- INVESTIGATION SHEET -

Name: _________________________________ Hour: ______

Group Members: _______________________________________________________

Hitler’s Mysterious Rise to Power

How did Hitler rise to power? Why did no one try to stop him? Why did the people of Germany trust and respect him?
These are valid questions to ask in the present day, and through this investigation activity you will begin to uncover the
answers.

Instructions: Use the 4 documents provided to answer the corresponding questions below. At the
end, you will decide which 2 factors you think were most significant in regards to Hitler’s rise to
power. You may work in groups for this project, just make sure that each individual turns in their own
copy.

Document A - German Unemployment 1921-1932

1. Describe the change in the German unemployment rate from 1921-1932.

2. What do you think caused such a massive increase in unemployed German workers, particularly
after 1929?

3. What emotional effect would the high unemployment rate have on German people at this time?
Document B - Joseph Goebbels on Hitler’s Speeches
1. According to Joseph Goebbels, what strategies did Hitler use to appeal to the German people in
his speeches?

2. Based on this quote, how does Joseph Goebbels feel about Hitler? Explain.

3. Based on this description of Hitler, why do you think so many Germans found him appealing?

Document C: Nazi Propaganda

1. Describe the attitudes or feelings this poster was designed to encourage in its viewers

2. Who is the poster trying to appeal to?

3. How is Hitler portrayed by the poster?

Document D: German losses in the Treaty of Versailles
1. Which country received the largest portion of Germany’s eastern border? (Note: “ceded” means
given)

2. What do you think was the effect of France’s occupation of Germany’s industrial zone located by
the Ruhr Valley in northwestern Germany?

3. If you were a German, how would you feel about losing this land?

Short Answer Question: Which of these factors do you think is most significant in regards to
Hitler’s rise to power? In your response, reference at least TWO of the documents from the
investigation. Your response should be a minimum of 4 sentences.