Why did Germans vote for Hitler? Examining the factors behind the Nazi rise to power
The rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party to power in Germany in the early 1930s is one of the most consequential and perplexing events in modern history. It's a story that continues to fascinate and horrify us in equal measure. How did a fringe extremist party, led by a failed artist with a history of violence and a radical ideology, come to win over a third of the vote in a democratic system and gain control of a highly developed, industrialised nation?
The answer is not as simple as many assume.
The new Reichskanzler Hitler addresses the German nation. 01.02.1933
In this post, we'll dive into the complex web of factors that led millions of Germans to cast their vote for Hitler and the Nazi Party. We'll look beyond the standard explanations and delve into the deeper underlying causes. We'll examine the Nazis' broad appeal across different social classes, from the working class to the middle class and even some elements of the aristocracy. We'll consider the devastating impact of the Great Depression on German society and how it created fertile ground for extremist ideologies to take root. And we'll analyse the failures of the mainstream political parties to counter the Nazis' rise effectively and offer a compelling alternative vision for Germany's future.
Through this exploration, we'll gain a more nuanced understanding of how a democratic system can be subverted from within by a determined and ruthless minority. We'll see how economic crisis, political instability, and a sense of national humiliation can create the conditions for authoritarianism to flourish. And we'll be reminded of the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance in defending it against those who would seek to destroy it.
So join me on this journey into one of the darkest chapters of the 20th century. Together, we'll unravel the mystery of Hitler's rise to power and draw lessons that are still relevant today as we face new challenges to democratic norms and institutions around the world.
Explanation of the "protest vote" and its limitations.
Many historians have characterised the Nazi electoral surge, particularly in the September 1930 election, where they jumped from 12 to 107 seats in the Reichstag, as a "catch-all protest" against the Weimar Republic's failures. However, this explanation, while not entirely without merit, is ultimately unsatisfyingly vague and fails to fully capture the complex factors that drove voters to embrace the Nazi Party.
As historian Richard Evans notes in his analysis of this period:
"Voters were not looking for anything very concrete from the Nazi Party in 1930, they were instead protesting against the failure of the Weimar Republic. The vagueness of the Nazi program, its symbolic mixture of old and new, its eclectic, often inconsistent character, to a large extent allowed people to read into it what they wanted to and edit out anything they might have found disturbing."
While Evans' observation astutely highlights the Nazis' ideological flexibility and the general dissatisfaction with the status quo, it doesn't adequately explain why voters specifically gravitated towards the Nazi Party over the numerous other opposition parties that existed at the time.
The Kapp Putsch, an attempted coup 1920, demonstrations the fragility of early democracy
If Nazi policies were indeed so nebulous and voters were looking to register their discontent, they theoretically could have thrown their support behind any number of alternatives, from the Communist Party to the German National People's Party.
The "protest vote" explanation, while capturing a particular aspect of the zeitgeist, is ultimately insufficient on its own. It fails to account for the specific appeal of Nazi messaging and the more profound anxieties and aspirations that the party was able to tap into. There had to be more concrete reasons why voters were drawn to the Nazis in particular, beyond a general sense of frustration with the Weimar Republic's shortcomings.
To fully understand the Nazi electoral breakthrough, we need to examine the interplay of economic, social, and cultural factors that made their message resonate with specific segments of the German population. This requires a more nuanced exploration of the Nazis' campaign strategies, their ability to capitalise on existing prejudices and fears, and the way they positioned themselves as a dynamic force for change in a time of uncertainty.
Hitler address a cheering crowd following his appointment as Chancellor
For example, the Nazis were able to exploit the economic anxieties of the middle class, who had been hit hard by the Great Depression and feared a further decline in their status. The party's promise to restore German greatness and protect traditional values appealed to those who felt left behind by the rapid social changes of the 1920s. Additionally, the Nazis' aggressive anti-Semitism and scapegoating of minority groups provided a convenient target for people's anger and frustration.
