Hitler Announces 25-Point Program
On 24 February 1920, Adolf Hitler announced the 25-point program of the Nazi Party at a major public meeting in Munich. This event marked a significant transformation of the party's agenda and identity.
March 1920: Hitler Discharged from the Army
In March 1920, Adolf Hitler was discharged from the army, allowing him to fully dedicate his efforts to the Nazi Party. This transition marked a pivotal shift in his career as he assumed a more prominent political role.
1920: Hitler's Public Lectures in Munich
In 1920, Adolf Hitler became known for his public lectures in Munich beer halls, drawing significant crowds. His speeches focused on political themes such as the Treaty of Versailles and antisemitism, contributing to his growing influence.
1920: DAP Renamed to NSDAP
In 1920, the DAP was renamed the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP), commonly known as the Nazi Party. Hitler strategically chose this name to appeal to left-wing workers, despite the party's right-wing ideology.
June 1921: Hitler's Resignation and Return to the Nazi Party
In June 1921, a mutiny within the Nazi Party led Adolf Hitler to resign. He later rejoined on 26 July, on the condition that he would become the party chairman, solidifying his leadership and influence.
August 1921: Formation of the SA
In August 1921, Adolf Hitler redefined the Nazi Party's 'hall protection' squad, later known as the Sturmabteilung (SA). This group played a crucial role in maintaining order during party activities and became a significant paramilitary force.
September 1921: Disruption of Bavarian League Meeting
On 14 September 1921, Adolf Hitler and the SA disrupted a meeting of the Bavarian League, showcasing their aggressive tactics. This event highlighted Hitler's combative approach to political opposition, leading to his arrest.
November 1921: SA Officially Named
By November 1921, the 'hall protection' squad was officially named the Sturmabteilung (SA). This marked the formal establishment of a paramilitary wing that supported Nazi activities.
November 1921: Nazi Party Meeting at Munich Hofbräuhaus
On 4 November 1921, a Nazi Party meeting at Munich Hofbräuhaus turned violent, with the SA clashing with opponents. This event led to Adolf Hitler's arrest and subsequent imprisonment for 'breach of the peace'.
January 1922: Hitler Sentenced for Breach of Peace
In January 1922, Adolf Hitler was sentenced to three months in prison for his role in the November 1921 Hofbräuhaus incident, serving just over a month. This marked an early legal challenge in his political journey.
1922: Hitler's Control Over the Party
By 1922, Hitler had established unchallenged leadership over the Nazi Party.
1922: Formation of Hitler Youth and Stabswache
In 1922, the Nazi Party formed the Jungsturm Adolf Hitler and the Stabswache, which would later become the Hitler Youth and the SS, respectively. These organizations played a crucial role in the Nazi Party's infrastructure.
May 1923: Formation of Stoßtrupp-Hitler
In May 1923, the Stoßtrupp-Hitler was formed as an early incarnation of a bodyguard unit for Adolf Hitler, later evolving into the Schutzstaffel (SS). This development highlighted the increasing militarization of Hitler's support base.
November 1923: Beer Hall Putsch and Arrest of Hitler
In November 1923, Adolf Hitler led the Beer Hall Putsch, an attempted coup in Munich. The plan was to overthrow the Bavarian government and march on Berlin. The attempt resulted in violence, with 16 Nazi members and 4 police officers dying. Hitler fled but was arrested on November 11, 1923, gaining public attention through his trial for high treason.
1923: Beer Hall Putsch and Mein Kampf
In 1923, Hitler's attempt to seize power through the Beer Hall Putsch in Munich failed, resulting in his imprisonment. During his time in prison, he wrote "Mein Kampf," outlining his ideology and future plans.
February 1924: Hitler's Trial for High Treason
In February 1924, Adolf Hitler's trial for the Beer Hall Putsch began. He used this platform to criticize democracy and the Weimar Republic. Hitler was sentenced on April 1, 1924, to five years in prison but served only nine months, during which he dictated Mein Kampf.
May 1924: Nazis in the May 1924 Election
In May 1924, the banned Nazi Party participated in the German federal election under the National Socialist Freedom Movement, gaining seats in the Reichstag with 6.6% of the vote.
October 1924: Hitler's Public Declaration on Citizenship
In October 1924, Adolf Hitler made a public declaration concerning his citizenship status, amidst discussions about his Austrian nationality. This was a significant step in his political career, as his citizenship status affected his ability to run for public office in Germany.
December 1924: Hitler's Release from Prison
Hitler was released from Landsberg Prison on December 20, 1924, after serving nine months of a five-year sentence for high treason. During his imprisonment, he re-evaluated his political strategies and dictated Mein Kampf.
December 1924: December 1924 Election Results
In the December 1924 federal election, the National Socialist Freedom Movement lost significant ground, retaining only 14 seats in the Reichstag with 3% of the vote, reflecting struggles in Nazi electoral strategy.
April 1925: Hitler Renounces Austrian Citizenship
On 7 April 1925, Adolf Hitler renounced his Austrian citizenship under the threat of deportation. This left him stateless for nearly seven years, preventing him from running for public office in Germany until he acquired German citizenship through an appointment in the Free State of Brunswick.
