Timeline Key of Events

Germany 1918-1933 Timeline

Introduction

The period between 1918 and 1933 in Germany was marked by significant political, economic, social upheaval. This timeline delves into key events during this tumultuous era.

1918

Start of the German Revolution:

• The aftermath of World War I witnessed a wave of revolution in Germany, including the Navy's Kiel Mutiny. Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated, leading to the establishment of the Weimar Republic.

End of World War One:

• World War I, which had raged from 1914 to 1918, concluded with Germany's surrender on November 11, 1918, leaving many Germans in disbelief.

1919

Spartacist Revolt:

• A general strike and violent protests, known as the Spartacist Revolt, aimed at achieving a left-wing revolution. Its failure marked the end of the German Revolution.

DAP Formed:

• The German Workers' Party (DAP), focused on strengthening Germany, was founded.

Weimar Republic Established:

• A new democratic government system was established in Germany to replace imperial rule. It was named the Weimar Republic.

Treaty of Versailles Signed:

• The Treaty of Versailles, which officially ended WWI, was signed on June 28, 1919. It compelled Germany to cede territory, reduce its armed forces, and pay reparations.

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Timeline Key of Events

1920

Kapp Putsch Fails:

• An unsuccessful violent attempt to overthrow the democratic Weimar Government, thwarted when most Germans joined a general strike in protest.

Nazi Party Formed:

• The German Workers' Party changed its name to the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP or Nazi), with Adolf Hitler as one of its members.

1923

France/Belgium Invade Ruhr:

• In response to Germany's failure to pay reparations, France and Belgium occupied the Ruhr, Germany's industrial heartland.

Munich Putsch Fails:

• Hitler's attempt to violently overthrow the German government began in a Munich Beer Hall. He was put on trial and sentenced to nine months in prison, garnering fame in Germany.

Hyperinflation Starts:

• Hyperinflation, precipitated by the cost of reparations, began in Germany, leading to widespread economic devastation.

1924

Hitler Writes 'Mein Kampf':

• While in prison, Hitler authored 'Mein Kampf' ('My Struggle'), a book outlining his life and future plans for Germany. It later became a bestseller.

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Timeline Key of Events

1925

SS Formed:

• The Schutzstaffel (or SS), the Nazi Party's guard unit, was formed. It comprised volunteers and played a violent role.

1926

Hitler Youth Formed:

• The Hitler Youth, where young men joined, served as a training ground for future Nazi members, SS guards, and soldiers.

1927

Start of Nuremberg Rallies:

• The Nazi Party began holding massive rallies to propagate its ideology, with all such rallies occurring in Nuremberg.

1928

Hitler Reorganizes Nazi Party:

• Hitler made substantial changes to the Nazi Party's organization, including the SS, Nazi Youth, propaganda efforts, and business support.

1929

Global Depression:

• The US Stock Market Crash of 1929 triggered a global economic depression, resulting in massive unemployment and poverty.

1930

German Elections:

• In the 1930 elections, the Nazi Party's support surged, securing 18.3% of all votes and becoming a major force in the Reichstag (German Parliament).

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Timeline Key of Events

1932

German Elections:

• The Nazis achieved even greater success, becoming the largest single party with 37.4% of the votes. Hitler was offered the position of Chancellor but initially declined.

1933

Hitler Becomes Chancellor:

• Due to his growing power and political maneuvers, President Paul von Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler as German Chancellor, granting him extensive authority.

Conclusion

The period from 1918 to 1933 witnessed a series of transformative events in Germany, including political turmoil, economic challenges, and the rise of the Nazi Party, which would ultimately lead to Adolf Hitler's appointment as Chancellor and set the stage for further upheaval in the years to come.