Moreover, the Nazis proved adept at tailoring their message to different audiences, emphasising various aspects of their platform depending on the crowd. In rural areas, they played up their support for farmers and promised to protect them from the encroachment of big business. In urban centres, they stressed their commitment to law and order and vowed to crack down on crime and moral decay. This chameleon-like quality allowed the Nazis to broaden their appeal and attract voters from diverse backgrounds.
It's also important to consider the role of propaganda and political theatre in the Nazis' rise. Hitler and his followers were masters of spectacle, staging elaborate rallies and marches that created a sense of excitement and momentum around their movement. They used the latest technologies, such as radio and film, to spread their message far and wide and create an aura of inevitability about their ultimate triumph.
While the "protest vote" may have been one component of the Nazi surge, it is far from the whole story. To truly grasp this pivotal moment in history, we must delve deeper into the complexities of Weimar Germany and the specific conditions that allowed the Nazi Party to emerge as a formidable political force. Only by examining the full range of factors at play can we understand how a fringe party with extremist views was able to capture the imagination of millions and ultimately seize power in one of Europe's most advanced nations.
The Nazis as the alternative to unpopular "hunger policies."
The onset of the Great Depression following the 1929 Wall Street Crash created mass unemployment and a sense of crisis in Germany. The economic devastation was unprecedented. Millions lost their jobs, businesses shuttered, and poverty skyrocketed. Amid this turmoil, the centrist government of Chancellor Heinrich Brüning responded with harsh austerity policies - drastically cutting government spending, wages, and social services.
Long lines at the social welfare office
These were deeply unpopular "hunger policies" that seemed to offer no hope of recovery to the suffering masses. The cutbacks only exacerbated the economic misery and fueled resentment among the populace. With no relief in sight, desperation and anger festered.
In this context of despair and disillusionment, many voters turned to radical alternatives in search of solutions. The Communist Party (KPD) saw its support among unemployed workers rise as it promised a workers' revolution to overthrow the capitalist system blamed for the crisis.
For the middle classes, property owners, and those fearing a Bolshevik-style communist uprising, the Nazis emerged as the more palatable option for change. The Nazis railed against both capitalism and communism, instead promoting a nationalist and racist ideology that scapegoated Jews and other minorities.
As historian Thomas Childers explains:
"The Nazis were able to gain support across social classes - workers, farmers, the middle-class, first-time voters. This confounded historians as the Nazis didn't fit the typical 'bourgeois' or 'working-class' party model. Their broad appeal is described as puzzling."
The Nazis' ability to draw voters from diverse backgrounds set them apart. Their message and rhetoric adapted to appeal to the grievances and fears of different segments of German society. To the working class, they promised jobs and a restoration of German greatness. To the middle class, they pledged to protect their property and status from a communist takeover. And to conservative elites, they vowed to crush leftist forces and restore order.
Hungry Germans buy potato’s with worthless currency
This ideological flexibility, combined with Hitler's charismatic leadership and the Nazis' powerful propaganda machine, allowed the party to broaden its base and present itself as the only force capable of saving Germany from economic ruin and political chaos. The fact that they could gain traction during the immense crisis and garner support that transcended class lines was a critical factor in their rise to power, even as their true intentions remained shrouded.
Hitler's charismatic leadership and oratory skills
Adolf Hitler's powerful oratory and mesmerising public speaking style played a crucial role in the rise of the Nazi Party. His speeches, delivered with passion and conviction, captivated audiences and drew in followers from all walks of life. Hitler had a keen understanding of crowd psychology and knew how to tap into the emotions and grievances of the German people. He masterfully exploited their fears, resentments, and desires, presenting himself as the one man who could solve all of Germany's problems.
In his speeches, Hitler portrayed himself as a strong, decisive leader who could restore Germany to its former glory. He promised to tear up the Treaty of Versailles, which many Germans resented as a humiliation, and to make Germany great again. Hitler's fiery rhetoric and ability to connect with his audience on an emotional level made him appear as a saviour figure, a man of destiny who could lead Germany out of crisis and into a bright new future.