1927: Charges Against Goebbels for High Treason Dropped
In 1927, Goebbels faced charges of high treason for past statements, but after a four-month investigation, the charges were dropped, reflecting the legal controversies surrounding Nazi activities.
May 1928: Nazi Party's Poor Performance in May 1928 Election
In May 1928, the Nazi Party secured only 12 seats in the Reichstag, with 2.6% of the vote. The disappointing results prompted Hitler to write a second book, the Zweites Buch, and sparked SA aggression towards Communists.
1928: Nazi Party Membership and Goebbels' Strategy
By the end of 1928, Nazi Party membership grew to 130,000. Goebbels proposed shifting propaganda efforts to rural areas for greater impact, considering the party's limited success in urban centers.
March 1929: Erich Ludendorff Represents Nazis in Presidential Election
In March 1929, Erich Ludendorff ran as the Nazi candidate in the Presidential elections, receiving only 1.1% of the vote. This period saw increased street violence between Nazi and Communist factions.
1929: Impact of the Wall Street Crash on German Politics
Following the 1929 Wall Street Crash, economic turmoil in Germany led to significant gains for the Nazis and Communists in the 1930 federal election. This shift in political power prompted moderate parties to consider negotiating with anti-democratic forces.
1929: Goebbels' Libel Conviction and Propaganda Shift
In 1929, Goebbels was convicted of libeling President Hindenburg and fined. The Nazis began focusing propaganda efforts in rural areas for better electoral outcomes.
1929: Wall Street Crash Impacts Germany
The 1929 Wall Street Crash had a profound impact on Germany, halting economic aid and exacerbating the Great Depression. The Nazis exploited the crisis to their advantage, criticizing the government and gaining support from business leaders fearful of a communist takeover.
January 1930: Horst Wessel's Murder and Its Propaganda Impact
On January 14, 1930, Horst Wessel was fatally shot by KPD members, and his funeral was used as Nazi propaganda. The incident helped to promote the Horst-Wessel-Lied as a Nazi anthem.
September 1930: Nazi Party's Electoral Success in September 1930
In September 1930, the Nazi Party achieved a major victory by securing 107 seats in the Reichstag, becoming the second-largest party in Germany. This marked a significant political accomplishment and increased their influence.
October 1930: Nazi Anti-Jewish Actions and Campaign Efforts
In October 1930, the SA carried out anti-Jewish actions by vandalizing Jewish-owned stores in Berlin. Nazi political campaigns gained momentum, with over 100,000 new members joining after the September elections.
1930: Heinrich Brüning as Chancellor
Heinrich Brüning served as the Chancellor of Germany from 1930 to 1932. During his tenure, he struggled to collaborate with Hitler and increasingly relied on the President and Army rather than parliament for governance. This era set the stage for further political instability leading to the eventual rise of the Nazi Party.
1930: Political Gains for Nazis and Communists in 1930
In 1930, the Nazis and Communists collectively secured nearly 40% of Reichstag seats, significantly altering the political landscape in Germany and challenging the stability of the Weimar Republic.
March 1931: SA Violence and Goebbels' Ban
In March 1931, street violence between the Rotfront and SA escalated, prompting Prussia to re-enact a ban on the Brownshirts. Shortly after, SA members killed two communists, leading to a ban on public speeches by Joseph Goebbels, who circumvented this by recording speeches to be played in his absence.
1931: Nazi Party's Campaign Strategy Shift in 1931
In 1931, the Nazi Party shifted to a strategy of perpetual campaigning across Germany, combining terror tactics and conventional methods. This included Hitler traveling by air and SA troops intimidating opponents, contributing to their growing influence.
1931: SA and Rotfront Clashes
Throughout 1931, violent clashes between the SA and the Rotfront resulted in numerous deaths. The SA, led by Ernst Röhm and bolstered by anti-Semitic influences, engaged in street fights, contributing to the volatile political climate in Germany as Hitler prepared for the 1932 presidential election.
April 1932: Ban on Nazi Paramilitaries
On 13 April 1932, following the presidential elections, the German government banned the Nazi Party's paramilitary groups, the SA and SS, under an Emergency Decree. This ban was a response to intelligence suggesting the SA was preparing for a forceful takeover after the elections. It was lifted in June by Franz von Papen as part of negotiations with Hitler.
April 1932: Hitler's Presidential Election Campaign
In April 1932, Adolf Hitler ran against the popular incumbent President Hindenburg in the presidential elections. Despite a strong showing with over 11 million votes, Hitler lost to Hindenburg in the final round. This period was marked by intense street violence between the SA and the Rotfront amidst the political campaign.
June 1932: Franz von Papen Appointed Chancellor
In June 1932, President Hindenburg appointed Franz von Papen as Chancellor of Germany, replacing Heinrich Brüning. Papen, a Catholic monarchist, aimed to outmaneuver Hitler and had the backing of Major-General Kurt von Schleicher. This appointment was part of the political maneuvers during a period when the government relied heavily on presidential and military support rather than parliamentary consensus.
