Germany Essay marking

[Mada438]

Hey so i recently completed my essay for my assignment
The question is: Account for the Nazi seizure of power in 1933
Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks in advance! 
During the 20th century, the world witnessed the rise of one of the most powerful fascist states in recorded history, Nazi Germany. From the early 1920’s the Nazi’s attempted taking over the German Government with Adolph Hitler as their leader. However, the idea that the Nazis had come to power by the use of force became part of the propagated Nazi political myth. The Nazi’s cumulative seizure of power in 1933 was through political gains, propaganda and manipulation. There are various views outlining how the Nazi’s seized power in 1933. This essay will argue that these can be summarised as the fall of the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazi parties’ appeal, the parties’ absence of legitimate opposition, and the personal charisma and exploits of Hitler. 

Although the Nazi’s did eventually seize power in 1933, it was the downfall of the, the Weimar Republic, which signalled the dawn of the Third Reich in Germany. In practice, the Nazi’s could not seize power while the Republic retained even a slither of authority and remained in power. From its foundation in 1919 until its eventual demise in 1933, the Republic was plagued by numerous problems, especially between 1919-1925 and 1930 onwards.
A continuous and major problem was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty impacted economically, socially and politically. As the government inheriting Germany’s economic woes after World War 1, the Weimar Republic was blamed for the country’s’ poor economic state. More money was produced as a solution. With fewer goods and more money in circulation, hyperinflation and a worthless currency resulted.
German pride was dealt a huge blow by the signing of the Treaty. This mainly came from the ‘war guilt clause’ that blamed Germany for instigating the war and that they were responsible “for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected” (Treaty of Versailles, article 231).  Furthermore, the German public could not comprehend that they had lost the war, thus further contributing negativity towards the Weimar Republic.
Politically, this contributed to the illusion of an illegitimate government. The economic issues of the Treaty and the Republic as a whole (leading to the hyperinflation), the war guilt and its impact on German egotism plus the number of coalitions that ran the government during its reign (as not a single party could reach a majority), created the image of a weak Republic. This juxtaposed the ideals of German nationalistic pride. Consequently, it can be argued that the Treaty contributed to the Republics’ downfall.
The global depression of the 1930s had a catastrophic effect on the Republics’ downfall. Germany’s economy was one of the worst hit. After fragile growth between 1925-1929, a tenuous economy relied heavily on foreign loans and exportation. An American economic crutch known as The Dawes Plan supported the economy by assisting with reparations payments. Yet external global forces such as the Wall Street crash of 1929, and internal economic band aid measures such as wage cuts and spending reductions by the German Chancellor, Heinrich Bruning, only contributed to the rising crisis.
Furthermore, unemployment added to the local economy’s afflictions. By 1932 German industrial production was at 58 percent of its 1928 levels (Llewellyn, 2014). With this reduction, unemployment reached devastating highs. By 1929, unemployment was 1.5 million. By 1933, it reached 6 million (Llewellyn, 2014). Thus “It is inconceivable that Hitler could ever have come to power had not the Weimar Republic been subjected to the unprecedented strain of the world economic crisis”. (Majzlik, n.d.)
Dissatisfaction among the masses coupled with unemployment created fertile grounds for the Nazi party to grow. Ensuing global economic problems combined with internal growing discontent saw the party’s votes increase by over 13 million over four years (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2018). Nonetheless, the Nazi party tools of propaganda and manipulation of facts relating to daily life fortified their stronghold.                               

