Jordan Crooks

Mr. Hawkins
Modern World History-P, Period 6
18 March 2016
Examine the reasons for the broad appeal to the German people of Nazi philosophy and
government. How did Hitler reawaken feelings of nationalism after the humiliation suffered after
the First World War?
Nazis are probably one of the most well-known Axis Powers during the events of World
War II, and its for a legitimate reason. The Holocaust made them infamous after killing nearly 6
million Jews, and 5 million others too. They committed atrocities so great, they went down in
history as one of the greatest evils that ever lived. But the main question is how they did rise to
power, and how did they become so popular? They had numerous appeals to the German people,
mainly because they understood the problems that plagued Germany.
The single-handedly largest issue of Germany was its economic state, which the Nazis
knew how to combat. To illustrate the situation, Germany was still reeling from the
consequences of WWI and had massive economic problems, not to mention political unrest.
Inflation was through the roof. [They] had to be paid a couple of times a day because your
money would be worthless if you waited a few hours. (Evidence 1) Inflation was so high that
even bread was overpriced, as it originally was a few hundred marks, but this inflation caused it
to cost hundreds of thousands because the money overflowed the markets. The currency
essentially becomes useless due to such an overstock of the German marks. It gets worse
however, because There was depression, food shortage, disorder, social upheaval, anger,
and a loss of faith within the German citizens. (Evidence 1) If everyone is poor, and theres

no work available because businesses go bankrupt, of course the people will be unhappy! After
all, economic prosperity leads to political stability. Lastly, as the Third Reich promises they
would [recover] the future tense for Germanythat there could be a new Germany
economically... (Evidence 1) Knowing that the people were miserable, all the promises the
Nazi party made to restore Germanys former economical powerhouse was made to appeal to
that. The simple thought that they, if the government was under their control, could fix
everything attracted others and their support. Therefore, this lead to people joining the Nazis,
especially WWI veterans.
The other of the two big factors in the Nazi Partys ever growing popularity was this
burning sense of nationalism that Hitler rekindled in the German people with his speeches. Since
the first World War was the reason why Germany was so low in morale even after it ended, the
Nazis [aroused] resentment against the Treaty of Versailles' harsh war reparations and
other conditions imposed on Germany, and calling for the Treaty's revocation. Also [they]
portrayed the loss of WW1 as being caused by betrayal by civilians and Jews and
Marxists. (Evidence 2) To revive a countrys sense of nationalism, you have to undermine a
huge downfall and blame it on others to realize, Hey! This wasnt our fault! or We didnt lose
at all! We wouldve won!. By doing so, Hitler and the Nazi party rebuilt the foundations to
bring back a once prideful country. In fact, Many Germans were fanatic nationalists, and
couldn't bare the fact they were forced to stop the war, even without taking the humiliating
ceasefire conditions. (Evidence 1) Its common knowledge that the loser of any war is going
to be sore about it, even to this day! Even Britain themselves still are upset over the American
Revolution if its brought up, and generally losing wars decreases morale all along the country.
Plus, with the power of Hitlers speeches, the party increased nationalism so much that In a

state of ubiquitous anxiety, the once disjointed Germans unified under a government that
provided comfort and security, a new state that would take control and help Germany
become a rising hegemonic power. (Evidence 2) As we would eventually see with World War
II, Hitler kept his promise to the German people, and made everyone proud to be German,
especially with his rants of anti-Semitism and the master race. These things, though very dark,
instilled hope and dignity into the German people and gave them back the country they sought to
see (not to justify what Hitler did). Thus the nationalistic side of their philosophy not only
intrigued Germans, but rekindled them with the help of Adolf Hitler.
Therefore, these very reasons are what defines the answer to the question. When things
look bleak, and theres no way out, people look for anything that brings them hope again. Hitler
took this opportunity to be that person so he could rise to power and eventually create the Nazi
state we all know happened. How else could he have been elected if it werent for the miseries of
the State?