How did Hitler and the Nazis come to Power?

Read the text from pages 152-155 in the handout. Then complete the
following activity.
Introduction- As stated on page 154, historian Gordon Craig makes the argument that Hitler
and the Nazis were never in fact popular with most of the German people but only gained their
support because they shared common fears (like Communism, Jews, anarchy, economic collapse,
disappearing German culture, etc) and a hatred for the democratic system under Weimar
Germany. This is referred to as negative cohesion. Joseph Goebbels, however, argues quite the
opposite. He would state that Hitler and the Nazis were hugely popular and that most Germans
shared their same set of beliefs. It was not only that the Germans shared the same set of fears
with the Nazis but they also positively agreed with Nazi views and ideology. This is called
positive cohesion.

First examine the following sources from the handout. Mark in the table whether each
source agrees with Gordon Craigs argument of negative cohesion, Joseph Goebbels
argument of positive cohesion, or both.
Gordon Craigs
Joseph Goebbels
Agrees with both
negative cohesion.
positive cohesion
arguments.
Source 37
Source 38
Source 39
Source 40
Source 41
Source 43
Now look at the other sources as well as the text. List in the table below examples and
evidence that support both arguments.
Gordon Craigs negative cohesion

Joseph Goebbels positive cohesion

Rank how far you agree with the following statements on a scale of 1-5, with 5 showing
the most agreement. Then briefly explain or justify your rating.
a. Very few people supported the Nazis. _______
Explanationb. The key factor was the economic depression. Without it, the Nazis would have
remained a minority fringe party. ________
Explanation-

c. The politicians of the Weimar Republic were mainly responsible for the rise of the
Nazis. ______
Explanation-