Did you know *The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany* by William L. Shirer sold over one million copies in the US? This huge book, first out in 1960, showed the dark truth of *Nazi Germany* with great detail. It was a huge hit, making people think more about *World War II* and the horrors under *Adolf Hitler*.
Shirer’s story tells the key parts of *Third Reich history*. He used many sources, like *Nazi documents* and *Joseph Goebbels*’ diaries. He also used stories from the Nuremberg Trials. This mix of history and journalism gives a full view of how Hitler became powerful in *National Socialist Germany*.
The book’s success was huge, being turned into a series in *Reader’s Digest* and a TV series in 1968. Some historians didn’t like it, but it helped the public understand the *Nazi rise* and fall. It made people in Germany talk about their history and the dangers of Nazism. *Nazi Germany* is now seen as a warning about the dangers of hate and total control.
The Emergence of Adolf Hitler and the Birth of the Nazi Party
Adolf Hitler rose quickly from being unknown. He helped form the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazi Party). Germany was in trouble after losing World War I. This made Hitler use the nation’s feelings to grow the Nazi Party.
The Nazi Party began with the Beer Hall Putsch of 1923. It was a small group but grew fast because of Hitler’s great speaking skills and his idea of Aryan Supremacy. Even though they didn’t do well in early elections, they didn’t give up. By 1930, they had 18.3 percent of the vote, making them a big deal in Germany.
In Mein Kampf, Hitler shared his Anti-Semitic and Nationalist ideas. These struck a chord with people facing hard times and war reparations. After Hitler finished his prison sentence, he dove head first into politics. The party’s smart use of propaganda paid off in the July 1932 elections, where they got 37.3 percent of the vote, becoming the top party in Germany.
Even though their support dropped to 33.1 percent in November 1932, the Nazi Party was still a force to be reckoned with. The Communist Party also got more votes, which made people worry about a Communist takeover. By the end of 1932, many saw the Nazis as Germany’s best hope to avoid chaos
On January 30, 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany through a deal with conservative politicians. This move marked the start of his powerful rule, leading to the tragic events of World War II.
| Year | Event | Percentage of Vote | Seats in Parliament |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1924 | Nazi Party Election | 3% | NA |
| 1928 | Reichstag Election | 2.6% | NA |
| 1930 | Reichstag Election | 18.3% | NA |
| July 1932 | Reichstag Election | 37.3% | NA |
| November 1932 | Reichstag Election | 33.1% | NA |
| 1932 | Seats in Parliament | NA | 230 out of 608 |
| 1933 | Hitler Appointed Chancellor | NA | NA |
Consolidation of Power: From Chancellor to Führer
Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany and quickly worked to destroy democracy. He used the Reichstag Fire Decree to limit people’s rights. This led to the Enabling Act, giving Hitler power to make laws without approval.
Hitler then got rid of political opponents. He banned all parties except the Nazi Party on 14 July 1933. By 1935, over 1,600 newspapers were shut down due to strict censorship.
This censorship let Nazi propaganda control the news. It shaped public opinion in favour of the Nazis.
The Night of the Long Knives was a key event. From 30 June to 2 July 1934, Hitler removed the SA leadership and others who opposed him. About 100 SA members were killed, and many more were arrested or executed.
This move strengthened Hitler’s power over the Nazi Party. The Gestapo, led by Hermann Göring, carried out these orders effectively.
After President Paul von Hindenburg died on 19 August 1934, Hitler took both the Chancellor and President roles. He became the Führer of Germany. This move showed his total control, with the Gestapo and SS enforcing his rule.
The Nazis controlled every part of German life. They used propaganda to teach young people their beliefs. By March 1933, up to 200,000 people were in concentration camps.
- 5 March 1933: Nazis won 288 Reichstag seats.
- 23 March 1933: Enabling Act passed.
- 14 July 1933: Banning of all political parties except the Nazi Party.
- 30 June – 2 July 1934: Night of the Long Knives.
- 19 August 1934: Hitler becomes Führer following Hindenburg’s death.
Nazi Germany: Expansion and Conquest
The Nazi Germany wanted to grow and took action with the Blitzkrieg strategy. On September 1, 1939, they invaded Poland, starting World War II. This quick and strong attack became a key part of their growth.
Next, the Axis Powers took over much of Europe. They quickly took Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Belgium in May 1940. Denmark and Norway were also taken, with Denmark keeping its government but under German control.
Germany also wanted more. They took Austria on March 12, 1938, and parts of Czechoslovakia by March 1939. The Munich Conference in September 1938 let them take Sudetenland.
Germany didn’t stop in Europe. They launched Operation Barbarossa in June 1941 against the Soviet Union. They took a lot of land, including parts of Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine. But by summer 1942, they faced big challenges at Stalingrad and the Caucasus.
The Nazis had a plan to harm Jews, leading to the Holocaust. This plan changed the people and culture of occupied Europe. It caused huge suffering and loss.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany |
| 1935 | Reintroduction of military conscription; German army expansion |
| 1936 | Repudiation of the Treaty of Locarno; forces sent into the Rhineland |
| 1938 | Annexation of Austria and Sudetenland |
| 1939 | Invasion of Poland; beginning of World War II |
| 1940 | Luxembourg, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, and Belgium occupied |
| 1941 | Invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa) |
| 1942 | Advances to Stalingrad and the Caucasus |
The Fall of the Third Reich: Major Defeats and Economic Strain
The Third Reich fell apart due to big military losses and economic troubles. The Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943 was a key defeat for Nazi Germany. The Soviet army trapped and defeated the German 6th Army, making them surrender in February 1943.
This loss was made worse by the D-Day Landings on 6th June 1944. The Allies made a strong base in Normandy. These events showed the Third Reich was losing and hinted at its downfall.
Germany worked hard in the war but couldn’t match the Allies’ production. In 1943, Germany made 26,000 combat planes, while the US made 86,000. The Allies also hit Germany hard with bombs and blockades, making things worse.
This led to a big economic collapse, causing a lot of poverty and chaos. The end of the Third Reich was marked by desperate actions and chaos. Hitler died on 30th April 1945, ending a time of tyranny.
The Allies then won, finishing off the Nazi regime. Historians like William L. Shirer have recorded these events. They show how a regime seeking total power ended in disaster.