Hitler speaking at a Bavarian Beerhall, 1924
Hitler's speeches were filled with grandiose promises and sweeping visions of a reborn Germany. He spoke of the need for national unity, the importance of racial purity, and the threat posed by external enemies such as Jews and communists. Hitler's words tapped into deep-seated feelings of anger, frustration, and wounded pride among the German people, who had suffered greatly in the aftermath of World War I and the economic turmoil that followed.
Hitler's charisma and stage presence were undeniable. He carefully cultivated an image of strength and power, often staging grand entrances and speaking in front of massive crowds and elaborate backdrops. His rallies were spectacles of light and sound, designed to evoke a sense of awe and to whip the crowd into a frenzy of enthusiasm. Hitler's body language, gestures and facial expressions were all carefully choreographed to reinforce his message and to project an aura of invincibility.
Many who attended Hitler's rallies described feeling swept up in the moment, caught in the spell of his words and the collective energy of the crowd. They spoke of a sense of euphoria, of being part of something greater than themselves. Hitler's speeches created a powerful sense of unity and purpose among his followers, binding them together in a shared sense of destiny and mission.
1932 speech at the Berlin Lustgarten
Through his speeches, Hitler was able to paint a compelling vision of a resurgent Germany, united under his leadership and restored to its rightful place as a world power. He promised to undo the humiliations of the past, to crush Germany's enemies, and to create a new social order based on racial hierarchy and national solidarity. Hitler's charismatic persona and ability to inspire fanatical devotion in his followers were critical factors in the rise of the Nazi Party, allowing them to build a mass movement that would eventually propel them to power and plunge the world into war.
In the end, Hitler's oratory skills proved a double-edged sword. While they allowed him to rise to the heights of power and to command the loyalty of millions, they also led Germany down a path of destruction and genocide.
The failure of mainstream parties to adapt
The Weimar Republic's proportional representation system led to a fragmented parliament with many small parties, each vying for their interests rather than working together for the nation's greater good. By 1930, the major parties had become increasingly polarised and unable to address the pressing issues facing Germany effectively. The economic crisis, mass unemployment, and social unrest required bold, decisive action, but the mainstream parties seemed paralysed by indecision and internal divisions.
Propaganda posters 1932 elections
The Social Democrats (SPD), once seen as the champions of the working class, were now viewed by many as defenders of the failed status quo. They seemed out of touch with the harsh realities of the economic crisis and needed help to provide the bold leadership needed to steer the country back on course. The SPD had been the largest party in the Reichstag throughout most of the Weimar period, but their support was rapidly eroding as disillusioned voters turned to more radical alternatives.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Communists (KPD) were gaining support among the growing ranks of unemployed workers who felt abandoned. The KPD's radical rhetoric and promises of a socialist utopia appealed to those who had lost faith in the current system. Their fiery denunciations of capitalism and calls for a workers' revolution resonated with many who felt they had nothing left to lose.
While still a significant force, the Catholic Centre Party was limited mainly to Catholic regions and struggled to expand its appeal beyond its traditional base. This left it ill-equipped to address the broader national issues that cut across religious lines. The Centre Party had played a vital role in the Weimar Republic's early years but now became increasingly marginalised as voters gravitated towards more extreme options.
Nationalist parties like the DNVP, once a dominant force in German politics, were increasingly seen as out of touch and irrelevant in the face of the nation's new challenges. Their narrow focus on traditional values and nostalgia did little to address the urgent needs of the present. The DNVP's support was concentrated among older, more conservative voters, but they failed to connect with the younger generation, who were bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Mass protests calling for stability
Voters were increasingly disillusioned with these mainstream parties, seeing them as inadequate for the radical change needed to pull Germany out of its crisis. The SPD, in particular, was blamed for the 1923 hyperinflation crisis, which was seen (rightly or wrongly) as caused by their economic mismanagement rather than the crushing burden of WWI reparations. As the "establishment" party in power for much of the Weimar period, they bore the brunt of public discontent and lost support to more extreme alternatives on both the left and right.