Propaganda was vital for emphasising party ideals. Speeches were tailored to appeal to different audiences. For example, when addressing businessmen, the Nazis downplayed antisemitism and instead emphasized battling communism and the return of German colonies lost through the Treaty of Versailles When addressing soldiers or nationalist interest groups, Nazi propaganda emphasized the restructuring and vast expansion of the German military and repossessing of territories lost after World War 1. Other examples included: farmers being told a Nazi Government would prop up falling agricultural prices; pensioners were told their monthly payments would remain the same (The Nazi rise to power, n.d.).
While propaganda was tailored for its audience, further manipulation of facts targeted specific groups to gain a broader appeal. Soldiers and World War 1 veterans were examples of targeted groups used to cement the party’s stronghold. This was because Hitler believed that he could not exert his more desired policies (e.g. anti-Semitic policies) without first gaining the broad appeal of the German population.
In addition to the propagandized speeches, further manipulation of facts and a financial boost advanced the Nazi cause. Following the achievement of 14,000,000 million votes in July 1932, their numbers by the November 1932 elections were reduced to 12,000,000 (33%) votes with the Communists/Social Democrats parties actually rising from 14.3% (July) to 16.9% in November (The Nazi rise to power, n.d.). As a result, President Hindenburg (and his small ‘inner circle’ or conservative elites), among others in Germany, believed that communists were gaining votes in order to instigate a communist revolution. Nazis were promoted as Germany’s only hope to stop this threat. Consequently, Nazi propagandists went to great lengths to enhance this impression. Accordingly, big business owners (who were afraid of a communist takeover) increased their funding towards Hitler's campaign. This instance is just one example of the Nazis’ propaganda machine manipulating the minds of Germans. With examination of voting results, it can be argued that the Nazi party always held some level of appeal with a section of the German people which contributed to their rise and eventual seizure of power. It is through these factors that the Nazi party as a whole grew. Additionally, Hitler’s persona added to the Nazi party’s allure and subsequent growth.






While the appeal of the Nazi party was indeed great, it was the image of their leader Hitler and his political genius that really drove the Nazi party into power. “Hitler was the archetypal "charismatic leader". He was not a "normal" politician - someone who promises policies like lower taxes and better health care - but a quasi-religious leader who offered almost spiritual goals of redemption and salvation. He was driven forward by a sense of personal destiny he called ‘Providence’ (Rees, 2012). However, he was not instantly liked. In 1928 the Nazis had only 2.6% of the vote (Trueman, 2015), with most people viewing him as “not quite normal” (Rees, 2012). It wasn’t until economic depression brought the economy to its knees by 1932, that the Nazis really had achieved power with 37% of the vote (Trueman, 2015). By this time, Hitler’s charismatic zeal began to appeal to many unemployed and dissatisfied Germans. People began to feel a connection with Hitler and began embracing the ideals of Nazism.
Furthermore, along with his charisma, Hitler was also a political genius in the sense that he knew how to capitalise on and manipulate events. One such example was a fire in 1933, destroying the German Reichstag. Whether the fire was lit by the Nazis, communists or any other party is still debated. However, what is not debated is the way that Hitler used the fire to his advantage. Following the fire, an enabling act was passed, which amended the constitution in a way that gave Hitler total and absolute power. It “enabled Hitler’s government to issue decrees independently of the Reichstag and the presidency.” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2017). Hitler exploited this act as a necessary measure to eliminate the communists and enemies of the Nazi party for securing power. With all authoritative power belonging to him and his enemies scattered, Hitler was free to carry out his Nazi ideals.

A distinct lack of opposition to the Nazi party helped strengthen the party’s political force. The internal factors surrounding Hitler and the Nazis charm and political genius are key factors leading to their rise to power. Yet few people voted for other parties which decreased other parties’ sphere of influence. Additionally, the general population and the press found it problematic as support for the party swelled. By the time of the national plebiscite in 1933, Hitler was endorsed by 9 to 1 in a poll on his dictatorship (New York Times, n.d.). Those who did manage to oppose Hitler publically were mostly shut down by the deployments of the Gestapo (police).


The year 1933 was indeed a key year in Germany that saw the consolidation of power by the Nazi party. Their cumulative seizure of power was through political gains, propaganda and manipulation. The fall of the Weimar Republic, the Nazi Party’s appeal, their lack of opposition and Hitler’s personal charm and political genius ensured this consolidation. With complete power in their hands by 1933, the Nazi’s were able to pursue their horrifically anti-Semitic and violent policies that would plague the European continent for years to come.

[sudodds]

Hey so i recently completed my essay for my assignment
The question is: Account for the Nazi seizure of power in 1933
Any feedback is appreciated! Thanks in advance! 

You posted this at a good time! I'm currently in a fairly isolated little French town with hardly anything to do, so might as well mark an essay for one of the most helpful history students on the forum!

