Hitler's Rise To Power: Rise Of The Weimar Republic

MINI ESSAY: Hitler’s Rise to Power “Hitler’s rise to power was due more to the weakness of the Weimar Republic than his own strengths.” I agree with this statement to a large extent due to the various evident shortcomings in the means by which the Weimar government addressed issues faced by Germans in the years leading to Hitler’s rise to power. The Weimar Government was a coalition government made of many parties that had proportional representation. As there were too many political parties that each had individual agendas, the decision making process was inefficient, which meant that laws could not be passed quickly. The German people saw the treaty of Versailles as a harsh and unjust treaty and they held the Weimar
For those who had lost their jobs, there was hunger, poverty, and homelessness. “Unemployment in Germany rose to 6 million” (Hitler’s Rise to Power). The Weimar government had no idea on what to do about these problems. They did attempt to address theses issues though, but with little success. The Weimar government raised taxes, cut wages and reduced unemployment benefits to try to solve the issue of economic collapse and other effects of the depression. In addition, Germany was being ruled by presidential decree. The president though, was 84 years old and was controlled by business and army leaders. These issues lead to a rise of extremism, mainly due to the unpopular economic policies. The Nazis blamed the Weimar Republic for the state Germany was in, making the government lose the little support they
“Hitler standing before a crowd delivering his powerful and moving speeches seemed to represent strong, decisive leadership in the great German tradition going back to the Kaiser and beyond.” (Lacey, Shephard, pg 50) Hitler, the strong leader whom Germany needed and wanted was the focus in the barrage of electioneering. “While the Weimar Republic appeared simply muddling through indecisively, Hitler’s strong personality and powerful ideas seemed to be just what Germany needed.” (Lacey, Shephard, pg 50) In January 1933, Hindenburg and Papen came up with a plan to get the Nazis on their side by offering to make Hitler vice chancellor. He refused and demanded to be made chancellor. They agreed, thinking they could control him. However, Hitler was seen as a strong leader and the Nazi Party as organized and disciplined, in distinct contrast to the disunited and Weimar