The failure of the mainstream parties to adapt to the changing political landscape and offer compelling solutions to Germany's problems created a vacuum that radical fringe groups eagerly filled. On the far right, the Nazi Party began its meteoric rise, capitalising on public anger and promising to restore Germany to its former glory. On the far left, the KPD attracted those who dreamed of a Bolshevik-style revolution. Caught in the middle, the crumbling centre could not hold against the centrifugal forces tearing Weimar democracy apart. The stage was set for a battle between extremes, with the very future of Germany hanging in the balance.
The Nazi Party's youth appeal and indoctrination
One of the most insidious aspects of the Nazi Party's rise to power was its concerted effort to indoctrinate and mobilise German youth. The Nazis recognised that winning over the hearts and minds of the younger generation was crucial to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of their movement. They understood that by shaping young Germans' beliefs, values, and loyalties, they could create a deep reservoir of support that would continue to nourish their regime for decades to come. To this end, they established a network of youth organisations designed to instil Nazi ideology, foster unquestioning loyalty to Hitler, and prepare young Germans for their future roles as soldiers, mothers, and leaders in the Third Reich.
The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) for boys and the League of German Girls (Bund Deutscher Mädel) for girls were the most prominent of these organisations. Through a carefully orchestrated combination of outdoor activities, sports, camping trips, and political education, these groups aimed to mould young Germans into perfect physical and ideological specimens of the so-called "Aryan race." The Nazis placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness, discipline, and camaraderie, creating a seductive atmosphere of purpose and belonging that proved highly appealing to many youth, particularly in the context of the economic hardship and uncertainty of the Weimar years.
Boys from the Hitler Youth
German girls from the Bund Deutscher Mädel
The activities and rituals of these organisations were deliberately designed to be exciting, emotionally charged, and all-consuming. Young people were swept up in a constant whirlwind of marches, rallies, songfests, and bonfires, all infused with the intoxicating symbolism and pageantry of the Nazi movement. At the same time, they were subjected to a relentless barrage of propaganda that glorified Hitler, demonised Jews and other "enemies," and painted a utopian vision of a resurgent, racially pure Germany. Through this potent mixture of fun, friendship, and fanaticism, the Nazis succeeded in forging intense bonds of loyalty and a powerful sense of collective identity among German youth.
By 1936, membership in the Hitler Youth was made compulsory for all eligible Germans between the ages of 10 and 18. This meant that virtually an entire generation underwent thorough Nazi indoctrination during their formative years, often to the exclusion of other influences such as family, church, or alternative political viewpoints. The long-term impact of this early ideological conditioning cannot be overstated. It produced a cohort of fanatically devoted followers who would go on to fight and die for Hitler's twisted vision while also perpetuating Nazi beliefs and structures throughout German society for years to come.
The Nazis' insidious targeting of youth was a critical factor in the regime's ability to consolidate its power and carry out its atrocities with disturbingly widespread collaboration and support. By capturing the idealism, energy, and impressionability of young people, they built a grassroots movement that sustained the Third Reich through its darkest chapters. The tragic legacy of this systematic indoctrination is a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of youth to extremist ideologies and the vital importance of nurturing critical thinking and diversity of opinion in the education and upbringing of each new generation.
The Nazis' deliberate vagueness and concrete promises
Into this void of political uncertainty and economic turmoil stepped the Nazis with their "catch-all" appeal that seemed to offer something for everyone. As historian A. J. Nicholls astutely notes, the actual policies put forth by the Nazi party were always
"deliberately vague and always changing."
This strategic ambiguity allowed Adolf Hitler to announce sweeping promises in his grandiose 25-point program and then freely contradict or modify them whenever it was politically convenient. The malleability of the Nazi platform allowed voters from all walks of life to project their own desires, grievances, and aspirations onto the party's rhetoric.
The Nazis masterfully exploited the desperation and disillusionment of the German people, who were reeling from the humiliation of World War I, the harsh terms of the Versailles Treaty, and the economic devastation of hyperinflation and the Great Depression. Into this maelstrom of misery and resentment, the Nazis cast themselves as saviours who would restore Germany to its former glory.
