The Rise of Adolf
Hitler in Germany
(1919–1933)
Gurpreet Singh
HIST 225B
26 March 2026
Introduction
This exhibit is about how Adolf Hitler came into power in
Germany after World War I.
After the war, Germany was not in a good situation at all.
People were struggling, jobs were less, money had very low
value, and honestly many people were just angry and
confused. The Treaty of Versailles also made things worse
because it punished Germany a lot.
So in this kind of situation, Hitler slowly gained support by
promising change, better economy, and strong leadership.
This exhibit shows how that shift happened… like from
democracy to dictatorship, step by step.
Germany After World
War I
Germany after World War I was really
unstable. The government was weak,
people didn’t trust leaders, and daily life
was actually very difficult. Inflation was
so high that money almost lost its
value… like people needed bundles of
cash just to buy basic things.
Unemployment was also a big issue.
Many soldiers came back from war and
had no work. This created frustration
among common people.
Why it matters: This situation made
people ready to support someone who
promised quick solutions—even if those
solutions were extreme.
People carrying large bundles of
money due to loss of value
Crowds gathering outside banks during financial instability
German streets showing effects of povety and crisis
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles forced Germany
to accept full blame for World War I. It
also made Germany pay huge
reparations and reduce its military
power.
Many Germans felt this was unfair. Like,
not just unfair… humiliating. They
believed their country was being treated
badly by other nations.
Hitler used this feeling very smartly. He
blamed the treaty and promised to
make Germany strong again.
Why it matters: This anger became
one of the main reasons people started
supporting Hitler.
Leaders signing the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, officially ending World War I
Political cartoon showing countries blaming each other for the war and its
consequences
Growth of Nazi
Party
Hitler joined the Nazi Party and slowly became its
main leader. He was a strong speaker… like really
powerful when he talked. He knew how to connect
with people’s emotions.
He used propaganda—posters, speeches, rallies—to
spread his ideas. He promised jobs, better economy,
and a proud Germany again.
People started believing him. Not everyone at once,
but gradually.
Why it matters: This is where Hitler’s popularity
really starts building.
Hitler gaining support through public rallies and strong
leadership image
Hitler delivering speeches that influenced and
attracted large audiences
Hitler Becomes
Chancellor
In 1933, Hitler was appointed
Chancellor of Germany. At first, it
looked like a normal political move.
But things changed very fast after
that.
After the Reichstag fire, Hitler used
it as an excuse to take more control.
He passed laws that removed
opposition and limited freedom.
Why it matters: This moment
basically ends democracy in
Germany. After this, Hitler had full
control.
Hitler meeting German leaders after being appointed Chancellor in 1933
Reichstag building on fire in 1933, which helped Hitler remove opposition
and gain more power
Nazi Dictatorship
Once Hitler got power, he didn’t
share it. Everything was controlled
—media, education, even people’s
thoughts in some way.
Opposition was not allowed. People
who disagreed were punished.
Books were burned. Youth were
trained to follow Nazi ideas.
It wasn’t just political control… it
became control over daily life too.
Why it matters: Germany turned
into a dictatorship under Nazi rule.
Nazi propaganda posters used to influence people and spread ideology
Large Nazi rallies showing control, unity, and support for the regime
Historiography
Historians don’t all agree on one single reason for Hitler’s rise, and honestly that’s
what makes this topic a bit interesting. Klaus Schwabe explains that Hitler’s rise
cannot be understood without looking at the impact of World War I and its
consequences. He argues that Germany’s defeat, humiliation, and economic problems
created the conditions that made Hitler’s rise possible (Schwabe 864–865). So here,
the focus is more on the situation of Germany rather than just Hitler himself.
On the other side, A. S. Cohan looks more at Hitler as an individual. He suggests that
Hitler’s personality and psychological traits played a major role in shaping his political
behaviour and leadership (Cohan 160–161). Basically, this view is more about who
Hitler was, not just what was happening around him.
Then, Christian Goeschel adds another angle. He points out that historians today try to
balance both ideas—looking at leaders but also the larger political and social context
(Goeschel 6–7) .
So, in simple words, Hitler’s rise was not because of one reason. It was a mix of bad
conditions in Germany and his own leadership and personality.
Works Cited
Schwabe, Klaus. “World War I and the Rise of Hitler.” Diplomatic
History, vol. 38, no. 4, 2014, pp. 864–879.
Cohan, A. S. “Politics and Psychoanalysis: The Sources of Hitler’s
Political Behaviour.” British Journal of International Studies, vol. 1, no. 2,
1975, pp. 160–175.
Goeschel, Christian. “Biography, Political Leadership, and Foreign
Policy Reconsidered.” European Review of International Studies, vol. 4,
2017, pp. 5–19.