World
The Rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis By: Braxton Bragg Underwood 1933 Fifteen years ago, The Treaty of Versailles officially ended World War I. However, the faulty treaty only caused more anger and frustration for many countries, especially Germany. Germans lost confidence in their government and suffered extreme humiliation, as the Treaty stripped Germans of their pride. All of Germany was punished by being forced to pay heavy costs and take the blame for initiating World War I. The year of 1932 brought on a flood of political parties campaigning to win public support, as parliamentary elections were approaching. The condition Germany was in provided the Germans an opportunity for a new leader. Amongst the parties was one which received full attention immediately- the National Socialist German Workers’ Party, or Nazi party, led by Adolf Hitler. Adolf Hitler was a motivational speaker and clever politician. He won support by addressing distinct topics from the other parties. Hitler played on anger about the Versailles Treaty and sympathized for the Germans. Rather than ranting continuously about the Treaty, Hitler assured Germans that they had not lost the war. Instead, he claimed that Jews and other traitors “stabbed Germany in the back”. The argument was false, but in troubled times, people were eager to find a scapegoat. By speaking about a delicate matter pro Germany, the public reacted positively which gave the Nazis immense power and recognition. Hitler delivered hope and courage, which became music to the peoples’ ears. Hitler’s unique topics and successful campaign stirred positive reactions within Germany. In January of 1933, Hitler was appointed chancellor of Germany. At the time when Hitler was appointed chancellor, Germany was a democracy. Germany had fair elections and nobody abused their right to vote. In order to pass a law, the Reichstag had to agree to it after a bill went through the normal processes. In January of 1933, more than fifty percent of those who held the Reichstag seats were against the Nazi Party. Therefore, it would have been very unlikely for Hitler to pass the laws he wanted. The events for the rest of the year, coincidentally, ruled in Hitler’s favor. One week before Hitler’s promised general election was due to take place, the Reichstag building was set ablaze and heavily damaged. A known communist- Marinus van der Lubbe- was caught near the burning Reichstag building. Lubbe was arrested and interrogated by Nazi officials, who say Lubbe confessed to the charged accusations. Hitler immediately declared that it was the signal for a communist takeover in the nation. To prepare for the possible upcoming events, Hitler asked Hindenburg to grant him emergency powers in view of the communist takeover. Hindenburg agreed to pass the Law for the Protection of the People and the State. This law banned on Communists and Socialists taking part in an election campaign; their opinion would not be held against Hitler. In March, the election took place as promised. Hitler got enough votes to get over fifty percent majority in the Reichstag. On March 23, elected officials were due to meet to discuss and vote on Hitler’s Enabling Law. Since the Reichstag building burned to the ground, the politicians decided to meet at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin. There were split opinions amongst the group of politicians that were supposed to assemble at the Opera House; some believed in left-wing theories and others concurred with right-wing politicians, which was pro Nazism. As the politicians neared the building, they were halted by thugs who ensured only Nationalists entered the building. The vote for this law was crucial because it potentially could grant Hitler immense power. The law stated that any bill only required Hitler’s signature and within twenty-four hours, the law would come into effect. With only Nazis and other right-wing politicians inside, the bill instantly became a law. Hitler received dictatorial powers, and that too, very easily. Was this Hitler’s plot all along? Was Hitler aware of the blockade set to seal off the building to prevent left-wing politicians from voting? We may never know, but one thing is clear- Hitler’s word is now the law. Possible Secret Alliance Brewing By: Braxton Bragg Underwood 1934 Past evidence has been accumulating which tends to show the presence of unusually close relations between Germany and Japan, possibly stretching to the extent of a secret alliance. The two countries are in similar situations in which each action of one country resembles that of the other one. Both countries have withdrawn from the League of Nations and are already engaging in preparing a more powerful military, which could be used for a plan of national expansion. In May of 1934, the United States Military Attaché in Berlin, Lieutenant Colonel Wuest, reported that the friendly behavior between the two militaristic countries has no personal basis, but is purely dependent on self-interest. Mr. Hugh W. Rowan explains, “We are encouraging close and friendly relations with Japan because it is to our advantage to do so but we must never forget that we are white people and they are not". One can barely speculate the people of Japan developing any genuine feeling towards the occidental people. Shortly thereafter, United States Consul Geist at Berlin reports to the Department of State that the German government is bent on restoring their military’s reputation and then seeing what can be obtained from the world. He claims that the German rearmament is focused upon air dominance and advanced technology, such as gas and bacteriological wars. It is evident that Germany is creating weapons to ensure their invincibility in “the next war.” The recent events arouses suspicion within the United States’ government. Government officials suspect a secret alliance between two powerful countries- Germany and Japan. Though German and Japanese officials have not yet confirmed it, The United States is compelled to imply that Germany and Japan are indeed in an alliance. However, there is nothing we can do except to prepare our country and to prepare our forces. If there is war brewing around the corner, then we must be ready for it.
From Chancellor to Führer - From Democracy to Dictatorship By: Braxton Bragg Underwood 1934 On August 2, 1934, the anticipated death of President Hindenburg finally occurred. Silence struck all of Germany, as they mourned for their great loss. Within hours of Hindenburg’s death, the Nazi Reichstag announced the new, promulgated law. The law stated that the position of Reich Chancellor will be combined with the position of Reich President, and titled Führer. Führer would be Adolf Hitler and he would be able to select his own deputy. Though this law violated provisions of the German constitution regarding the presidential succession, nobody raised objections. Instantly following the announcement, the German Officer Corps and every individual soldier in the Army were forced to swear to a new brand of allegiance. The oath was ensuring the soldiers trust and loyalty towards Hitler himself, not Germany as a whole. The pledge assured obedience and faith towards Hitler. After Hindenburg’s elaborate funeral, the Nazis planned a plebiscite vote giving the German people an opportunity to express their thoughts and approval about Hitler’s new position as Führer. On August 19, 1934, about ninety-five percent of Germany went to polls and gave Hitler thirty-eight million votes. Thus Hitler could now claim he was Führer of the German nation. Hitler achieved total power in Germany. Jews Are Alarmed at Hitler’s Laws By: Braxton Bragg Underwood November 19, 1935 At the annual Nuremberg rally, the Nazis announced new laws which establish many of the radical theories which are present in the Nazi philosophy. The laws prohibit German Jews from Reich citizenship and ban them from marrying people with “German blood.” Hitler’s laws disenfranchises Jews and denies them many of the previous rights they had. The Nuremberg Laws do not recognize a “Jew” as someone who has religious beliefs. Instead, Hitler identifies Jews on the basis of familial descent, disregarding what an individual recognizes himself or herself by. Having a mere drop of Jewish blood defines one as a Jew. Since many Germans have not practiced Judaism for years, they find themselves torn between two sides. However, most of Germany is caught in the grip of the Nazis. Surprisingly, many German Jews react with a sense of relief towards the Nuremberg Laws, thinking that the worst to come was over- at least, they finally know where they stand and can get on with their lives even if their rights are diminished. However, the minister of the interior, Wilhelm Frick, over-interprets the first decree of the Nuremberg Laws that extends the prohibition on marriage or sexual relations between people who could produce “racially suspect” offspring. Frick states that those who are not of German descent, should be included in the Laws, which are Gypsies, blacks, and many other minorities. Though the laws apply to many more ethnicities, the segregation has not been intensified. Recent events placed Hitler higher in rank, but will he earn a special place in the Germans’ hearts? Only time will tell, and all we can do it wait. |