Spoiler

During the 20th century, the world witnessed the rise of one of the most powerful fascist states in recorded history, Nazi Germany. Though this sounds lovely, with a modern history essay, your first sentence needs to be more of a judgement. It's kind of there, but it doesn't relate to the question as strongly as it needs to in my opinion, as though it does address that the Nazi's seized power, it doesn't ACCOUNT for it (ie. suggest how it happened). Your first sentence, short and sweet, needs to address this question specifically. Something like; The Nazi seizure of power in 1933 was facilitated by...(insert your opinion here). From the early 1920’s the Nazi’s attempted taking over the German Government with Adolphf Hitler as their leader. However, the idea that the Nazis had come to power by the use of force became part of the propagated Nazi political myth. The Nazi’s cumulative seizure of power in 1933 was through political gains, propaganda and manipulation. This would have been a fantastic first sentence! There are various views outlining how the Nazi’s seized power in 1933. This essay will argue that these can be summarised as the fall of the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazi parties’ appeal, the parties’ absence of legitimate opposition, and the personal charisma and exploits of Hitler. I like the factors you have chosen!

Although the Nazi’s did eventually seize power in 1933, it was the downfall of the, the Weimar Republic, which signalled the dawn of the Third Reich in Germany. Fantastic opening sentence. In practice, the Nazi’s could not seize power while the Republic retained even a slither of authority and remained in power. From its foundation in 1919 until its eventual demise in 1933, the Republic was plagued by numerous problems, especially between 1919-1925 and 1930 onwards.
A continuous and major problem was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty impacted economically, socially and politically. As the government inheriting Germany’s economic woes after World War 1, the Weimar Republic was blamed for the country’s’ poor economic state. More money was produced as a solution. With fewer goods and more money in circulation, hyperinflation and a worthless currency resulted. It would be nice to include a little bit more detail here - not too much, but mentioning that the 200 million mark notes went into circulation during this time, or other statistics related to inflation would have not gone a miss!
German pride was dealt a huge blow by the signing of the Treaty. This mainly came from the ‘war guilt clause’ that blamed Germany for instigating the war and that they were responsible “for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected” (Treaty of Versailles, article 231).  Furthermore, the German public could not comprehend that they had lost the war might be nice to mention that this myth was further propagated by the wartime generals, thus further contributing negativity towards the Weimar Republic.
Politically, this contributed to the illusion of an illegitimate government. The economic issues of the Treaty and the Republic as a whole (leading to the hyperinflation), the war guilt and its impact on German egotism plus the number of coalitions that ran the government during its reign (as not a single party could reach a majority), created the image of a weak Republic. This juxtaposed the ideals of German nationalistic pride. Consequently, it can be argued that the Treaty contributed to the Republics’ downfall. I think that, overall, more detail is needed. DETAIL, DETAIL, DETAIL! As my teacher would say - it really is the difference between not only a band 5 and a band 6, but a band 6 and a high band 6!
The global depression of the 1930s had a catastrophic avoid using such extreme language - you probably wouldn't get marked down for it specifically,
 but it can make your essay look a bit literary effect on the Republics’ downfall. Germany’s economy was one of the worst hit The underlined to me appears a bit too colloquial - "was one of the most critically affected", or something along those lines, sounds better.. After fragile growth between 1925-1929 I'd mention, just as some added detail that this was during the Stresemann era, a tenuous economy relied heavily on foreign loans and exportation. An American economic crutch known as The Dawes Plan supported the economy by assisting with reparations payments. Yet external global forces such as the Wall Street crash of 1929, and internal economic band aid measures such as wage cuts and spending reductions by the German Chancellor, Heinrich Bruning, only contributed to the rising crisis Stats?.
Furthermore, unemployment added to the local economy’s afflictions. By 1932 German industrial production was at 58 percent of its 1928 levels (Llewellyn, 2014). With this reduction, unemployment reached devastating highs. By 1929, unemployment was 1.5 million. By 1933, it reached 6 million (Llewellyn, 2014). Thus “It is inconceivable that Hitler could ever have come to power had not the Weimar Republic been subjected to the unprecedented strain of the world economic crisis”. (Majzlik, n.d.) This is what I'm talking about! Some great detail here, needs to be more consistent throughout the essay.
Dissatisfaction among the masses coupled with unemployment created fertile grounds for the Nazi party to grow. Ensuing global economic problems combined with internal growing discontent saw the party’s votes increase by over 13 million over four years (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2018) Personally I didn't source stats, only quotes. You wouldn't get marked down for it, but unless your teacher insists I don't think you should waste your time on it . Nonetheless, the Nazi party tools of propaganda and manipulation of facts relating to daily life fortified their stronghold.                               