At the same time, amidst all the hazy sloganeering, the Nazis did make some very concrete promises that deeply resonated with the anxious and embittered public mood of the time:
Unifying all ethnic Germans scattered across Europe into a greater German Reich
Tearing up the universally hated Treaty of Versailles that had humiliated Germany
Seizing "living space" (Lebensraum) for German settlers in Eastern Europe
Removing Jews and other non-Germans from German economic and cultural life
Establishing a strong, authoritarian state to restore order and national pride
Nationalising big business and sharing corporate profits with German workers
These specific pledges tapped into the deep well of anger, fear, and wounded pride that pervaded German society in the wake of World War I and the economic chaos that followed. By promising to avenge Germany's humiliation, restore its territorial losses, and punish the alleged internal enemies who had "stabbed it in the back," the Nazis offered a seductive vision of national redemption.
This potent mix of hazy emotional appeals to nationalism and tangible policy goals aimed at specific grievances, all backed by the Nazis' dynamic, modern campaigning style, allowed them to attract support from across the social spectrum, from unemployed workers to wealthy industrialists.
As renowned historian Richard Evans explains:
"The Nazis gained their most spectacular success in the September of 1930 election where they went from 12 seats in the Reichstag to 107. The Nazis managed to reach parts of the working class that the traditional left-wing parties like the Social Democrats and Communists had failed to reach."
The Nazis' ability to attract such a broad coalition of supporters speaks to their skill at telling different groups what they wanted to hear. To the working class, they promised jobs, economic security, and a share of the national wealth. To the middle class, they pledged to restore stability, order, and traditional values. And to the elites, they vowed to crush communism, keep the masses in line, and pursue an aggressive foreign policy.
So while the Nazis never won an outright majority, their broad "big tent" appeal, combined with the fragmentation and paralysis of the other parties, allowed them to become the largest party in the Reichstag. From that position of strength, Hitler could outmanoeuvre his opponents and seize total power. The Nazis' rise was abetted by their cynical yet seductive campaign strategy of promising all things to all people. It was a strategy that preyed on the desperation of a nation in crisis and the willingness of people to embrace a messianic leader who promised them salvation, no matter the cost.
The Nazis as the "legal" revolutionary alternative
For many Germans in the tumultuous years of the Weimar Republic, voting for the Nazi Party was seen as a way to register their strong opposition to the status quo without having to resort to outright revolution or violence.
The Nazis shrewdly positioned themselves as offering a "legal" path to sweeping change, which helped allay fears among the populace of a Russian-style civil war breaking out in Germany. Unlike the Communist Party of Germany (KPD), the Nazis actively participated in elections. They worked within the existing political system to gain power, even as they railed against the ineffectiveness and decadence of that very system.
This approach allowed the Nazis to present themselves as a safer, more controlled radical alternative to the KPD or other extremist groups. They skillfully appealed to people's desire for meaningful change and their deep sense of injustice at how Germany had been treated in the aftermath of World War I while still working within the confines of the democratic system.
Hitler along with President Hindenburg after Hitler’s appointment 1933
The Nazis capitalised on the widespread disillusionment and anger felt by many Germans in the wake of the Treaty of Versailles, which had saddled the country with crippling war reparations and territorial losses. They promised to restore Germany to its former greatness and to stand up to the perceived injustices imposed by the victorious Allied powers.
At the same time, the Nazis were careful to distance themselves from the more radical elements of the far right, such as the paramilitary Freikorps units that had been involved in violent clashes with left-wing groups. By presenting themselves as a legitimate political party working within the system, the Nazis were able to attract support from a broader cross-section of German society, including members of the middle class, industrialists, and even some former liberals who had become disillusioned with the Weimar Republic.
This veneer of legality and respectability was a critical factor in the Nazi Party's growing popularity and electoral success. In the 1932 elections, the Nazis became the largest party in the Reichstag, although they fell short of an outright majority. This put them in a solid position to demand a leading role in the government, which they eventually achieved when Hitler was appointed Chancellor in January 1933.
However, it was only later, once the Nazis had consolidated their hold on the reins of government, that they would reveal their true dictatorial intentions. The legal revolutionary path had been a means to an end, a way to gain power through ostensibly democratic means. Once in power, the Nazis quickly moved to dismantle the institutions of the Weimar Republic and establish a totalitarian one-party state, crushing all opposition and ushering in the darkest chapter in Germany's history.
