History 12

Rachel McMillan
UNIT FOUR
Rise of Hitler Document Analysis

1. Explain why Document Four is a primary source.

Document Four includes an excerpt from Mein Kampf, a published journal written by Adolph Hitler
during a prison stay in 1924, which addresses the correction of [the Treaty of] Versailles (Hitler).
As Hitler was directly affected by the Treaty of Versailles as a citizen of Germany, it can be said that
he has a firsthand account of the event, and therefore, provided a primary source.
2. Assess the reliability of Document One.
A leaflet printed in 1920, published by the Nationalist Socialist German Workers Party, openly
encouraged the public to dismiss Bolshevism and shake offJewish leaders due to their
involvement in a secret world conspiracy (doc. 1). The Party heavily favours anti-Semitism and
portrays the behaviours of Jewish businesspeople in a way that supports their position. The leaflet
states that Jewish big [capitalists] only play the friend and do-gooder in an attempt to make
[German workers] intoslaves (Nationalist Socialist German Party, doc. 1). Statements such as
these are based in opinion, rather than fact, and therefore contain biases. Ultimately, these infamous
biases result in the Nationalist Socialist German Workers Party painting an inaccurate and unreliable
picture of what the Jewish were like in the twentieth century.
3. How does Document Three corroborate Document Two?
As depicted by the image in Document Three, a map outlining territory lost by Germany, Germany
suffered significant loss of land and resources due to the Treaty of Versailles and World War One.
This fact can be used as strong corroboration to explain why the Nazi Party believed so firmly that
Germany deserved justice, as what they had lost was not forgotten (doc. 3). The Treaty of
Versailles essentially stripped Germany of land and separated German colonies through the
formation of new countries. Many Germans believed that what [they had] lost, more specifically
their land, [should] be regained (doc. 3). For this reason, the Nazi Party specifically requests in
Document Two that Germany be awarded land and colonies, property reform, the unity of all
German-speaking peoples, and perhaps most importantly, the abolition of the Treaty of
Versailles.
4. How might one use the information in Document Six to explain the data in Document Eight?
As unemployment rose steadily in Germany by nearly one million people each year from 1928 to
1932, popularity for the Nazi Party ultimately increased as well. Once unemployment reached a
monumental figure of six million in 1932, popularity for the Nazi Party skyrocketed in comparison to
other political parties. This exemplifies how the Nazi Party claimed to improve economic and social
conditions in Germany on behalf of citizens, which continually improved their election results. In a
time of economic instability the Nazi Party promised security for the future in order to easily and
successfully attract German voters.

History 12

Rachel McMillan

5. How do Emil Kirdorfs comments in Document Five about Hitlers personality help explain Hitlers
immense support of the German population?
While speaking of an interview with Adolph Hitler, Emil Kirdorf states that Hitler spoke with such
inexorable logic and clear conciseness that it filled Kirdorf himself with great enthusiasm (doc.
5). This account speaks to Hitlers personality, as it displays Hitlers employment of the cult of
personality, as well as his strong speaking ability. Due to Hitlers convincing testimony, Kirdorf
went on to distribute pamphlets based on the topics discussed. Subsequently, several meetings took
place between [Hitler] and leading industrial personalities as a result of the pamphlets distributed by
Kirdorf (Kirdorf, doc. 5). Hitlers gained immense support from many other members of the German
population due to similar circumstances. Citizens were absorbed by Hitlers personality and
speeches, and would willingly promote his cause thereafter, furthering his success.
6. Using the documents provided and any other historical evidence, explain how Hitler was able to
gain immense popular support in his rise to power.
Hitler was able to gain immense popular support in his rise to power due to his personality, as well as
opportune economic and political conditions. Key character attributes include his public speaking
skills and his ability to intimidate. During a vote which would see Hitlers assumption of greater
power than has ever been possessed, results concluded that even a Jewish Home for Aged
Peoplecast ninety-four Yes votes, four Nos, and three invalid ballots (Birchall, doc. 7). This
vote exemplified the fear of reprisals if anyone were to act against Hitler or his leadership
(Birchall, doc. 7). However, Hitler made a positive impression on many German citizens as well. He
spoke with such vigour and charisma that the majority of the population whole-heartedly believed in
what he preached. Due to the poor economy, high unemployment rates, and reparations inflicted by
the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler was given the opportunity to make promises to the people which
would lead the population of Germany to believe he was a solution to many of their problems.
Hitlers political promises included property reform, a decent standard of living, jobs for citizens,
and the abolition of the Treaty of Versailles (The Nazi Party Program, doc. 2). Ultimately, all of
these factors led to vast support among German citizens, gaining him a multitude of support, and
eventually a position of power.