Analyse the methods used by Hitler in his successful bid for power.

Hitler used a combination of methods to achieve power, and this essay is asking you to explore these. I would structure this essay based on three main methods: Hitler’s use of the past and ideology, his use of propaganda, and lastly his use of force and political control.

Hitler was very skilled at understanding the frustrations and grievances of the German people and using them to gain support and political advantage. Germany’s defeat in World War One was a major economic and psychological loss for the country, with the Treaty of Versailles placing harsh measures on Germany. The Weimar Republic failed to address these issues, whereas Hitler tackled them head on. Article 231 of the Treaty of Versailles placed the blame for the war solely on Germany whereas Hitler, making use of the anti-semitism of the time, placed the responsibility on Jewish people. By providing a scapegoat for German people’s frustrations, Hitler became more prominent and popular. He understood the desire for Lebensraum, or ‘living room’ that Germans claimed to deserve. Furthermore, the Wall Street Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression that followed ultimately meant that people were looking for a radical change to solve the country’s many problems, and Hitler promoted himself as the answer.

Secondly, the use of propaganda to promote Hitler and the Nazis was highly efficient and successful at targeting individual groups within German society. Joseph Goebbels was a pioneer in this regard, helping to grow the cult of Hitler and improve and guarantee popular support. Hitler’s skills as an orator meant that he was incredibly persuasive. The formation and development of the Hitler Youth was an effective method of capturing the hearts and minds of the next generation for the longevity of his rule.

Lastly, it is important to include a paragraph on Hitler’s use of force and political control. Hitler’s use of the Reichstag Fire of 1933 to trigger Article 48 meant that he had eliminated opposition from the communists and ultimately secured the Nazi Party’s status as a majority party. The murder of over eighty political opponents during the Night of the Long Knives eliminated criticism from within the state. By way of conclusion, one could suggest which method proved to be the most successful in Hitler’s successful bid for power.