Propaganda was vital for emphasising party ideals, thus contributing to the rise in support for the Nazi Party, and their eventual seizure of power in 1933 - make sure that you explain your points a bit more, and relate them back to the question!. Speeches were tailored to appeal to different audiences. For example, when addressing businessmen, the Nazis downplayed antisemitism and instead emphasized battling communism and the return of German colonies lost through the Treaty of Versailles. When addressing soldiers or nationalist interest groups, Nazi propaganda emphasized the restructuring and vast expansion of the German military and repossessing of territories lost after World War 1. Other examples included; farmers being told a Nazi Government would prop up falling agricultural prices; pensioners were told their monthly payments would remain the same (The Nazi rise to power, n.d.).
While propaganda was tailored for its audience, further manipulation of facts targeted specific groups to gain a broader appeal. Soldiers and World War 1 veterans were examples of targeted groups used to cement the party’s stronghold. This was because Hitler believed that he could not exert his more desired policies (e.g. anti-Semitic policies) without first gaining the broad appeal of the German population. Great detail.
In addition to the propagandized speeches, further manipulation of facts and a financial boost advanced the Nazi cause. Following the achievement of 14,000,000 million votes in July 1932, their numbers by the November 1932 elections were reduced to 12,000,000 (33%) votes with the Communists/Social Democrats parties actually rising from 14.3% (July) to 16.9% in November (The Nazi rise to power, n.d.).Even better detail! As a result, President Hindenburg (and his small ‘inner circle’ or conservative elites), among others in Germany, believed that communists were gaining votes in order to instigate a communist revolution. Nazis were promoted as Germany’s only hope to stop this threat. Consequently, Nazi propagandists went to great lengths to enhance this impression. Accordingly, big business owners (who were afraid of a communist takeover) increased their funding towards Hitler's campaign. This instance is just one example of the Nazis’ propaganda machine manipulating the minds of Germans. With examination of voting results, it can be argued that the Nazi party always held some level of appeal with a section of the German people which contributed to their rise and eventual seizure of power. It is through these factors that the Nazi party as a whole grew. Additionally, Hitler’s persona added to the Nazi party’s allure and subsequent growth.

While the appeal of the Nazi party was indeed great, it was the image of their leader Hitler and his political genius that really drove the Nazi party into power. “Hitler was the archetypal "charismatic leader" Who said this?. He was not a "normal" politician - someone who promises policies like lower taxes and better health care feel like this was a bit literary, could have stopped at "normal" politician" - but a quasi-religious leader who offered almost spiritual goals of redemption and salvation. He was driven forward by a sense of personal destiny he called ‘Providence’ (Rees, 2012). However, he was not instantly liked. In 1928 the Nazis had only 2.6% of the vote (Trueman, 2015), with most people viewing him as “not quite normal” (Rees, 2012). It wasn’t until economic depression brought the economy to its knees by 1932, that the Nazis really had achieved power with 37% of the vote (Trueman, 2015). By this time, Hitler’s charismatic zeal began to appeal to many unemployed and dissatisfied Germans. People began to feel a connection with Hitler and began embracing the ideals of Nazism.
Furthermore, along with his charisma, Hitler was also a political genius in the sense that he knew how to capitalise on and manipulate events. One such example was a fire in 1933, destroying the German Reichstag. Whether the fire was lit by the Nazis, communists or any other party is still debated. However, what is not debated is the way that Hitler used the fire to his advantage. Following the fire, an enabling act was passed, which amended the constitution in a way that gave Hitler total and absolute power. It “enabled Hitler’s government to issue decrees independently of the Reichstag and the presidency.” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2017) I may be wrong, but as much as encyclopaedia Britiannica is a reliable source, it is not a historian, and thus not a quotable source - it's more of a textbook. If you can find a historian (maybe in the footnotes) to quote, that would be better!. Hitler exploited this act as a necessary measure to eliminate the communists and enemies of the Nazi party for securing power. With all authoritative power belonging to him and his enemies scattered, Hitler was free to carry out his Nazi ideals.

A distinct lack of opposition to the Nazi party helped strengthen the party’s political force. The internal factors surrounding Hitler and the Nazis charm and political genius are key factors leading to their rise to power. Yet few people voted for other parties which decreased other parties’ sphere of influence. Additionally, the general population and the press found it problematic as support for the party swelled. By the time of the national plebiscite in 1933, Hitler was endorsed by 9 to 1 in a poll on his dictatorship (New York Times, n.d.). Those who did manage to oppose Hitler publically were mostly shut down by the deployments of the Gestapo (police).


