The Rise of Nazis

The philosophical traditions of racism in Europe, the

economic catastrophes of the late 1920's and 1930's, and the

social attitudes following the end of World War I all led to the rise

Beginning in the 1880's Social Darwinism--the belief that

certain races are better inclined to rule--became a commonly

accepted doctrine supporting imperialism by Europeans. Two

champions of this belief, Houston Chamberlain and Gobineau,

espoused the idea that the Aryan and northern European races were

better fit to rule, also called the theory of "Nordic Supremacy."

Also in the 1880's, Freidrich Nietzsche and other

philosophers began to argue against the power of the rational

human mind. The only hope for salvation of the human race from

their loss of creativity was for a few superior individuals

(supermen) to free themselves from the masses and in the process

advance the human race. Although his ideas were dismissed at the

time, the experience of World War I would bring his ideas to life.

Following the end of World War I, the "Age of Anxiety" began to

The world witnessed some of the most horrific fighting and mass death during World War I. Its end left many philosophers an

Following a 1929 alliance with Alfred Hugenberg, the leader of the German National People's Party (DNVP), the Nazi party won 13.8% of the vote. The turning point in Nazi popularity, however, was the 1929 crash of the American stock market. The German economy broke to pieces and unemployment soared. The Nazis were able to recruit the votes of these individuals, earning 18.2% of the vote in 1930. It had now become the second largest party in the Reichstag after the Social Democrat Party (SDP).

After building a power base in Bavaria, Hitler attempted a coup in the style of Mussolini's March on Rome. The Munich 'Putsch' in 1923 was put down by policemen, and Hitler was arrested. In his trial, the judges gave him the opportunity to use his oratory skills and give long winded speeches concerning his theories. He was sentenced to a short prison term, much less than would normally be given to someone who committed treason.

Unlike other parties, the Nazis attracted support from all different trades and social classes. Workers, Catholics, business community, nationalists, and professional classes all became loyal supporters of the party. Hitler's presence and assurance that he would lead Germany to another Renaissance seduced the people. In 1932, the party won 36% of the vote . President Hindenburg tried to make the Nazi party illegal, but failed when the army showed signs of supporting the NSDAP.

During World War I, a young unaccomplished student who failed to enter the Arts Academy enlisted as a soldier in the German army. This man, Adolf Hitler, became distinguished as a dispatch runner and was given an Iron Cross. After the war,