July 1932: Nazi Electoral Success and Violence
In July 1932, despite a ban on their paramilitaries being lifted, the Nazi Party won 37.3% of the vote, becoming the largest party in the Reichstag. The political tension was marked by violence, including the assassination of SA leader Axel Schaffeld, further escalating tensions and pushing Germany towards civil unrest.
July 1932: Nazis Become Largest Party in Reichstag
In July 1932, the Nazi Party became the largest party in the Reichstag, although they fell short of an absolute majority.
July 1932: Nazi Party Becomes Largest in Reichstag
In the July 1932 federal election, the Nazi Party emerged as the largest party in the Reichstag but failed to secure a majority. Hitler withdrew his support for Chancellor Papen and demanded the Chancellorship, a request denied by President Hindenburg. This led to the dissolution of Parliament and a decline in Nazi votes in the subsequent November election.
November 1932: Papen's Secret Deal with Hitler
After losing his position as Chancellor, Franz von Papen promised Adolf Hitler to use his influence with President Hindenburg to secure Hitler's appointment as Chancellor, provided Papen could serve as vice chancellor. This proposal came after the November 1932 elections failed to produce a majority government, and was supported by influential industrialists pressing for Hitler's appointment.
November 1932: Nazi Party's Loss in November Election
In the November 1932 election, the Nazi Party lost 35 seats but remained the largest party in the Reichstag, holding 196 seats. This outcome highlighted the volatile political landscape, as both the Social Democrats and Communists also held significant numbers of seats, further complicating coalition possibilities.
1932: Political Dynamics in Germany
In 1932, Germany was marked by political instability. The middle-class liberal parties were weakened significantly, losing support to the rising Nazi Party. The Social Democrats, with ineffective leadership, and the Catholic Centre Party, which was negotiating with the Nazis, were unable to counter the growing threat. Meanwhile, the Communists, directed by Moscow, focused on undermining the Social Democrats instead of countering Nazism. The German right-wing ultimately played a crucial role in elevating Hitler by forming a coalition government with him, forsaking traditional conservatism.
January 1933: Hitler Appointed Chancellor of Germany
Despite not having an absolute majority, after a series of political maneuvers and negotiations, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany in January 1933 by President von Hindenburg.
January 1933: Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
On 30 January 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed as Chancellor of Germany. The NSDAP gained significant positions in the cabinet, with Wilhelm Frick appointed Minister of the Interior and Hermann Göring as Minister Without Portfolio. The SA and SS celebrated with torchlit parades, marking what the Nazis termed as Hitler's Machtergreifung or 'seizure of power', though it was seen as a legal transfer of power within the constitutional framework.
February 1933: Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act
In February 1933, the Reichstag fire occurred, which Hitler used to his advantage. He blamed the communists and persuaded President Hindenburg to pass the Reichstag Fire Decree, significantly curtailing civil liberties. This event paved the way for Hitler to eliminate political opponents and consolidate his power.
February 1933: Recognition of Hitler's Political Influence
On 22 February 1933, British Ambassador Sir Horace Rumbold expressed his concerns about Adolf Hitler's leadership, noting his influence as a demagogue. He informed the Foreign Office that the Nazis were likely to maintain power, and if Hitler prevailed, another European conflict seemed imminent.
March 1933: Passage of the Enabling Act
On 23 March 1933, Adolf Hitler secured the passage of the Enabling Act, granting him plenary powers without the need for parliamentary consent, ostensibly on a temporary basis. This allowed him to act beyond constitutional limits, marking a significant step towards consolidating his control over Germany.
July 1933: Outlawing of Non-Nazi Political Parties
On 14 July 1933, Adolf Hitler's regime formally outlawed all non-Nazi political parties, further consolidating Nazi control over Germany. This move effectively dismantled the democratic framework of the Reichstag, even as President Hindenburg remained in power with certain military and treaty negotiating powers.
1933: Potempa Murder Case and Nazi Amnesty
In 1933, five SA members were convicted for the murder of a KPD member in Potempa. Initially sentenced to death, their sentence was commuted to life imprisonment on appeal. They served only a few months before Hitler instituted an amnesty, releasing all imprisoned Nazis.
1933: Nazi Strategies and Electoral Success
From 1931 to 1933, the Nazis' combination of terror tactics and effective campaigning led to increased support, setting the stage for their eventual rise to power.
August 1934: Hitler Becomes Führer of Germany
Following President von Hindenburg's death in August 1934, Hitler seized the opportunity to merge the chancellery with the presidency, solidifying his position as the absolute dictator of Germany. He became known as "Führer," the sole leader of Germany.
August 1934: Consolidation of Power after Hindenburg's Death
In August 1934, following the death of President Hindenburg, Adolf Hitler combined the positions of President and Chancellor under the 'Law Concerning the Head of State of the German Reich'. This move was solidified by a referendum, enabling Hitler to wield full dictatorial power. The military pledged allegiance directly to Hitler, solidifying his control over the German state.