The year 1933 was indeed a key year in Germany that saw the consolidation of power by the Nazi party. Their cumulative seizure of power was through political gains, propaganda and manipulation. The fall of the Weimar Republic, the Nazi Party’s appeal, their lack of opposition and Hitler’s personal charm and political genius ensured this consolidation. With complete power in their hands by 1933, the Nazi’s were able to pursue their horrifically anti-Semitic and violent policies that would plague the European continent for years to come.

Overall this was a great essay Mada438! In my opinion it would definitely receive a band 6. For the most part, my main comments can be found within the spoiler. I would say that the beginning of your essay did not have the same level of detail as the latter half, so it would be a good idea to even that out. There were also a few things that you left out which I think would be worthwhile even just mentioning briefly, in particular how the structure of the Weimar government enabled the rise of Hitler and the Nazi's through the concept of proportional representation.

Well done! If you have any questions regarding my feedback, do not hesitate to ask!

Susie

[Mada438]

You posted this at a good time! I'm currently in a fairly isolated little French town with hardly anything to do, so might as well mark an essay for one of the most helpful history students on the forum!

Spoiler

During the 20th century, the world witnessed the rise of one of the most powerful fascist states in recorded history, Nazi Germany. Though this sounds lovely, with a modern history essay, your first sentence needs to be more of a judgement. It's kind of there, but it doesn't relate to the question as strongly as it needs to in my opinion, as though it does address that the Nazi's seized power, it doesn't ACCOUNT for it (ie. suggest how it happened). Your first sentence, short and sweet, needs to address this question specifically. Something like; The Nazi seizure of power in 1933 was facilitated by...(insert your opinion here). From the early 1920’s the Nazi’s attempted taking over the German Government with Adolphf Hitler as their leader. However, the idea that the Nazis had come to power by the use of force became part of the propagated Nazi political myth. The Nazi’s cumulative seizure of power in 1933 was through political gains, propaganda and manipulation. This would have been a fantastic first sentence! There are various views outlining how the Nazi’s seized power in 1933. This essay will argue that these can be summarised as the fall of the Weimar Republic, the rise of the Nazi parties’ appeal, the parties’ absence of legitimate opposition, and the personal charisma and exploits of Hitler. I like the factors you have chosen!

Although the Nazi’s did eventually seize power in 1933, it was the downfall of the, the Weimar Republic, which signalled the dawn of the Third Reich in Germany. Fantastic opening sentence. In practice, the Nazi’s could not seize power while the Republic retained even a slither of authority and remained in power. From its foundation in 1919 until its eventual demise in 1933, the Republic was plagued by numerous problems, especially between 1919-1925 and 1930 onwards.
A continuous and major problem was the impact of the Treaty of Versailles. The Treaty impacted economically, socially and politically. As the government inheriting Germany’s economic woes after World War 1, the Weimar Republic was blamed for the country’s’ poor economic state. More money was produced as a solution. With fewer goods and more money in circulation, hyperinflation and a worthless currency resulted. It would be nice to include a little bit more detail here - not too much, but mentioning that the 200 million mark notes went into circulation during this time, or other statistics related to inflation would have not gone a miss!
German pride was dealt a huge blow by the signing of the Treaty. This mainly came from the ‘war guilt clause’ that blamed Germany for instigating the war and that they were responsible “for causing all the loss and damage to which the Allied and Associated Governments and their nationals have been subjected” (Treaty of Versailles, article 231).  Furthermore, the German public could not comprehend that they had lost the war might be nice to mention that this myth was further propagated by the wartime generals, thus further contributing negativity towards the Weimar Republic.
Politically, this contributed to the illusion of an illegitimate government. The economic issues of the Treaty and the Republic as a whole (leading to the hyperinflation), the war guilt and its impact on German egotism plus the number of coalitions that ran the government during its reign (as not a single party could reach a majority), created the image of a weak Republic. This juxtaposed the ideals of German nationalistic pride. Consequently, it can be argued that the Treaty contributed to the Republics’ downfall. I think that, overall, more detail is needed. DETAIL, DETAIL, DETAIL! As my teacher would say - it really is the difference between not only a band 5 and a band 6, but a band 6 and a high band 6!
The global depression of the 1930s had a catastrophic avoid using such extreme language - you probably wouldn't get marked down for it specifically,
 but it can make your essay look a bit literary effect on the Republics’ downfall. Germany’s economy was one of the worst hit The underlined to me appears a bit too colloquial - "was one of the most critically affected", or something along those lines, sounds better.. After fragile growth between 1925-1929 I'd mention, just as some added detail that this was during the Stresemann era, a tenuous economy relied heavily on foreign loans and exportation. An American economic crutch known as The Dawes Plan supported the economy by assisting with reparations payments. Yet external global forces such as the Wall Street crash of 1929, and internal economic band aid measures such as wage cuts and spending reductions by the German Chancellor, Heinrich Bruning, only contributed to the rising crisis Stats?.
Furthermore, unemployment added to the local economy’s afflictions. By 1932 German industrial production was at 58 percent of its 1928 levels (Llewellyn, 2014). With this reduction, unemployment reached devastating highs. By 1929, unemployment was 1.5 million. By 1933, it reached 6 million (Llewellyn, 2014). Thus “It is inconceivable that Hitler could ever have come to power had not the Weimar Republic been subjected to the unprecedented strain of the world economic crisis”. (Majzlik, n.d.) This is what I'm talking about! Some great detail here, needs to be more consistent throughout the essay.
Dissatisfaction among the masses coupled with unemployment created fertile grounds for the Nazi party to grow. Ensuing global economic problems combined with internal growing discontent saw the party’s votes increase by over 13 million over four years (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2018) Personally I didn't source stats, only quotes. You wouldn't get marked down for it, but unless your teacher insists I don't think you should waste your time on it . Nonetheless, the Nazi party tools of propaganda and manipulation of facts relating to daily life fortified their stronghold.                               

