What conditions gave rise to authoritarianism in Germany?
Lesson Objectives
To identify and examine the historical conditions that enabled Hitler to rise to power
Lesson Tasks
Lesson Objectives
To identify and examine the methods used by Hitler and the NSDAP to become the biggest party
Lesson Tasks
In this lesson you will work in groups on different aspects of Hitler's rise to power.
Lesson Objectives
To examine the reasons why opposition to Hitler was so weak in the years preceding his appointment as Chancellor
Lesson Tasks
Lesson Objectives
To evaluate the historiographical schools of thought and historians interpretations on the rise of Hitler
Lesson Tasks
Challenge Yourself!
Lesson Objectives
To identify and examine the historical conditions that enabled Hitler to rise to power
Lesson Tasks
- What do you know already about the rise of Hitler? Brainstorm what the historical conditions were for Hitler's rise to power. Try to organise your notes according to themes such as: social/cultural, economic, political, relations, military.
- Download, read and make notes from the Lesson PowerPoint.
- Read pages 164 - 182 of the IBDP Textbook by Grey and make a timeline of the key events in Hitler’s rise to power. When you have finished, colour code each event according to the following themes: social/cultural, political, economic, relations, military. Then answer these questions:
- Make a list of the top 5 reasons why Hitler came to power.
- Which were the most important reasons why Hitler came to power?
- Are any of the reasons linked in anyway? Give two examples.
- Read pages 1-12 of Lee, S.J. (2008). Hitler and Nazi Germany and then answer the questions 1-10.
Lesson Objectives
To identify and examine the methods used by Hitler and the NSDAP to become the biggest party
Lesson Tasks
In this lesson you will work in groups on different aspects of Hitler's rise to power.
- Group 1 - How did hyperinflation and the depression weaken the Weimar Republic?
- Group 2 - Complete Activity 1 on this worksheet. What were the key events in the Nazi rise?
- Group 3 - Complete Activity 2 on this worksheet. What role did Hitler play in the rise of the Nazis?
- Group 4 - Complete Activity 3 on this worksheet. How well organised were the Nazis?
- Group 5 - Complete Activity 4 on this worksheet. How did the SA help gain support for the Nazis?
- Group 6 - Complete Activities 5-8 on this worksheet. Who supported the Nazis?
- Group 7 - Complete Activity 9-10 on this worksheet. Why did people support the Nazis?
- Everyone - Complete Activity 11 on this worksheet. Why did they become the biggest party?
- Conclusion - Write a mini-essay summarising your views on why the Nazis became the largest party. Be prepared to discuss your position with the class next lesson. Your must have a clear thesis, supported by 2 arguments, each a separate paragraph, and conclusion.
Lesson Objectives
To examine the reasons why opposition to Hitler was so weak in the years preceding his appointment as Chancellor
Lesson Tasks
- Using election results and internet research, investigating the five Weimar governments between 1928-1933.
- Was Chancellor Bruning to blame for Hitler?
- Why was Hitler finally appointed Chancellor?
- Was Hitler's rise inevitable?
Lesson Objectives
To evaluate the historiographical schools of thought and historians interpretations on the rise of Hitler
Lesson Tasks
- Download, read and follow the instructions on the Lesson PowerPoint. You can download an digital version of the sources and view cards here.
- Are you a determinist, structuralist or intentionalist? Write a one-paragraph answer explaining your views on Hitler's rise to power. Include at least two supporting points and at least one criticism of one of the other viewpoints.
- For homework, download and read this chapter from Lee's 'Hitler and Nazi Germany' and complete these questions:
- Was National Socialism the right name for Hitler's movement?
- Were the Nazis fascist?
- Were Hitler's aims 'revolutionary'?
- Was the NSDAP a 'classless' party?
- Was Hitler given power?
Challenge Yourself!
- An overview of how historiography on Hitler has changed over the years.
- Excellent article by Ian Kershaw on the 'Hitler Myth' and the role of his charisma and personality cult in his rise to power.
- Podcast giving an overview of the events in Hitler's rise to power.
- A five-minute podcast of history teachers debating the different reasons for Hitler's rise to power.
- A superb BBC podcast with historians Ian Kershaw, Niall Ferguson and Mary Fulbrook debating how history has struggled to explain Hitler and his rule. A good introduction to different historiographical views on Hitler.
- A short biography on the historian Ian Kershaw, a key structuralist historian and a lecture debate by him.
- An interview with Ian Kershaw on Hitler's rise to power, good for summarising the functionalist views of Hitler.
- Simple overview of the changing historiography on Hitler and Nazi Germany.
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