An evaluation of the reasons why the Nazis achieved power in 1933

The Weimar Republic was disliked by many Germans because of its association with the Treaty of Versailles. This treaty, which ended World War I, was seen as a national humiliation.
The democratic nature of the Weimar Republic was unfamiliar to most Germans, who were used to autocratic rule under the Kaiser. This made the republic seem alien and unworkable.
Structural issues within the Weimar system allowed extremist parties like the Nazis to gain a presence in the Reichstag. The system of proportional representation meant even small parties could gain seats.
The Republic faced numerous challenges such as hyperinflation in 1923 and the Great Depression in 1929. This created a general climate of economic and social instabilities, which were exploited by the Nazis.

The Nazis had a powerful propaganda machine. They were able to control and manipulate the messages that the German populace heard.
Joseph Goebbels, the party’s head of propaganda, helped the Nazis to create and maintain a positive and attractive image.
The Nazis presented themselves as a party able to restore order and stability, and their promises to end unemployment and restore German pride were particularly appealing in light of the economic hardships faced by many Germans.
The Party cleverly used modern methods such as films, radio broadcasts and posters to spread their message.

Hitler was seen as a powerful, decisive and dynamic leader — something that appealed to many Germans during a time of uncertainty.
The promise of strong leadership was attractive to many, especially in the context of the seeming indecisiveness and inefficiency of the Weimar Republic.
Hitler’s speeches tapped into the public’s anger and fear, effectively mobilising support for Nazi ideology.

Hitler became Chancellor not through a democratic election, but because of political deals and backstabbing. This included the intrigue with conservative politicians like Franz von Papen and President Hindenburg.
The Enabling Act of 1933 gave Hitler the power to pass laws without the need for approval from the Reichstag, which consolidated his power.
The Reichstag fire was used by Hitler to heighten fear of communism, leading to the suspension of many civil liberties and paving the way for a Nazi dictatorship.

The Nazis, especially through Hitler’s Stormtroopers (the SA), used violence and intimidation to suppress their opponents, a strategy that was largely successful.
The SA’s frequent street battles with communists, and their disruptions of meetings of other political parties, induced an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, thus enhancing the Nazis’ claim to be the party of law and order.