Propaganda was vital for emphasising party ideals, thus contributing to the rise in support for the Nazi Party, and their eventual seizure of power in 1933 - make sure that you explain your points a bit more, and relate them back to the question!. Speeches were tailored to appeal to different audiences. For example, when addressing businessmen, the Nazis downplayed antisemitism and instead emphasized battling communism and the return of German colonies lost through the Treaty of Versailles. When addressing soldiers or nationalist interest groups, Nazi propaganda emphasized the restructuring and vast expansion of the German military and repossessing of territories lost after World War 1. Other examples included; farmers being told a Nazi Government would prop up falling agricultural prices; pensioners were told their monthly payments would remain the same (The Nazi rise to power, n.d.).
While propaganda was tailored for its audience, further manipulation of facts targeted specific groups to gain a broader appeal. Soldiers and World War 1 veterans were examples of targeted groups used to cement the party’s stronghold. This was because Hitler believed that he could not exert his more desired policies (e.g. anti-Semitic policies) without first gaining the broad appeal of the German population. Great detail.
In addition to the propagandized speeches, further manipulation of facts and a financial boost advanced the Nazi cause. Following the achievement of 14,000,000 million votes in July 1932, their numbers by the November 1932 elections were reduced to 12,000,000 (33%) votes with the Communists/Social Democrats parties actually rising from 14.3% (July) to 16.9% in November (The Nazi rise to power, n.d.).Even better detail! As a result, President Hindenburg (and his small ‘inner circle’ or conservative elites), among others in Germany, believed that communists were gaining votes in order to instigate a communist revolution. Nazis were promoted as Germany’s only hope to stop this threat. Consequently, Nazi propagandists went to great lengths to enhance this impression. Accordingly, big business owners (who were afraid of a communist takeover) increased their funding towards Hitler's campaign. This instance is just one example of the Nazis’ propaganda machine manipulating the minds of Germans. With examination of voting results, it can be argued that the Nazi party always held some level of appeal with a section of the German people which contributed to their rise and eventual seizure of power. It is through these factors that the Nazi party as a whole grew. Additionally, Hitler’s persona added to the Nazi party’s allure and subsequent growth.