The Nazis' use of the "legal" revolutionary approach was a crucial factor in their rise to power. They gained a foothold in the political system by presenting themselves as a legitimate alternative to the status quo. They attracted support from a wide range of Germans desperate for change. However, this was ultimately a cynical ploy, a way to gain power through the very system they intended to destroy.
The Nazis' Paramilitary Tactics
While the Nazis presented a "legal" face in their pursuit of political power, they also relied heavily on paramilitary violence and intimidation to suppress opposition. The SA (Sturmabteilung), also known as the "brownshirts," served as the party's private army. They disrupted meetings of rival parties, engaged in street brawls, and generally created an atmosphere of fear and chaos. The SA was instrumental in the Nazis' rise to power, using force and threats to silence dissent and demonstrate the supposed strength of the Nazi movement.
SA member pictured along side a Berlin police officer.
As the Nazis gained seats in parliament, the SA's violence escalated to alarming levels. They staged mass rallies where uniformed stormtroopers marched in formation, portraying an image of discipline and strength. These displays were carefully choreographed to inspire awe and project an aura of certainty around the Nazis' ascent. Behind the scenes, however, the SA brutally attacked communists, socialists, trade unionists, and anyone else perceived as an enemy of the Nazi movement. They assaulted individuals, broke up gatherings, and made it clear that resistance to the Nazis would be met with savage retribution. This campaign of intimidation played a crucial role in the Nazis' rise, cowing opposition and demonstrating the futility of resistance.
Once Hitler became Chancellor in 1933, the SA's reign of terror intensified to an unprecedented degree. Emboldened by the state's backing, they arrested political opponents, ransacked union offices, and established makeshift concentration camps for "enemies of the state." The SA acted as the vanguard of the Nazi revolution, using violence to eliminate any potential threats to the new regime. This paramilitary violence paved the way for the destruction of democracy and the imposition of totalitarian rule. With the SA as his blunt instrument, Hitler was able to consolidate his power and transform Germany into a one-party dictatorship.
The threat of force had always backstopped the Nazis' "legal" revolution. The SA's actions made it clear that those who opposed the Nazis would pay a steep price. By creating an atmosphere of pervasive fear and demonstrating the regime's willingness to use violence, the SA helped the Nazis maintain their grip on power. Their brutal methods foreshadowed the terror and genocide that would characterise the Nazi regime in the years to come. The SA's role in the Nazis' rise highlights the fragility of democracy and the dangers of allowing paramilitary violence to go unchecked.
Conclusion: The dangers of desperation voting
The story of the Nazis' rise is not a simple one. It can't be reduced to a single cause like "protest voting" or "middle class panic." The reality is that in a time of crisis and desperation, a significant portion of the German electorate turned to the Nazis as the most dynamic and promising vehicle for their frustrated hopes and desires.
The Nazis exploited the weaknesses of the Weimar system and the failures of mainstream parties to build a broad coalition. They told different groups what they wanted to hear and made sweeping promises of change. Ultimately, enough voters were willing to overlook the dark side of Nazi ideology in favour of their message of national renewal.
Reflecting on this history, it's essential to recognise the danger of turning to extremists in times of hardship. The Nazis' rise reminds us of the need for democratic systems to deliver real solutions and maintain their legitimacy in the face of crisis. Desperate people can make desperate choices - and the results can be catastrophic.
To learn more about the rise and fall of the Nazis in Berlin, join us for our "Hitler's Berlin" tour. Our expert guides will take you to the key sites and provide in-depth historical context to help you understand this dark but critical chapter in history. Book your spot today.
The article was written by Matthew Menneke.
Matt is the founder and guide of 'On the Front Tours', offering military history tours in Berlin. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Matt's passion for history led him to serve in the Australian Army Reserve for eight years. With a degree in International Politics and a successful sales career, he discovered his love for guiding while working as a tour guide in Australia. Since moving to Berlin in 2015, Matt has combined his enthusiasm for history and guiding by creating immersive tours that bring the past to life for his guests.