What is this topic about?

Key Topic 2 looks at how Hitler rose to power. It begins with how he moved into politics after the First World War and his part in shaping the early Nazi Party and its ideas. You will learn why the Twenty-Five Point Programme and the SA mattered, and why the Munich Putsch failed. The topic then looks at why the Nazis stayed weak during the stable years of the 1920s, but then grew fast once the economy collapsed after the Wall Street Crash. High unemployment, weak governments, and clever messaging all helped the party win more support. The final part shows how the events of 1932, and the choices made by Hindenburg and von Papen, paved the way for Hitler to become Chancellor in 1933.

Do I need to know anything before we start?

It helps to be clear on the events in Topic 1 before you study this topic.