"The Rise of Nazism in Germany".

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"The Rise of Nazism in Germany"  

The rise of Nazism in Germany during the 1930's was not an inconceivable happening, considering the causes and effects in play at the time. Under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, the popular acceptance of what was later to be Nazism was overwhelming. Nazism's evolution was methodically planned, and boldly executed. The word Nazism is defined by The Concise Columbia Electronic Encyclopaedia as "the ideology and policies of Adolf Hitler and the National-Socialist German Workers' party from 1920-1945." Subsequently, a Nazi is defined as a member of the National-Socialist German Workers' party led by Adolf Hitler.

Nazism had its earliest roots in another "ism". This is Nationalism, the sharing of a common pride, belief and loyalty by a singular group of people of a nation. However, it was this sincere form of Nationalism that was later warped, and used against the majority of the German people by Adolf Hitler for their apparent good. Hitler deceived them and they deceived themselves, all due to the ideal timing and chain of events.

Prior to and during World War One, Germany was a powerful nation with colonial interests in Africa and Alsace-Lorraine. Germany was a centre of learning, culture, medicine and industry. The German government was a Parliamentary form, called the Reichstag. This system was efficient and yielded positive results for the people. Germany fielded a large and well-equipped army, led for decades by Generals of the Aristocracy. This all changed after Germany lost World War One, and especially after that fact was repeatedly emphasized. Due to the army's defeat, there was a loss of more than 3 million soldiers and unaccountable civilians. This meant the passing of most of an entire generation of workers, fathers, husbands and sons. Consequently, there came a loss of faith in the country's leadership.

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When the Treaty of Versailles' terms were being discussed, Germany was not welcomed, the country's leaders were needed only for their signature. They were expected to agree to the terms without question, which they ultimately did. The Germans referred to the treaty as a Diktat, which meant dictated peace. This reflects the feeling of the German people about being disregarded by other countries. Field Marshall Hindenburg said the following: "In the event of resumption of hostilities we can...defend our frontiers in the east. In the west, however, we can scarcely count on being able to withstand a serious offensive...The success ...

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