While the appeal of the Nazi party was indeed great, it was the image of their leader Hitler and his political genius that really drove the Nazi party into power. “Hitler was the archetypal "charismatic leader" Who said this?. He was not a "normal" politician - someone who promises policies like lower taxes and better health care feel like this was a bit literary, could have stopped at "normal" politician" - but a quasi-religious leader who offered almost spiritual goals of redemption and salvation. He was driven forward by a sense of personal destiny he called ‘Providence’ (Rees, 2012). However, he was not instantly liked. In 1928 the Nazis had only 2.6% of the vote (Trueman, 2015), with most people viewing him as “not quite normal” (Rees, 2012). It wasn’t until economic depression brought the economy to its knees by 1932, that the Nazis really had achieved power with 37% of the vote (Trueman, 2015). By this time, Hitler’s charismatic zeal began to appeal to many unemployed and dissatisfied Germans. People began to feel a connection with Hitler and began embracing the ideals of Nazism.
Furthermore, along with his charisma, Hitler was also a political genius in the sense that he knew how to capitalise on and manipulate events. One such example was a fire in 1933, destroying the German Reichstag. Whether the fire was lit by the Nazis, communists or any other party is still debated. However, what is not debated is the way that Hitler used the fire to his advantage. Following the fire, an enabling act was passed, which amended the constitution in a way that gave Hitler total and absolute power. It “enabled Hitler’s government to issue decrees independently of the Reichstag and the presidency.” (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2017) I may be wrong, but as much as encyclopaedia Britiannica is a reliable source, it is not a historian, and thus not a quotable source - it's more of a textbook. If you can find a historian (maybe in the footnotes) to quote, that would be better!. Hitler exploited this act as a necessary measure to eliminate the communists and enemies of the Nazi party for securing power. With all authoritative power belonging to him and his enemies scattered, Hitler was free to carry out his Nazi ideals.

A distinct lack of opposition to the Nazi party helped strengthen the party’s political force. The internal factors surrounding Hitler and the Nazis charm and political genius are key factors leading to their rise to power. Yet few people voted for other parties which decreased other parties’ sphere of influence. Additionally, the general population and the press found it problematic as support for the party swelled. By the time of the national plebiscite in 1933, Hitler was endorsed by 9 to 1 in a poll on his dictatorship (New York Times, n.d.). Those who did manage to oppose Hitler publically were mostly shut down by the deployments of the Gestapo (police).


The year 1933 was indeed a key year in Germany that saw the consolidation of power by the Nazi party. Their cumulative seizure of power was through political gains, propaganda and manipulation. The fall of the Weimar Republic, the Nazi Party’s appeal, their lack of opposition and Hitler’s personal charm and political genius ensured this consolidation. With complete power in their hands by 1933, the Nazi’s were able to pursue their horrifically anti-Semitic and violent policies that would plague the European continent for years to come.

Overall this was a great essay Mada438! In my opinion it would definitely receive a band 6. For the most part, my main comments can be found within the spoiler. I would say that the beginning of your essay did not have the same level of detail as the latter half, so it would be a good idea to even that out. There were also a few things that you left out which I think would be worthwhile even just mentioning briefly, in particular how the structure of the Weimar government enabled the rise of Hitler and the Nazi's through the concept of proportional representation.

Well done! If you have any questions regarding my feedback, do not hesitate to ask!

Susie

Hey Susie!
Thanks so much! 
 What do you mean by " proportional representation"?
In the first point regarding the weimar republic and the treaty, i added two more sources (quotes) to balance it out. One being about the increase of the exchange rates of the mark during the hyperinfaltion.
I'm so happy you think this is band 6 worthy. It took a long time to write!! 

[dancing phalanges]

Hey Susie!
Thanks so much! 
 What do you mean by " proportional representation"?
In the first point regarding the weimar republic and the treaty, i added two more sources (quotes) to balance it out. One being about the increase of the exchange rates of the mark during the hyperinfaltion.
I'm so happy you think this is band 6 worthy. It took a long time to write!! 

Just to help out as Susie should be relaxing - proportional representation was present in the Weimar Republic and allowed smaller parties to gain seating in the government and thus allowed them to be a part of the Political process. This meant there was never a majority and that small parties eg the nazis could stay in the political dealings of Germany and rise in prominence.

[prickles]

Hey Mada,
This probably won't help you at all, or be anything worth reading, but I'm just commenting on how well you wrote that essay. It gave me some ideas (hope you don't mind ) and just congratulating my fellow modern history bud 

[Mada438]

Hey Mada,
This probably won't help you at all, or be anything worth reading, but I'm just commenting on how well you wrote that essay. It gave me some ideas (hope you don't mind ) and just congratulating my fellow modern history bud 

hahaha thanks prickles. Took me foreverrrrrr to write
I don't mind at all, glad i could help